Let's Eat Soul Food — Restaurant in Durham

I recently had the unfortunate experience with the owner of let’s eat soul food while dining at another local restaurant. It’s always disappointing when someone with such potential for positivity in the community—especially the owner of a black-owned business—chooses to exhibit behavior that is less than gracious. As a patron of her own establishment, she would likely want to foster a welcoming environment, yet when dining out herself, she displayed a level of condescension and rudeness that was truly off-putting.

It’s one thing to wear your restaurant's brand proudly; it’s another to embody the complete opposite of the warmth and hospitality that any good restaurant owner should encourage. The way she interacted with both staff and other patrons was a stark contrast to the values she likely wishes to instill in her own restaurant. It was difficult to overlook her aggressive tone, dismissive attitude, and general lack of courtesy to those around her. I couldn’t help but think: if she wouldn’t want her employees treated this way, why is she comfortable acting this way herself?

When you're in a position of leadership, particularly in a community-focused business, people pay attention to how you treat others. It’s essential to set an example that aligns with the standards you claim to uphold. In this case, unfortunately, her actions spoke louder than her brand ever could.

As someone who values supporting local businesses, especially those that represent black ownership, it’s hard not to feel disappointed. I truly hope she takes the time to reflect on the example she sets, both in the restaurant and in public, as her behavior could be a significant deterrent to future customers who may not feel welcome in such an environment. Everyone deserves respect, and it would be refreshing to see her practice what she likely preaches at her own...

UPDATED FROM 1ST REVIEW I've reduced my stars by one after a 2nd and 3rd gracious chance to change my mind, this place has failed to deliver the goods. Each time the food has been hyped up to more than it actually is. I've eaten tons of oxtail from various places across the state and this one is by far is my least liked. The oxtail are small and tough, the rice again, was overcooked. The cabbage were okay. nothing to brag about but okay. I also ordered the chicken wings. Basic. Just basic.

With three tried and nothing that wows, I'm suggesting the following places:

V's Kitchen for oxtail and cabbage and cornbread and potato salad GOLDEN CORRAL for fried chicken Backyard BBQ for smothered chops and yams and potato salad

SORRY. But I did try 3 times.

The inside dining is nice and clean. I've heard good things about this place. Maybe I showed up on the wrong day. But when you say you serve smothered pork chops, I expect more than a sweeping of gravy on top of 2 fried pork chops. The flavor was okay, but a touch too salty. The hushpuppies, with only 3 small ones in an entree just were okay. Cookout quite possibly be much better. The potato salad was alright. It definitely had sweet relish and sugar present. Now the rice was cooked well. It was nice and fluffy. It proudly would've been better without the gravy. Now the cabbage, in its smallest of servings was good. It had a nice clean flavor, not heavy in the seasonings or meat flavor, just some good cabbage. The texture of it was just right too. I hate this was my 1st experience as we need some more soul good in the area. I'm going to go back because i want to try the oxtail. But it's a wrap for them alleged...

Let me just say Ive driven from Raleigh TWICE to eat here. Customer service? They have 0 skills, no greeting at the door, no greeting when you step up to order, just nothing. For this to be a soul food restaurant the employees have the WORST attitude. First time I went I got the fish combo with 2 sides. The fish 7/10 was breaded wonderfully but was super salty. The Mac and cheese 5/10 is missing something b/c the cheese wasn’t melted all the way (actually had this both times and the second time the cheese still wasn’t melted and it had soooo much pepper in it) The banana pudding isn’t “pudding” it’s more of a whipped custard 7/10. The collards and cabbage mix (8/10) would be better if they could actually mix them correctly :(. I got shrimp plate with 2 sides and a drink for $20 (pretty steep if you ask Me) the shrimp size was unacceptable. Even though you get 12 they are still small and barely breaded. And let’s not even talk about the 3 and I do mean THREE hush puppies you get with a $20 meal. The sides barely filled the spaces in the container. Drinks are NOT included with combos. yeah the food is decent if you are just looking for a “home cooked” style meal. Customers literally make their business and they show 0 gratitude or warmth. All and all I’m sure you can either cook these meals better yourself or find another restaurant where both the food and customer service skills are good! I may or may...