Dynamic duo Gerard and Britney Klass are the owners of Soul Bowl, a fresh concept serving a fusion of soul food, Caribbean cuisine and BBQ. It was established in 2017.
Soul Bowl’s pop-up cafe re-emerged in 2018 at Breaking Bread Cafe located in North Minneapolis. Business quickly grew and expanded. As a result of rapid success, in March they chose to become a food vendor at Target Field. They can be found in section 120.
Recently, on Sept. 6, a second location was launched at Graze Provisions + Libations in North Loop. The new venue serves as an upscale food hall. Soul Bowl is located on the second floor in Suite 202, open Monday to Friday 11 am 8 pm, and Sunday 11 am to 7 pm.
“We’re closed on Saturday because we’re Adventist and that’s our worship day,” said Britney. To elaborate, Seventh Day Adventists view Saturday as the Sabbath Day. The owners are committed to honoring their faith and seek to achieve work-life balance.
It’s important to note that Soul Bowl offers fresh, healthy and affordable options, due to the food desert Minneapolis residents live in. “I don’t eat anything not perishable,” said Britney. The menu also offers gluten-free and vegan options as well.
One interesting aspect of their business involves the names of notable hip hop and neo-soul artists used to describe each item. During their grand opening at Graze Hall, people read the famous names and catchy tag lines displayed on a bright yellow menu, causing curious and hungry patrons to jump in the soul line.
As for popular items on the menu, “the Big Krit is probably the biggest one,” said Gerard.
The alluring menu displays a smorgasbord of choices. Customers can select from veggie and meat options, and add things like chicken and waffles, sweet desserts and drinks. Unique salads are available as well. The price range is from $3-$12.
Sides include the gluten-free, vegan Bodak Yellow Rice and the J. Cole Cauliflower Mash, all are healthy and tasty options.
As for the veggies, they offer soulful Jill Scott Collard Greens, D’Angelo Candied Yams, 24K Magic Sweet Corn and much more.
The meat options range from the Snoop Dogg Smoked Chicken to serving up Serena Honey Sriracha Salmon. Great news, “The Hip Hop Brunch is coming back in October,” said Gerard.
The Beyoncé Lavender Lemonade is a very popular drink. The Jay Z Sweet Tea is an amber and caramel tinted beverage brewed to near perfection.
As for the “Big Krit” sandwich, it is named after a soulful, Southern rapper from Mississippi, created with a lightly toasted, sesame seed bun. Slices of crispy turkey bacon were intricately placed upon the well-seasoned Fantasia Fried Chicken filet. Adorned with fresh green leafy lettuce, cherry red, and golden tomatoes and completed with a rich stream of deep red, slightly tangy Mambo sauce that trickled down the sandwich, with a dash of ranch.
At the grand opening, there was a long line trailing from their business. Despite the large crowd, countless customers were swiftly served up Southern hospitality and unique soul food made with a healthy spin. The restaurant offers an array of tasty and aesthetically pleasing a la carte options.
The business is environmentally friendly. All meals are neatly placed in beige, biodegradable bowls sealed by a clear and sturdy, reliable lid. There is also plenty of seating available inside or outside on the patio. Customers can also opt for take-out or delivery.
Furthermore, both owners shared advice for the youth who aspire to live their restaurateur dreams.
“Don’t let other people define your destiny. We had a lot of ‘no’s’ on this journey, we’ve had some closed doors … we’ve had to fund things with our own dollars. But, from a lot of people that we see who we admire, they are persistent.” said Gerard. “Keep people out your ear, keep grindin’ and hustlin.’”
“Keep pushin,” said Britney. “Don’t let anybody tell you what you can and cannot do. Hold true to your values, you don’t have to conform. You can win by being you. And that’s actually your sauce.”
Soul Bowl is located at 520 4th St. North, Suite 202, in Minneapolis. Find more info at www.soulbowlmn.com, Facebook/Soul Bown MN or by calling 612-567-7044.
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Very Well written article I will definitely be checking this place out after reading this!!!