TULSA, Okla. — If you’ve ever walked through Greenwood, chances are you’ve smelled Wanda J’s before you’ve seen it. Maybe it was fried chicken. Perhaps it was the peach cobbler. But the moment you walk in, it’s clear—you’ve entered a truly special place.
Who Is Wanda J?
To her family, Wanda Jefferson was more than a chef—she was a visionary. A single mother who helped raise her nieces and nephews, she drew strength from faith and found joy in feeding others. “She believed if you love God, you’ll never be wrong,” her granddaughter A’lexis said.
Wanda’s love for cooking started in childhood, pretending mud pies were gourmet meals. That imagination never left her. She began selling home-cooked dinners—fried chicken, collard greens—and soon, her dream of owning a restaurant became reality.
“She believed food was her love language,” her granddaughter said. “Seeing people gather around her meals kept her going.” Known just as much for her warm spirit, Wanda lived by the motto: “Make a friend today, gain a customer for life.”
Returning Home to Greenwood
Back in 1974, Wanda J opened her first restaurant, located 5 miles north of the Greenwood District. But the story didn’t end there.
In 2016, Wanda J’s Next Generation was presented with the opportunity to bring the restaurant back to the community, in Greenwood, in the very space now home to Sweet Lisa’s. She didn’t hesitate to return. “She saw it as a calling,” her granddaughter said.
After the rebirth of Greenwood, Wanda Jefferson became one of the few African-American woman to ever own a soul food restaurant on Greenwood Avenue; In 2023, the Greenwood location closed.
A Family of Entrepreneurs
It’s ultimately a family effort led by Wanda J and her son Ty Walker, who had previously owned Wilson’s Barbecue and a Broken Arrow spot from 2011 to 2015. Before that, Wanda and her daughter, Sharla Mackey, ran Evelyn’s for 19 years, building a legacy of generational growth, shared recipes, and community values.
Wanda J’s Next Generation returning to Greenwood wasn’t just about soul food—it was about honoring their roots. As Glory said, “Our family story fits hand in hand with the Greenwood story,” built on resilience, faith, and love in every meal.
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The Next Generation
Today, Wanda J’s Next Generation stands as a proud symbol of Black legacy. After returning to Greenwood in 2016, it later moved just northeast by the Airport, still serving soulful food with the same warmth and spirit as always.
Though the address has changed, the mission hasn’t. More than a restaurant, Wanda J’s is a place of memory, healing, and celebration. Every meal tells a story, and every guest is family. Her legacy of faith, food, and determination continues to nourish Tulsa’s soul. Wherever it’s located.
Wanda is the proud mother of three children: Tyron (known as Ty Walker), Sharla Walker, and Nathaniel Jr. Ty has six daughters, and Sharla has two sons. Together, they’ve given Wanda seven grandchildren who are actively involved in the family’s restaurant.
Wanda’s grandchildren in birth order are Ashley, Airel, Tyreiha, Glory, Tykiaha, Alexis, Joel, and Atyria.
Growing up, the grandchildren played a game called “Where Everything Is”, where they imagined themselves running every kind of business—from doctors to bakers to bankers. That creative spirit shaped their real-life passions.
Looking Forward:
The Walker family of Wanda J’s Next Generation is focused on growth, personally and professionally. They are building their food truck business and enjoy participating in local events, such as Legacy Fest and Juneteenth. Their foundation of family, hard work, and creativity continues to guide their journey forward.