Black Business Spotlight: Big L's Soul Food and Steakhouse Is Serving Community Across From George Floyd Square
Larry Robinson, owner of Big L's Soul Food and Steakhouse at 805 E. 28th St. in South Minneapolis, has grown a food truck into a full-service restaurant across from George Floyd Square, rooted in community purpose and a commitment to changing the narrative on one of the city's most meaningful corners.
In the heart of South Minneapolis, just across from George Floyd Square, a new restaurant is working to serve more than just food, it aims to serve a community in a corner that holds deep meaning.
Larry Robinson, owner of Big L’s Soul Food & Steakhouse, says the journey to opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant wasn’t easy. What began as a food truck nearly four years ago has grown into a full-service restaurant rooted in purpose.
“We actually started as Big L’s Soul Food, selling soul food… I’m talking about the greens, macaroni and cheese, yams, dressing, fried chicken and smothered chicken,” Robinson said.
The food truck quickly gained popularity, offering a mix of soul food alongside options like tacos and burgers. But as demand grew, the limitations of operating out of a truck became more apparent.
“The truck had begun to get too complicated because it began to get small,” Robinson said.
Seasonal changes in Minnesota also posed a major hurdle. Harsh winters made it difficult to stay open consistently, leaving customers wondering when or if the truck would return.
“Come the wintertime, we couldn’t work,” Robinson said. “People calling the truck, trying to figure out, ‘are we coming out or not?'”
That uncertainty pushed Robinson toward a more permanent home. When a space opened at 805 E. 28th St., the opportunity aligned with both his business needs and a deeper community connection.
The location sits across from George Floyd Square. Robinson said that wasn’t his primary reason for choosing it at first, but once he realized where the space was, the significance grew.
“It just happened to be in George Floyd Square, which made it an even better situation, because it’s community-based,” Robinson said. “We’re here for a community base. That’s what we’re here for.”
Community is central to Big L’s identity. Beyond serving meals, Robinson hopes his restaurant contributes to a sense of renewal and positivity in the area.
“We’re here to kind of change the narrative, put a different face on the corner of 38th,” he said.
The transition from food truck to restaurant brought a new set of challenges. Robinson describes the industry as tough for small business owners, with rising costs, operational demands and the pressure to maintain consistency.
Still, his approach remains grounded.
“Just working… just keep working and striving,” he said.
That mindset has guided him through both the highs and lows of building his business. Reflecting on his food truck days, when things felt uncertain, Robinson said giving up was never an option. Instead, he focused on problem-solving and adapting.
“We figured out some kinks and we made it work,” he said.
That same determination carries into the restaurant today. Robinson acknowledges that even with a permanent space, challenges continue, but so does his commitment.
“If you want to make or be a success in anything you do, you just got to keep working hard. You can’t give up,” he said.
As Minneapolis continues to evolve, businesses like Big L’s play a role in shaping what comes next. For Robinson, that means creating a space where people can gather, connect and feel a sense of belonging.
Lizzy Nyoike is a Hubbard School of Journalism & Mass Communication student and contributing writer for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.