Doris Rodney, humanitarian, chef, owner of Hills Restaurant for Caribbean Life Impact Award

Guyanese-American Doris Rodney, the matriarch of a dynasty of hearty cooking and owner of The Hills Restaurant at 4706 Church Ave. in Brooklyn, is a proud honoree of the 2025 Caribbean Life Impact Awards, set to take place on March 20 at Terrace on the Park, 52 -11 111th Street, Queens.

Fondly called “Doris” by friends and foodies alike, Rodney, who has received numerous accolades for her delicious cuisine and community engagement, is overjoyed to be recognized by Caribbean Life for her contributions of over thirty years of providing excellent service in her neighborhood. 

A very outgoing and charitable lady, Rodney has extended her love of entertainment by partnering with her daughter, Nola Rodney, to open Waterfall Lounge BK, a 4703 Church Ave. nightclub just opposite her eatery.

A humanitarian who continues to give back to the Soesdyke Village in Guyana, where she was born, through mission trips that distribute food hampers and school supplies to hundreds of families, Rodney also founded the Hills Social Club, which plans charity events and an annual family fun day of sports and competition to promote health and wellness in the community.

The youngest of five children born to Erma and Gilford Rodney, Rodney was a hard-working lady who received a strong secondary education at Soesdyke Primary and Community High Schools and later completed a work-study medic course with the Guyana Defense Force. She then served in the Civil Aviation Department at Timerhi International Airport Guyana before pursuing her passion for cooking, which her mother and grandmother inspired her to do.

After mastering the art of fine cuisine, Rodney opened a food stall at the airport in 1990. She later migrated to the U.S. with her daughter and became the mother of a son. However, she secured a job at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan while selling food from her home.

In 2003, she opened the Hills Restaurant and Bar in Brooklyn, quickly becoming a popular meeting spot for Guyanese locals and those visiting or relocating from other states.

The restaurant became a place for reunions and connections among family and friends. Today, The Hills Restaurant and Bar is one of the most supported eateries, where former President David Granger and just recently President Irfaan Ali, among many other dignitaries and politicians, are entertained.

She has also catered to events during Caribbean Heritage Month and Guyanese festivals in the Boroughs.

The Guyanese community would like to congratulate Doris Rodney, a true Caribbean woman, on her outstanding work showcasing her multicultural Guyanese heritage and cuisine.

To nominate someone or for sponsorship, contact Amanda Tarley at 718-249-9640 or email [email protected].