Since Nubian Square officially adopted a new name in 2019, the area has experienced a slew of new construction projects, growing community events such as the weekly farmer’s market––and a global pandemic.

Cecilia Lizotte, owner and chef of Suya Joint, a West African restaurant on Dudley St, said COVID-19 changed what was once a lively community into a “ghost town.” Although many social distancing guidelines have been relaxed, many of Lizotte’s customers are still choosing to get takeout for home. “It’s been very, very difficult trying to get people to come together,” she said. “It’s not as close-knit as it was before the pandemic.”

City plans for Nubian Square promise new commercial and residential developments over the coming years, but as business owners like Lizotte look for what the future holds, she said the present moment feels stagnant in Nubian Square. “I’ve been in Nubian Square now for five years, and everything has just been stagnant,” Lizotte said.

The Scope spoke with Lizotte to explore how Nubian Square and businesses like hers are faring as they navigate a post-pandemic world. The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Where do you see yourself and your restaurant in the broader Nubian square community?

We’ve been in business now for 10 years. Initially, we started in Roslindale until we moved to Roxbury. With Suya Joint, our goal is to serve West African food for people that are looking to try different types of cuisine, as well as [to] the Nigerians that are already used to it.

Why did you move your business to Nubian Square?

When we were in Roslindale, the restaurant was a 35-seater, and we soon outgrew the space. Coming to Roxbury, which has a bigger space, it’s also more central than where I was in Roslindale. It’s easily accessible. Another attraction was the diversity in Nubian Square in terms of the type of clientele that we want to serve and that we want to educate and showcase our food.

Where do you think you and Suya Joint are now compared to before the pandemic?

Before the pandemic, there was palpable liveliness in the establishment. It almost looked like a big party on a daily basis, with different people coming into the restaurant. It was more of a family community where we come and meet. Now, post-pandemic, it’s almost like a ghost town. A lot of people are just ordering food to eat in their houses. If we’re lucky, by the weekends, we’re able to see people come together, but still in a distant way. It’s not as close-knit as it was before the pandemic.

What challenges did the Nubian Square business community face during the pandemic?

Everybody was just focusing on how to pivot in terms of the restaurant. Right now, in Nubian Square, everybody’s just kept to themselves. So, it’s been very, very difficult trying to get people to come together. I believe it’s still stagnant.

What do you think of the city’s efforts to develop and promote the area?

The intentions are good in terms of trying to bring new people into the area. But then, I am not too sure. I’m hoping, just because I’m a business owner, that when we get more people in that area, we’ll see traffic for the businesses that are in Nubian Square right now. Hopefully, after all those structures are up, we will be able to see changes, but as it is right now, it’s still just stagnant.

I’m hoping that all the developments that are taking place will add to the value of Nubian Square and all the businesses there that are obviously still suffering due to the pandemic. I’m praying and hoping that it will get more people to come into the area, either [visiting and enjoying] what Nubian Square has to offer or even living in the area. Hopefully, with all the developments, we’ll see new changes in a positive way.

What significance does the square’s name change have for you as you look at the future of development in the area?

I’m hoping that with the name change, it will be more vibrant. I’ve been in Nubian Square now for five years, and everything has just been stagnant. I am hoping for something to happen, but I haven’t seen any kind of changes yet. I’m praying that with the changing of the name, we’ll be able to see more of a display of culture in the area.