Sweet Nina’s: Bringing Southern Charm to Reading Terminal Market

Tucked inside Philadelphia’s historic Reading Terminal Market is Sweet Nina’s, a dessert shop that is redefining banana pudding with a creative Southern twist. Nina, the shop owner, has infused her Georgia roots into every aspect of her business, creating a vibrant spot that celebrates culture, family, and entrepreneurship.

This is Nina the owner of Sweet Nina's posing for a picture.

From Albany to Philadelphia: A Journey Inspired by Family

Nina’s love for cooking traces back to her childhood in Albany, Georgia, where her parents owned a small restaurant. “My parents were my inspiration,” she says. “Their entrepreneurial spirit shaped me. After moving to Newark, New Jersey in the 1950s, they pursued better opportunities for our family, and I learned the value of perseverance.”

Despite working in corporate America as an insurance trainer for years, Nina never let go of her dream to own a business. Making the transition was a challenge. “It was intimidating to leave the stability of a corporate job and step into entrepreneurship,” Nina admits. “But my passion for cooking and my desire to share a piece of the South kept me going.”

Nina holding the delicious treats she makes at her dessert shop

Here's a picture of the dessert shops spot in Reading Terminal Market.

Preserving Culture in Every Cup

For Nina, Sweet Nina’s is more than a dessert shop—it’s a representation of her culture and heritage. “Banana pudding is a Southern dessert and I’m proud to share it with the world,” she says. “It’s a way to honor my family, my ancestors, and where I come from.”

Nina ensures that her employees understand the deeper significance of the craft. “I tell my team that we’re not just selling pudding. Every cup is a story, a piece of the South, and a reflection of the love and pride we put into it.”

Economic Impacts and The Market’s Future Vision

Sweet Nina’s is part of a larger story about Reading Terminal Market’s role in the local economy. The market supports over 70 independent vendors, providing opportunities for family-owned businesses to thrive. About 6 million people visit the market annually, and the market rakes in about $50 million in annual sales.

Post-pandemic, the market has focused on strategic funding initiatives, including securing state grants and developing fundraising programs to maintain its historic space and vendors’ success. “We’re committed to creating economic opportunities and maintaining this space as a welcoming hub for everyone,” Allman says.

A picture of Annie Allman Reading Terminal Market Manager

For Nina, the journey has just begun. With her Southern roots firmly planted in Philadelphia, Sweet Nina’s is not only introducing banana pudding to a new audience but also sharing the rich stories behind it, one delicious cup at a time.