Golden Krust Franchisee, Passionate About Food

Jamaican immigrant Lorna Brissett-Romans owner of three Golden Krust franchises including one in Newark exemplifies the qualities women are recognized for during Women’s History Month. She works 60-plus hours a week, donates to charitable causes in her community and serves as a role model for other women business owners.

Plainfield Mayor, Adrian O. Mapp, said he loved the food and great customer service he received every time he visits the restaurants and was happy that a Golden Krust restaurant is open on 1335 South Avenue in Plainfield. The weather was picture perfect for the March 14th grand opening ribbon cutting celebration that brought out more that 100 people from the community, including Mayor Mapp, Councilman Linda Carter and other Plainfield dignitaries, Pastor Danielle Brown from Shiloh Baptist Church, family, and friends. Attendees swayed to the Caribbean music and tasted free food samples including the world-famous Jamaican patties.

“I'm a big fan of Golden Krust and really enjoy the food. I am very excited there is a Golden Krust restaurant is open is Plainfield and think it will be a wonderful addition to our town, " said Mapp who also mentioned that women have had an impact on the world. "I think it is important to honor the significant contributions women have made to society.”

Please click video to see a clip of the grand opening. (Recap reel courtesy of Golden Krust.)

Although Brissett-Romans is the owner she calls her business a family affair as she often relies on the support from her husband Clement Romans two daughters, Racquel and Ashley, and son Andre along with her extended family members and close friends.

“I don’t ask my staff to do anything I’m not willing to do. I cook, clean the bathrooms, and fill in wherever there is a need,” Brissett-Romans said. “I have learned to keep calm as difficult times don’t last.”

Learning to cook young is a Jamaican tradition and Brissett-Romans learned at age 11 often cooking for her family. She puts her heart into everything she does and visitors to her restaurants have noticed the cleanliness, appealing displays of food, and warm atmosphere.

Despite her love of cooking Brissett-Romans started her career in corporate working for the airlines and had a career spanning more than 30 years before retiring. Even though she worked in corporate she still shared her love of cooking.

“I’m an excellent cook and would often make food for staff,” Brissett-Romans said. “One day I said maybe I should open my own restaurant. That was a vision I had that became a reality with my first Golden Krust franchise.”

Owning a Gulden Krust franchise was a natural fit as Brissett-Romans loved making Jamaican dishes. She opened her first franchise at 467 Lyons Avenue followed by another location in the Newark airport, opening the door for more ethnic foods to be served in the airport. She recalls fondly learning from Golden Krust Founder and CEO Lowell Hawthorne who she says recognized her passion and encouraged it. Hawthorne who died in 2017 was honored at her grand opening by a moment of silence and a brief history of his achievements.

When she closed the Newark Airport location she found a welcoming environment in Plainfield. She also has a location at 2540 Route 22 in Union, NJ. Brissett-Romans said she that it is important to giveback and she donates to churches, schools, and non-profits.

“I think it is important to give back to the community because the community holds you up and supports you,” Brissett-Romans said. “I like to get involved and help out others.”