Dine and Discover Queens: Abbie Taylor - Island Provisions

It’s “Dine and Discover Queens” time! “Dine and Discover Queens” is a monthly spotlight on some of the best restaurants around the borough! This month’s featured eatery is Island Provisions, located at 96-13 Springfield Boulevard in Queens Village. Abbie Taylor is the owner of the establishment. To learn more, go to https://oh2bprovisions.com/.

Juliana Rivera at Queens Day in Albany 2022

Can you share any memorable moments or experiences you've had as a restaurant owner in Queens?

Owning my restaurant in Queens has given me a deep sense of personal fulfillment. From building my business from the ground up during trying times to achieving milestones is incredibly rewarding and satisfying. I was recently the guest speaker for the NYC ACS celebration of Caribbean Heritage Month. I embarrassingly became so overwhelmed with emotions from hearing my journey retold for the first time, and it makes all the hard work worth it.

Are there any community events or initiatives in Queens that your restaurant has been part of?

I have recently started to pop my head out of the kitchen and it has opened so many doors for me. I have attended events showcasing my food and business at the JFK Redevelopment Center luncheon, Queens Day in Albany, Women's Month at Maranatha Baptist Church, and Seniors Day in Saint Albans, which is a place dear to my heart. I have had the opportunity to partner with the assemblymember for my district, Mr. Clyde Vanel,  and he has provided opportunities for me to give back to the community I serve. For instance, last year I was invited to an event honoring our seniors, and to my surprise it was held in the same location where I attended my junior prom. It was a full circle nostalgic moment, thinking about what I would have said to my younger self about life as a business owner now.

Juliana Rivera at the Queens Chamber Business Expo at Citi Field

Are there dishes or drinks that have become beloved by the Queens community, or anything on your menu you would like to highlight?

Island Provisions takes traditional family recipes passed down through generations and puts a healthy spin on them. We remove the excessive sugar, heavy creams, oils, and preservatives, focusing on unique herbs and natural sweeteners as substitutions.