60 years ago in 1956 Katherine Banks and her husband stood tall in Compton and opened the first black owned business there. Naka’s Broiler was opened as a place where black students could have a safe place to eat lunch, after Banks got them safely back from the school, which sat across the road and still does today. She was a mother figure for many of them in the predominately white community.

60 years later and a 100 residents gathered to celebrate. The restaurant has endured the test of time!

More than 100 local residents recently gathered together to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Naka’s Broiler, a Black-owned restaurant which also happens to be the first ever Black-owned business in Compton, California.

Black business reported (src):

A good example for the community.

Local residents say that Banks has always been an excellent example for others as a Black entrepreneur and community leader. The celebration of the 60th anniversary of Naka’s Broiler included both teachers and students so that the students could learn about the history of the restaurant and it’s importance to the community.

The restaurant is still going strong, having been recently purchased by another local Black entrepreneur, David Fisher. Fisher says that she taught him well about the business, and that he feels like her adopted son.

If yo are passing by Compton why not give the restaurant a visit. It can be found at 961 W El Segundo Blvd, Compton, CA 90222.

They are also on Yelp, www.yelp.com/biz/nakas-broiler-compton/