Kalamazoo Chef Theeola Red Opens Soul Devine

Kalamazoo has been battling with many staple, mom and pop, and new restaurants all having to shutter their doors and close their kitchens because they just haven't been able to keep up with the rising costs during inflation caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic. Many businesses saw this coming when the shutdowns were in effect and have been doing everything they can to stay afloat.

While businesses have been making changes and their supporters have been showing up in waves, it hasn't done much to save many places. For example, Boonzaijer's Bakery, Theo & Stacy's, and Godfather's Pizza all received amazing amounts of support on their way out but not enough to get them to keep their doors open. Although it sad to see some places go, it also means there is space in the market for new places to sprout. With that being said Chef Theeola Red hopped on the opportunity and is looking to food the souls of Kalamazoo some devine food.

In the last couple of weeks, we have seen many different restaurants, fast food locations, and other kind of businesses have to close their doors for various reasons, but we have also seen a few places post their grand openings. The first thing that comes to mind are the tons of new dispensaries that have opened but also Wing Stop, coming in and opening 3 stores in a matter of a few months. Now, there is a new player in town looking to change the landscape.

Chef Theeola Red has had a love and passion for cooking since a young age and now has a chance to bring those dreams to life. She was granted her building and immediately got to work, now she is ready to feed the people of the Kalamazoo area her creations. Below are the pictures she posted on Facebook to announce that the restaurant would be open and what's on the menu.

First, I'm hype that this is in my neighborhood, so I'll be making a trip over there to give it a taste test. Secondly, the menu looks like one of the most mouth-watering menus in the area, especially for late night eating. They will be helping people in finding something to eat late into the night as there aren't many things open past midnight.

Soul Devine is located at 1324 Portage Street, which is in the Plaza across the street from Twine Urban Winery. They will be joining a select few Mcdonalds, Taco Bells, Two Fellas, DP Dough, and Steak and Shake with their hours. They are currently open Sunday-Thursday from Noon to 2 am while Fridays and Saturdays they are opening from Noon until 4 am. Do you see the menu though?

I never thought I would be able to get wings and tacos in the same box at the same time! Like YES PLEASE! They also have staples like smothered pork chops, fish sandwiches, burgers, and dressing, yams, mac and cheese for sides. The menu is literally making me drool and I haven't even tried it yet.