Harlem’s Best Kept Secret, The Cove Lounge, Celebrates 5 Years

Cove Lounge, the Food Network award-winning lounge featuring premium cocktails and dining experiences is owned and operated by Harlem royalty, Alyah Horsford-Sidberry, of the multi-talented, three generations of Harlem Horsford family.

Recently, the Harlem hotspot celebrated its five-year anniversary with an event produced by Musa Jackson Productions. The celebration included 1990s theme inspired by New Jack Swing music and blockbuster movies “Boomerang” and “New Jack City.” The occassion also marked the introduction of the summer season cocktail menu. Sirius Satellite host/TV personality Bevy Smith, award-winning filmmaker Sidra Smith, restaurateur and author Melba Wilson were among those in attendance.

Horsford-Sidberry’s grandfather, Victor Horsford, was also Harlem businessperson. best kept secret in Harlem. Horsford-Sidberry is continuing the family legacy.

The Cove Lounge is located at 325 Malcolm X Boulevard (bet. 126 – 127th Street).

Horsford-Sidberry tells New York Trend what’s next for the Cove.

NY Trend: What has been your biggest challenge in growing the business?

Alyah Horsford-Sidberry: My biggest challenge has been establishing a work–family balance in this (hospitality) industry.

NY Trend: What would you say has been the biggest achievement?

Alyah Horsford-Sidberry: My biggest achievement after maintaining to stay open for five years is last year I incorporated a Not for Profit, Cove Lounge Cares, and adopted a school PS 242 to partner with the parent association in order to bring resources to the students.

NY Trend: How have the changes in Harlem affected your business?

Alyah Horsford-Sidberry: The changes in Harlem have mostly helped my business. It has created an influx of people wanting to now dine and party on Lenox Avenue. Although 3 additional establishments opened just last year which initially has a slight effect on revenue, it eventually levels itself out once they have experienced the new spot on the block. Although there are many new establishments none quite have the same Harlem charm as Cove Lounge.

NY Trend: What are your goals for the next five years?

Alyah Horsford-Sidberry: My goals for next five years are to open another Cove location in different borough in NYC and to have some of Cove’s food products in grocery stores.