‘Gr8 Comeback’: Michael’s Soul Kitchen to launch food truck in response to pandemic

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Michael’s Soul Kitchen Restaurant and Lounge has been bringing soul food to the heart of downtown Indianapolis and, even with the COVID-19 crisis, it’s found ways to make its presence felt in the community.

The downtown restaurant at 115 E. Ohio St. didn’t do it by selling its popular fried catfish or smothered pork chops to customers. It was through acts of giving to others.

In April, they partnered with the Mozel Sanders Foundation to give free hot meals to volunteers from the Salvation Army who were helping the Midwest Food Bank provide meals for thousands of hungry Hoosiers across central Indiana.

Then the restaurant turned its attention toward seniors with its Soul to Soul Supper program. The goal of the program is to deliver 1,000 free hot meals and other food items weekly throughout Indianapolis to at-risk elderly and families quarantined because of COVID-19.

With the uncertainty of the pandemic’s long-term effects on the business, co-owner Romeo Gerson says they’ve making some big changes to give their customers more access to their food.

“First, we actually want to bring a new food truck,” Gerson said.

He says they plan on having the food truck ready to serve customers within the next 30 days.

“The second option is you can actually go online to Michael’s “Soul 2 Go” and order this food and get it delivered to you or you can stop by and pick it up.”

Recommendation from the chef: Smothered pork chops and onions. Chef Cyrus Braud calls the dish the “best smothered pork chops in the land.”

Starting Wednesday, Michael’s Soul Kitchen will have an updated carryout menu for customers. Call (317) 855-6161 or find more information on the restaurant’s Facebook page.