Soul & Smoke co-owner Heather Bublick said that last year their Spoonfest booth ran out of mac & cheese, and she wouldn’t be surprised if it happened again.
The local Black-owned and woman-lead barbecue chain is locally known for their brisket, but the mac & cheese is especially popular with students, Bublick said.
Ater 15 years, Soul & Smoke still prides themselves on their people-first approach to food and the restaurant industry.
“We’re dedicated to the community and to serving top-tier barbeque,” Bublick said.
That community-first mindset isn’t just a tagline. Soul & Smoke’s flagship location is less than a mile from Northwestern’s campus in Evanston, tying it to the neighborhood it serves.
Additionally, the Evanston location has a community fridge that provides to community members struggling post-SNAP cuts. Soul & Smoke stocks it regularly with meals that are ready-to cook, restaurant leftovers and fresh ingredients. Further, community members also contribute.
The brand has grown steadily over the years, now operating three locations — Evanston, Avondale, and West Loop — along with two food trucks.
With the Evanston location less than a mile from campus, if the Spoonfest booth does happen to run out of mac & cheese, a refill isn’t out of the question.
That kind of expansion doesn’t happen without a loyal following, and Soul & Smoke has earned theirs one plate at a time.
For students who haven’t made it to the Evanston location yet, Spoonfest is a perfect introduction. Come hungry, come curious and come early if mac & cheese is on your radar.
Spoonfest will be held on May 8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.