It was a warm Saturday afternoon, and the smell of fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread filled the air. Families gathered around long tables, laughing and reminiscing, while servers bustled from one table to the next with plates piled high. For many, it was their first visit to Carolina Kitchen, but it felt like coming home for others. That was the magic of the place—a soul food restaurant that felt as much like a family reunion as it did a dining experience. Founded on community, tradition, and Southern hospitality principles, Carolina Kitchen has become a go-to spot for those seeking authentic soul food, blending comfort with flavor and culture.
The Story Behind Carolina Kitchen
Lance London, a visionary restaurateur passionate about food and community, founded Carolina Kitchen. Born and raised in North Carolina, London grew up with soul food as a central part of his life, from his grandmother’s kitchen to Sunday family dinners. He recognized the power of food to unite people, but he also saw a gap in the market for upscale soul food that still maintained the rich, authentic flavors of the South. With that vision in mind, he opened the first Carolina Kitchen in Hyattsville, Maryland 2003. He aimed to create a space where people could enjoy traditional soul food in a welcoming, upscale environment.
Since then, Carolina Kitchen has expanded to multiple locations in the Washington, D.C., metro area, each maintaining the same commitment to quality, authenticity, and community that has defined the brand since day one. In an interview with The Washington Post, London shared that he wanted to “provide a place where people of all backgrounds can come together over a good meal, feel like family, and leave with a full stomach and a full heart.” His mission has resonated, as Carolina Kitchen has consistently earned accolades for its food and atmosphere.
Soul Food: A Cultural Staple
To truly understand the success of Carolina Kitchen, one must first appreciate the deep cultural significance of soul food. Soul food has its roots in the African American culinary tradition, with influences from West Africa, the Caribbean, and the American South. Dishes like fried chicken, mac and cheese, candied yams, and collard greens are not just meals; they represent generations of resilience, family, and community. According to a 2021 report from Nielsen, African American spending on food away from home reached $141 billion, reflecting the critical role that food—mainly soul food—plays in the community’s cultural and social life.
The growing popularity of soul food beyond African American communities has also been significant in recent years. A National Restaurant Association survey found that Southern cuisine, including soul food, was among the top five emerging trends in American dining in 2022. This increasing interest in regional and traditional cuisines has been a significant factor in Carolina Kitchen’s success, as it offers an authentic soul food experience while also appealing to a broad, diverse audience.
The Menu: A Celebration of Tradition
At the heart of Carolina Kitchen’s success is its mouthwatering menu, which features a range of classic Southern dishes made with love and care. Signature items like fried catfish, barbecue ribs, shrimp and grits, and honey butter cornbread keep customers returning for more. But beyond the comfort food staples, Carolina Kitchen is known for its creative takes on classic dishes. For example, its “Slammin’ Salmon” is a fusion of traditional Southern flavors with a modern twist, offering a health-conscious option without sacrificing taste.
A Zagat review praised Carolina Kitchen for its “impeccable consistency” and ability to deliver “Southern comfort food that hits all the right notes.” The restaurant’s commitment to high-quality ingredients and home-cooked flavor has earned it a loyal customer base, many of whom travel from across the D.C. area to enjoy their favorite dishes.
Carolina Kitchen’s portion sizes are also noteworthy. A Restaurant Business Online report from 2022 highlighted that customers value restaurants that offer both quality and quantity, and Carolina Kitchen delivers in both categories. Patrons often leave with enough leftovers for another meal, which enhances the overall dining experience.
A Community Hub
Beyond the food, Carolina Kitchen plays a significant role as a community hub. The restaurant has become a meeting place for families, friends, and colleagues, where celebrations, reunions, and everyday meals take on special significance. Lance London has often spoken about how Carolina Kitchen was built to serve food and people.
The company has also given back to its communities through various philanthropic efforts. In 2021, Carolina Kitchen partnered with local organizations to provide meals to underserved communities in the D.C. area, feeding thousands of needy families during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Feeding America, food insecurity affected 38 million Americans in 2020, and the pandemic only exacerbated the problem. Carolina Kitchen’s efforts to provide free meals during this challenging time underscored its commitment to being more than just a restaurant—a pillar of community support.
London has also prioritized hiring locally and offering career development opportunities to his employees, many of whom start as servers or line cooks and work their way up into management roles. A 2023 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that the restaurant industry employs over 15 million people in the U.S., and establishments like Carolina Kitchen, which invest in their workers, contribute to both local economies and workforce development.
Meeting Market Demand: Soul Food for Everyone
The demand for soul food has grown within African American communities and has seen broad national interest. According to IBISWorld, the Southern cuisine market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6.5% from 2022 to 2027. Carolina Kitchen has positioned itself well to meet this demand, offering a soulful dining experience that appeals to traditionalists and newcomers alike.
To cater to a broader audience, Carolina Kitchen has also adapted its menu to reflect healthier eating trends, offering lighter options like salads, grilled fish, and vegetarian sides. This mirrors the growing trend in the restaurant industry, where health-conscious dining is becoming increasingly important. According to a 2022 report from The NPD Group, nearly 40% of diners actively seek healthier menu options. Carolina Kitchen has responded by ensuring that its menu offers something for everyone.
Expanding the Carolina Kitchen Legacy
Carolina Kitchen is poised for further expansion with its established brand and strong following. London has expressed interest in opening additional locations within the D.C. metro area and other major cities across the United States. A National Restaurant Association report highlighted that consumers increasingly seek unique, regional cuisines in their dining experiences, positioning Carolina Kitchen to continue capitalizing on the trend toward Southern and soul food cuisine.
According to Technomic’s foodservice market forecast, the restaurant industry is expected to grow steadily in the coming years, with projected revenuTechnomic’s$1.2 trillion by 2030. For Carolina Kitchen, this represents an opportunity to further solidify its place as a leader in the soul food space while staying true to its community, tradition, and quality roots.
Conclusion: A Taste of Tradition, A Taste of Home
Carolina Kitchen is more than just a restaurant; it celebrates family, culture, and community. From its humble beginnings in Maryland to its growing reputation as a go-to destination for soul food lovers, the brand has remained true to its mission: to provide a warm, welcoming space where everyone can enjoy the comfort of a home-cooked meal. In a fast-paced world, Carolina Kitchen offers a taste of tradition that reminds us all to slow down and savor the flavors—and the moments—that matter most.
