HARRISBURG, Pa. — Throughout February, FOX43 News will shine the spotlight on Black-owned businesses in Central Pennsylvania. Showing uniqueness, individuality, culture and the arts, FOX43 will visit several businesses and understand what it means to be Black-owned.
The third stop is Pastorante, located in Harrisburg.
Pastorante was erected in 2013 and was the second restaurant on N. 3rd Street to offer ethnic food to the community. Owners Sri Kunarasingan and Shacarla Brown say that when they first moved into the neighborhood, it wasn’t the greatest, with crime rising and many people hesitant to make a trip into the city.
“The neighborhood was a little shady, but we took a gamble, and over time it progressively got better and better, but it was a struggle because many people wouldn’t come in,” said Kunarasingan.
Both owners say they feel they contributed to changing the environment of the neighborhood because they offered something different but also gave those with difficult pasts a chance at employment. The community also helped them stay open in difficult times like COVID-19 because of the diversity the restaurant has in place.
“We saw the change in the community once we got here,” said Brown. “Just being kind and giving people a smile and they give it back.”
The choice to make Italian dishes was a passion of Kunarasingan for a long time. He moved from an engineering job to becoming a chef and says it was the best decision he made. Shortly after setting up shop, he hired Brown to assist him, and they’ve been partners for 11 years. Kunarasingan will also be retiring soon, with Brown becoming the sole owner of Pastorante.
“I’m honored that he believed in me,” said Brown. “As long as you have the proper team and someone great that supports you… it helps you believe in yourself and push to achieve more things.”
To Brown and Kunarasingan, to be Black-owned means letting people know that there are opportunities for everyone to rise to the occasion and achieve a goal. The owners offered some advice to other people of color who are striving to own their own business.
“It’s never too early to start, even if you’re in school or college, to get your foot in the door and learn something because that sets you up for success,” said Kunarasingan.
“To achieve something that I haven’t been able to achieve before and to have the support makes me proud, so just got for it,” said Brown.
Pastorante is open every day of the week and opens at 11 a.m. every day except Sunday, when it opens at noon.
To learn more about the business or grab a bite to eat, click here.