A Soul Food Chain Plans National Takeover

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed roadblocks up for many, from social distancing to job loss to distance learning and more. The pandemic has also served as an opportunity for personal growth and introspections. People are exploring cooking, baking, crafts, home improvement projects, and on a larger scale, new career paths. Entrepreneurship allows individuals to take action on their passions and dive head-first into their own ventures, in essence taking control of their futures.

In the U.S., there are more than 30 million entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship has been trending up for nearly the past two decades. These individuals are typically driven by opportunity. As the land of opportunity, the U.S. provides vast avenues for being your own boss, even during these unprecedented times.

Banking On Soul Food

Soul Food is sometimes confused with Southern food, but the most notable difference between the two is spices. Soul food highlights spices and although it originated in the South, the cuisine has expanded beyond the region and has spread across the country. It was also historically enjoyed as a celebration food, but of course, has become more accessible over the years and is consumed more frequently. Soul food boasts recipes that are passed along from generation to generation, creating legacy status.

As the cuisine has grown in popularity and offers options for a range of tastes, from meat lovers to vegetarians to vegans (yes, there’s vegan soul food) and more, it also serves up big business opportunities. Most soul food restaurants are mom-and-pop establishments, but Celebrity’s Soul Food is looking to change and expand the landscape of the cuisine.

Established in 2014, Celebrity’s is a quality casual restaurant brand that embraces local flavors and sources regional specialties. Dishes are prepared from scratch and utilize fresh ingredients. The restaurant’s menu features classic favorites, such as Fried Chicken, Shrimp & Grits, Cornmeal-Dusted Catfish, and Braised Oxtails, but also leans into innovation with elevated twists on soul food, such as Gold-Dusted Chicken Wings, Jerked Jackfruit Pineapple Bowls, Barbeque Glazed Alligator Ribs, and Red Velvet Chicken & Waffles. The company is committed to delivering exceptional hospitality that creates a “star treatment” experience for all guests.

Forging a New Frontier

The most recent endeavor for Celebrity’s Soul Food is expanding the brand across North America through franchise opportunities, which includes the brand’s 200-locations rollout plan.

As Celebrity’s Soul Food takes on this ambitious initiative, they are also cementing their spot in history by being the first and largest growing national soul food chain. Twenty-four franchisee partners have already signed on to be part of this momentous venture, which will open up locations across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. More than 30 units are currently under development, as the company holds steady to the established growth trajectory.

The business model for Celebrity’s is a solid turn-key opportunity that is ideal for chefs and entrepreneurs. The business incorporates technology to lower operational costs and helps contribute to the casualness of the brand.

As a company that strives to stay ahead of trends, Celebrity’s is definitely leading the pack by opening up these franchise opportunities and bringing soul food closer to more people’s homes and neighborhoods.