Helen Coleman moved to Seattle in 1970 and set up shop on East Union Street. From her homey restaurants — Helen’s Diner just east of 23rd and later, Ms. Helen’s Soul Food on 23rd, south of Union — Coleman nurtured the Central District with flavorful renditions of comforting classics, serving breakfast to construction workers, lunch to the barbers next door, and peach cobbler to local sports stars. Her big personality — welcoming, but no-nonsense — filled the room the way her smothered pork chops filled bellies.
Now, her daughter Jesdarnel “Squirt” Henton, who has cooked by her side since the first year in business, plans to open Ms.