Soule, which moved to a bigger area in January in North Lawndale, is that this week returning to West City with a couple of tweaks and a brand new title.
“We will’t wait to feast with them,” says chef and proprietor Bridgette Flagg.
Flagg didn’t need the identical vibe at each her eating places, so there might be modifications together with a BYO bartender who will combine cocktails utilizing liquor that clients present. On Friday, August 3, Flagg will unveil Soule to Soule (pronounced “soul to soul”) at 1931 W. Chicago Avenue. Followers will see new decor after the area underwent a transform.
Whereas she’s not banning cellphones, Flagg says the restaurant can have packing containers the place clients can hold them out of the way in which so their focus might be on socializing face-to-face. Nobody might be scorned for utilizing their telephones — clients are nonetheless free to take images of meals for his or her social media accounts.
“I simply assume folks need an expertise,” Flagg says. “I really feel — truthfully — psychological well being is at an all-time excessive. Lately the world is shifting so quick.”
Smartphones can result in nervousness, a motive many elect to show off notifications or cut back them. Fewer of us dwell within the current and Flagg says she desires to offer clients a spot to try this. Little gestures like putting dialog automobiles on tables can change the environment. She additionally desires to host discussions once in a while which can permit strangers who solely know one another by way of social media to grow to be associates in actual life.
The unique Soule opened in 2017, and Flagg charmed the realm with scrumptious hen wings, shrimp and grits, and extra. It grew to become a profitable and welcoming restaurant that drew Black clients to a Black-owned enterprise in an space that didn’t have many companies that did that. It additionally grew to become a star magnet for musicians {and professional} basketball gamers. It was so busy that the informal spot that Flagg envisioned began needing reservations. Flagg closed the restaurant in December as she unveiled her new location.
Over the last eight months, she’s brainstormed on how you can use the West City area. “Vibe” is usually a cliched time period, one which will get tossed round with out thought. Some diners could take it as an indication of placing type above substance. However “vibe” is important to the Soule expertise, to create a vivid, open area the place diners can socialize and be boisterous if they need.
The brand new menu is usually a group of Soule’s best hits and small plates. There are extra vegetarian choices, together with spicy fried Buffalo cauliflower. Shrimp and grits has been changed by fish in grits. There are additionally new catfish sliders.
The drink part is the place it will get fascinating. Soule 2 Soule doesn’t have a liquor license, however will make use of a bartender, Flagg says. The thought is for patrons to deliver their very own Hennessy cognac or different liquor. They’ll inform the bartender what they wish to drink after which the bartender will get work utilizing a stocked bar of mixers. “You desire a sidecar?” Flagg says. “We’ll get you as near a sidecar as we are able to.”
Flagg says enterprise is booming on the new Soule the place she’s shattering stereo. NBA and WNBA gamers are amongst her clients that proceed to offer Flagg’s vivacious model recognition. Flagg grew up close to the restaurant and was blissful to open up a sit-down restaurant that serves cocktails in an underserved neighborhood. Nonetheless, West City will all the time maintain a particular place for Bridgette Flagg and Soule.
“It’s my child,” Flagg says of the West City area. “I’m not ever giving it up.”
Soule to Soule, 1931 W. Chicago Avenue, opening Friday, August 3.