Newark Entrepreneur’s Love For Community Saved His Restaurant

NEWARK, NJ — Who says that generosity doesn’t pay off?

When Walter “Uncle Willie” Green opened the first Uncle Willie’s Wings restaurant in Newark in August 2019, he had no idea that a global pandemic was about to hit. As the coronavirus crisis dragged on, Green saw his dream of running his own business began to slip away. Less than a year after opening, things were looking grim.

And that’s when Green’s business was saved by an unlikely source: his own generosity.

After seeing the financial plight of many of his neighbors in South Ward, Green decided he would try to do something to help his community. He used all of his resources from the restaurant to feed 300 people – and thus gave birth to the first-ever “Willie’s Day.”

“People are hurting, out-of-work, sick and in need,” Green said. “Since we're a part of Newark and we really believe in the power of community, we created this event to fellowship with our neighbors and perhaps bring a little bit of hope and joy during very difficult times.”

The giveaway event expanded to include other local efforts to aid struggling Brick City residents. Soon, Uncle Willie’s Wings was preparing meals for essential health care workers and postal employees, and donating to children’s cancer organizations.

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As Green continued his outreach efforts, his generosity went viral, with many Newark residents applauding his selflessness – along with some seriously tasty chicken wings.

Green has also become known for dispensing some sage advice along with the rest of the menu. According to the Willie’s Wings website: “Any time you stop by Uncle Willie’s, you can bet you’ll have a good talk with Unc, where you’ll leave with some delicious wings and imparted wisdom.”

The good vibes have translated into dollars, with Willie’s Wings’ bottom line sweetening up like one of Green’s barbecue sauces.

Now, with business thriving, Green has taken the plunge and opened a second spot downtown at One Gateway Center.

Green got a big boost with his latest expansion after he won a contest for a “fully built-out restaurant space,” courtesy of real estate firm Onyx Equities LLC. Located at The Junction at Gateway Center – which attracts an estimated 75,000 weekly visitors – it’s the seventh restaurant to open there this year.

Last week, city officials and other community leaders gathered at Uncle Willie’s Wings’ newest location for a ribbon cutting ceremony, cheering on one of the city’s up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

The display of good will and appreciation hasn’t been lost on Green.

“More than anything, Uncle Willie’s will serve as an example of good things happening to good people,” he posted on social media after the ribbon cutting.

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