Ernie and Willa Royal founded Royal’s Hearthside Restaurant and Market in Rutland, Vermont, in 1964, making Ernie the state’s first Black restaurant owner. With Ernie as chef and Willa managing operations, they built a Michelin-rated restaurant and one of Vermont’s first gourmet food and mail-order businesses. Ernie gained national recognition, serving on prestigious culinary boards and mentoring aspiring Black restaurateurs.
In 1984, both enterprises were sold to Al Wakefield and his wife. Al is a former corporate executive and international consultant, also African American, who had dined at the restaurant and was considering a move from New York City to Vermont. Duplicating his own experience, Ernie introduced the Wakefields to other local businesspeople who encouraged them to relocate to Rutland.
The Royals repurchased the restaurant and market a year later and continued operations until Ernie’s death in 1994 and Willa’s in 1995. Their story is a powerful example of inclusion and entrepreneurship in Vermont, now commemorated by a life-sized sculpture in downtown Rutland.
