Alfonsie B. Austin is the founding mother and creative genius behind Basic 4.  Twenty-Eight years ago she was the first African American to open a stand in the Reading Terminal Market.  Once customers took a bite of Miss Austin’s delicious innovations she, in her own words, “never had a problem.”  She has been honored with various awards through out the years including the Madame CJ Walker Award, included in numerous press articles, and has been the favorite pick for Mayor Street as well as tributed by Mayor Ed Rendell.  If you happen to see Miss Austin when your shopping stop in for a bite, don’t be afraid to say hello.  And if her face isn’t present, just remember she is always the thriving force behind the food.