SoulGood Southern Diner in Cedar Rapids features family’s favorite dishes

Some people today make New Year’s resolutions. And some people, like Brandon Campbell, take on new ventures in the new 12 months.

In late January, Campbell — together with his spouse, Samantha, and more youthful brother Angelo Baker — opened SoulGood Southern Diner on the southwest facet of Cedar Rapids.

“SoulGood is only encouraged by many years of loved ones recipes, soul, and the appreciate place into preparing classic African American and Asian delicacies dishes,” explained Campbell of his new restaurant.

Campbell said he and his wife — with her Asian American background — have introduced their ethnic dishes to spouse and children gatherings these as Thanksgiving or Chinese New Calendar year celebrations for yrs.

“We had been amazed how these wholly distinct, exclusive food items had been often a ‘hit’ and discussion starter in the course of these sorts of intimate spouse and children events,” Campbell reported.

So when the organizing stages for their personal restaurant took off, this soul food — fried rooster and fish, cornbread dressing, sweet potatoes, egg rolls and crab rangoon — so acquainted to Campbell and his household, seemed like the makings of a delicious menu.

“It is interesting just remaining capable to convey more inclusivity and range with foods to our community,” stated Campbell. “I sense we have set up a relatives-oriented ambiance that our local community will appreciate and appreciate.”

The cafe sector is not new to Campbell.

“My mom and dad utilized to very own a similar style cafe in our hometown of Lovejoy, Illinois,” he stated. “I bear in mind as a kid serving to around the restaurant, which I loved. My mom, Valerie, has taught us all the recipes in the SoulGood kitchen area.”

Now Campbell — who moved to the Cedar Rapids space as a teenager — is developing individuals forms of memories with his own relatives. “My preferred section of possessing a restaurant is remaining able to see and work with my family members just about every working day,” he said. “It’s been a mastering course of action that has in fact introduced us closer as a device.”

Considering the fact that opening SoulGood just about a month back, Campbell explained catfish, collard greens and mac and cheese have emerged as purchaser favorites.

“And our day by day specials are pushed from the meals I grew up eating, like meatloaf, baked chicken and my favorite, beef limited ribs,” he stated.

At this time, SoulGood is open up for dine-in and carryout, with COVID-19 suggestions getting enforced. They will start giving supply solutions shortly as effectively.

“In the period of COVID-19, it has most absolutely produced it a lot more challenging to consider a possibility in opening and assure we adhere to condition and local rules to defend our customers, group and family,” claimed Campbell. “This epidemic is some thing we do not consider evenly as it issues us to be intentional and conscious of our interactions as a spouse and children and with our customers. Yet, I have figured out from dwelling in Cedar Rapids that when we arrive collectively during challenging instances, enjoy, perseverance and unity support navigate any challenge or challenge. It is our delighted spot and the place we connect with property.”

If you go

• What: SoulGood Southern Diner

• Exactly where: 3100 Sixth St. SW, Cedar Rapids

• Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday

• Speak to: (319) 200-4560

• Details: soulgoodcr.com