Sonia Thomas began selling pudding and bag juice in the early 1980s. As a single mother, she decided to fill a void selling those items at a nearby gas station shortly after she lost her job at a tobacco factory on Ashenheim Road in Kingston.

But it wasn’t until 1982, and with $45 in her purse, that she set about starting the very first location of Sonia’s Homestyle Restaurant in east Kingston.

Over the years, Sonia’s Homestyle Restaurant has emerged as one of the most popular food spots in Corporate Area. Today, the restaurant is located at 17 Central Avenue.

With all the blessings that she has received and, having raised her six children on her own, Thomas decided to show God thanks with the staging of Old Time Gospel Fest.

“We started this event last year and it was very good. The support we got was tremendous and people have been asking for us to bring it back this year,” Thomas told the Jamaica Observer on Friday.

This year’s staging of Old Time Gospel Fest is scheduled to take place on Easter Sunday, April 20, on the premises her restaurant is located.

The event will feature performances from an impressive line-up, while comedian Leighton Smith will have emcee duties.

In a post on the restaurant’s Instagram page the organisers shared what patrons can expect at Old Time Gospel Fest.

“Join us for an unforgettable night of live gospel performances, uplifting worship, and all-you-can-eat food, all included in your ticket. Let’s come together in praise, fellowship, and celebration with an amazing line-up featuring Rhoda Isabella, Lubert Levy, Carey Sayles, Kevin Powell, Joele Matthews and Geneva Ayre, backed by Full Spectrum Band’, the post read.

“When God has blessed you so much, me alone can’t praise Him. Mi just want some praises to go up to him,” said Thomas.

She added: “The blessings that God has done for you, as a single mother raising six children, I have lived to see that none of them has ever gotten into any trouble. Without God’s grace and mercy I don’t know how I would do it. My whole life, I can’t walk without Him holding my hand. I’m a strong believer in God.”

As part of her social responsibility, Thomas has given back to the less fortunate in St Thomas every Christmas for the past few years.

“I feed over 500 people each year at Christmas, and I also give them care packages. It puts a smile on my face just to be able to give back, seeing that I came from humble beginnings,” Thomas disclosed.

Rhoda Isabella

Geneva Ayre

Lubert Levy (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Carey Sayles