Ex- Sacramento Major Kevin Johnson Expands Fixins Soul Kitchen to New Cities

Fixins Soul Kitchen, the culinary venture of former NBA player Kevin Johnson, who was also the first Black mayor of Sacramento, is making significant progress with plans to expand nationwide. In 2019, Johnson, originally from Sacramento, opened the first Fixins Soul Kitchen in his hometown, quickly becoming known for its delicious Southern and soul food classics. His latest venture, which opened in late August, is bringing the popular eatery to Detroit’s Paradise Valley, a historically significant Black cultural epicenter, according to travelnoire.com.

The Motor City location has significantly impacted Detroit’s dining scene, featuring soul food staples like deviled eggs, fried chicken, fried fish, fried green tomatoes, and smothered pork chops. Southern cuisine sides like collard greens, Mac and cheese, candied yams, black-eyed peas, and more are available for patrons to indulge in. With a focus on tradition and community, the restaurant also offers cocktails made with Uncle Nearest Whiskey. A Black-owned brand that is historically connected to the renowned Jack Daniel’s distillery and has the world’s longest whiskey bar, according to powertraveller.com.

The motto ‘Turnt up on soul food’ at Fixins Soul Kitchen reflects Johnson’s desire to honor Black culture and Southern cuisine with flair and authenticity. The concept has already been successful, with Fixins now located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Los Angeles, California. Johnson is now focused on extending his national reach even further. During an interview with Eater, he revealed plans to open ten more restaurants nationwide, with future locations in culturally diverse neighborhoods in Harlem, Baltimore, Atlanta, Denver, and Oakland.

Johnson and his wife traveled to soul food establishments nationwide for inspiration before starting their first restaurant. Visiting Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker’s Old Lady Gang restaurant in Atlanta was a memorable experience, where one dish left a lasting impression. At Fixins Soul Kitchen, Johnson’s goal is to keep up with ‘Black excellence’ and honor the rich heritage and tradition of soul food.

Johnson’s enthusiasm for Fixins’ latest location in Detroit is evident. “We’re a cool neighborhood, he said in his Eater interview. We’re in a cool neighborhood where an African American owns the building as a developer and architect. C) we’re in a Black neighborhood doing all this cool stuff in an African American city. There’s just so much momentum [and] I feel like the African American community is benefiting, too, in a real way, in an intentional way. For us to be a part of the resurgence in Paradise Valley is just very special,” says Johnson. “The people of Detroit are just so welcoming. It feels like Detroit is made up of obviously Midwest, but Southern roots, and a little bit of New York. It’s a great vibe.”

Fixins Soul Kitchen is poised to make a significant impact as it expands nationwide. With a blend of Southern comfort food and a mission to elevate Black culture, Johnson’s restaurant venture represents his continued commitment to uplifting Black communities, one delicious meal at a time, as he builds on the legacy of his basketball career and tenure as mayor.