This month’s business spotlight article is highlighting the dynamic duo of Nicholas and Wilma Poku, the husband and wife team who own both Ashanti Signs & Graphics and The Jungle Plate restaurant.
While the Pokus are owners of both businesses, each business was opened because of a passion of Nicolas and Wilma. Nicholas is passionate about art and design, while Wilma has a love and passion for cooking. The Pokus are originally from Ghana, West Africa, and while they have lived in other suburban areas in Illinois, they decided to plant roots in Westchester in 2015 because they believe Westchester gives a suburban lifestyle while offering a location near Miday and O’Hare International Airport, as well as various highways. The Pokus believe in contributing to the community in which they reside, which is a major driving force behind opening two businesses in the Village.
Ashanti Signs and Graphics, located at 9825 Roosevelt Road (just east of Donald’s Famous Hot Dogs), opened in August 2018. Nicholas originally thought he would pursue a career in computer science as he was skeptical of a career in art being profitable, but that view began to change the more exposure he got to the melting pot of America. While attending Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri, Nicholas took classes in art and graphic design and graduated with a degree in fine arts. (As a side note, please do not hesitate to ask Nicholas about his time playing table tennis in college as he received a scholarship to Lindenwood for table tennis, helping his school achieve great success in the National Collegiate Table Tennis Association tournaments).
During his time at Lindenwood Nicholas began creating art for individuals, including a portrait made for rapper Nelly (who grew up in the nearby St. Louis area). After leaving college, Nicholas worked for a sign company in Desplaines, Illinois before relocating in Westchester and eventually opening Ashanti Signs & Graphics. They offer almost anything you can imagine related to signs and graphics, including custom t-shirts, photo boards, event props, yard signs, graphic designs for every occasion, business cards, LED lightings, digital displays, floor decals, casket wrappings, and many more offerings. A challenge is always welcomed, and the Pokus believe they can always meet their clients’ expectations. The name of the business, Ashanti, is a tribute to the Ashanti Tribe in Ghana, West Africa as Nicholas Poku is a descendant of the Ashanti Tribe. Nicholas hopes that the Ashanti Tribe can help contribute to his community in Westchester and more.
Similarly, the name Jungle Plate also has a deeper meaning. As Nicholas is a cancer survivor both Nicholas and Wilma knew Nicholas would have to lead as healthy a lifestyle as possible. They found it interesting that some of the healthiest animals didn’t live in a city setting, but rather the jungle where many animals thrive on food naturally grown from the earth. While not all offerings at the Poku’s restaurant are vegan and naturally grown from the earth, there is an emphasis on healthy eating, hence the name Jungle Plate. Before Jungle Plate was established, Wilma leaned into her love and passion for cooking and started experimenting with various dishes at home, with the goal of one day getting into the hospitality services. After experimenting with various dishes, Wilma knew she was ready for a full menu and Jungle Plate opened in November 2023 at 9916 Roosevelt Road in between Norfolk Ave. and Manchester Ave.
The Pokus realized that there were not many restaurants in the area that offered foods they were accustomed to in Ghana. That realization was a reason they wanted to open up a restaurant that would strive to offer a unique style of flavor of African-Caribbean cuisine into a community lacking such menu items. Jungle Plate started with a jerk cuisine menu and began evolving the menu offering a plethora of African-Caribbean food options. Recently, Jungle Plate has partnered with Chef Folashade Oguntade to assist in taking Jungle Plate to the next level in African-Caribbean cuisine by adding Nigerian cuisine to their menu. Wilma continues to work on menu items to both expand the menu, but also constantly improve dishes. She continues to put an emphasis on healthy dishes both vegan and non-vegan. Jungle Plate works to appeal to every type of eater and hopes to continue to grow. The mission statement for Jungle Plate is as follows: An African-Caribbean restaurant that seeks to connect people through great tasting African & Caribbean delicacies. Priding ourselves in introducing unique tropical spices & flavors that maximize the pleasure of simple taste, leaving you with a great experience that keeps you coming back for another thing on our menus. Please stop in to visit Wilma at Jungle Plate and don’t be afraid to experiment or ask what may be best for your appetite as Wilma is always happy to help customers new and old.
Ashanti Signs and Graphics The Jungle Plate
9825 Roosevelt Road 9916 Roosevelt Road
(708) 203-5329 (708) 978-4068
Website: thejungleplate.com