Nana Morrison's Soul Food — Restaurant in Cary

A Disappointing First Experience at Nana Morrison’s Soul Food

I was really excited to try Nana Morrison’s after seeing multiple ads pop up on my feed and Facebook. It’s extremely close to home, and I was thrilled at the idea of having down-home southern cooking whenever I wanted. I brought two friends with me to enjoy our first visit.

📝 First Impressions: I had a bit of sticker shock when looking at the menu:

1 protein + 2 sides + cornbread = $16

Small drink = $3 extra

With gratuity, convenience fee and tax -the total came to $25 DINE IN

🍽️ Food Experience: The STAFF was friendly and offered samples of the side dishes, which I appreciated. I chose:

🐟 Catfish – Slightly dry but flavorful enough to make up for it.

🥬 Collard Greens – Heavily stemmed and canned—not fresh

🍅 Tomato Salad – Not traditional but seemed freshly cut and tasty- sweet based.

🧁 Cornbread Muffin – Clearly Jiffy-style, not made from scratch.

🥤 Sweet Tea – Cup was tiny; with ice, I only got about 5 swallows. Refills were free, but I spent more time refilling than eating.

⚠️ Atmosphere & Presentation: Despite eating in-house, I was given a styrofoam plate and cheap plastic utensils.

NO TABLE ESSENTIALS LIKE:

Napkins Salt/pepper Hot sauce bottles (just packets) No pepper juice or chili vinegar—only plain vinegar

💬 SERIOUS CONCERN: The owner made rounds to ask about the dining experience—but completely ignored me, both times. Even though the interaction soliciting reviews.. I was with two Black friends, and he directed all conversation to them, without acknowledging me. As a paying customer, I was surprised and hurt. My money is just as green, but they won't see anymore of mine. I work to hard for that nonsense.

❌ Final Thoughts: I had hoped to try the okra, but it cost $5.99. Overall, I felt unwelcome and overcharged. This isn’t a business I want to support again.

💸 Overpriced 🍴 Tiny portions, fast-food style presentation 👎 Unwelcoming experience 🚫 Would not return

Response to feedback

Hi Nana Morrison’s Team, Thanks so much for taking the time to respond to my review. I really appreciate the thoughtful explanation behind some of the decisions around utensils and packaging, especially from a business standpoint. That said, I’d like to share a bit more from my perspective. While I understand the practicality for takeout, my visit was dine-in. And now that we’re no longer in the aftermath of the pandemic, it's been many years now, I think guests, myself included, are hoping to see dining standards return to what they once were. Dining out is about more than just the food.. it’s about warmth, comfort, and hospitality. I was hoping for something that felt more like Grandma’s house, with real plates and silverware. Even in casual, budget-friendly cafeteria-style settings like K&S Cafeteria or Golden Corral or even Waffle House, you could and can still find that kind of elevated dine-in experience. There's a sense of care and tradition in how meals are served, even in those modest environments, and I believe it makes a real difference in how guests feel. As for the interaction with the Executive Chairman, I’m glad to know our visit was memorable in a positive way from the management’s perspective, and I appreciate the assurance that no offense was intended. But I’d be lying if I said it didn’t affect us. Up until that moment, we were truly enjoying ourselves. Unfortunately, the way the interaction unfolded left all of us at the table feeling a bit uncomfortable. It wasn’t just me who felt it was inappropriate... it shifted the tone of the entire experience and put a damper on the end of a gathering of friends. That said, I appreciate the kind offer to return and try the okra, and I’m open to doing that. I believe in giving second chances and supporting businesses that are open to honest feedback and committed to growth. Thanks again for the respectful and thoughtful reply in addition to the opportunity to share my...

Nana Morrison's Soul Food isn't just a restaurant; it's an experience that warms the soul from the moment you step inside. From the tantalizing aroma wafting from the kitchen to the genuine smiles of the staff, every detail speaks volumes about the care and passion poured into this establishment. Let's talk about the heart of any soul food joint: the menu. Nana Morrison's boasts a delightful array of classic dishes that taste like they've been perfected through generations. The crispy fried chicken is a must-try – perfectly seasoned and juicy on the inside. The slow-cooked collard greens are tender and flavorful, a testament to time-honored techniques. And don't even get me started on the creamy macaroni and cheese, Whether you're craving smothered pork chops, meatloaf or a vibrant plate of candied yams, Nana Morrison's has something to satisfy every soul food craving. They also offer daily specials, ensuring there's always something new and exciting to try.

Beyond the tasty food, the cleanliness of Nana Morrison's is truly noteworthy. The dining area is immaculate, and you can tell that the staff takes immense pride in maintaining a spotless environment. The tables are promptly cleared and cleaned, and the overall ambiance feels fresh and inviting. This attention to detail adds significantly to the overall dining experience, making you feel comfortable and well-cared for.

However, what truly sets Nana Morrison's apart is their exceptional customer service and engagement. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with genuine warmth and hospitality. The staff members are attentive, friendly, and always ready with a smile. They take the time to chat with customers, making you feel like a valued guest rather than just another patron. It's clear that they love what they do, and that passion shines through in their interactions. In conclusion, Nana Morrison's Soul Food is a gem. It's a place where you can indulge in authentic, mouthwatering soul food in a spotlessly clean environment, all while being treated to genuinely exceptional customer service. If you're looking for a meal that nourishes both your body and your spirit, look no further than Nana Morrison's. I highly recommend a visit – your taste buds (and your soul)...

I appreciate that many people enjoyed their experience, but unfortunately, my first visit was quite disappointing. I placed an online order for Mother's Day, hoping for a smooth pick-up. I arrived 20 minutes after the app indicated my food was ready, expecting a well-organized system for handling online orders—sadly, that wasn’t the case.

Initially, I was directed to the wrong line by an employee. Once I finally got to the correct line, I found myself fifth in line, which I thought wouldn’t be a problem since I was just picking up my food. However, I quickly realized that the staff were taking extra time to fix orders for the customers in front of me. This was frustrating, as I assumed online orders would be ready to go upon arrival.

To make matters worse, I had my eye on a banana pudding listed for $15.99, and while waiting, I overheard other customers sharing my disbelief over the price. After about five minutes of searching, they finally located my order, but it was packed in flimsy bags that began to spill my food. I had to get back in line to order desserts at regular prices, which added to the delay.

After spending nearly an hour in the restaurant, I discovered that part of my order was missing once I got to my car. I had to wait in line again to retrieve it, only to find that when I got home, I had received the wrong plate entirely.

This was genuinely the most disappointing meal I’ve ever experienced, and I’m left feeling upset and unsatisfied after spending $90. While I’m not suggesting that others shouldn’t support this restaurant, I believe it’s important for them to recognize the issues in their system. Improvements are definitely needed to enhance the...