Fixins Soul Kitchen

Imagine walking into a restaurant where the aroma of fried chicken, cornbread, and collard greens instantly transports you to Sunday family dinners filled with laughter and warmth. The walls are adorned with cultural artifacts and vibrant artwork that pays homage to African American history and pride. The atmosphere is buzzing with conversation, but when your plate arrives, the room quiets as you take in the feast before you. This is the experience at Fixins Soul Kitchen—where comfort food meets rich cultural heritage, creating an unforgettable dining experience.

Fixins Soul Kitchen isn’t just a restaurant; it celebrates its soul food and deep roots in African American culture. Founded by former NBA player and Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson, Fixins has quickly become a popular spot for locals and tourists, offering an authentic soul food experience with a modern twist. Whether you’re craving classic dishes like fried catfish and mac and cheese or looking to learn about the rich history behind these dishes, Fixins Soul Kitchen delivers on both fronts.

The History and Significance of Soul Food

Soul food, which emerged from the kitchens of African American communities in the Southern United States, is more than just a type of cuisine—it reflects its resilience, creativity, and cultural identity. The term “soul food” became popular in the 1960s during the civil rights movement, symbolizing African Americans’ struggles and triumphs. It evolved from traditional Southern food, incorporating ingredients readily available to enslaved Africans, such as cornmeal, greens, and pork, and turning them into flavorful, hearty meals.

Today, soul food continues to be a cornerstone of African American culture. Restaurants like Fixin Soul Kitchen celebrate it, sharing its rich history and comforting flavors with new generations.

Fixins Soul Kitchen: The Vision Behind the Restaurant

Fixins Soul Kitchen was founded in 2019 by Kevin Johnson and his wife, Michelle, to serve authentic soul food while celebrating African American culture. Located in Sacramento, California, and with additional locations like the one at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, Fixins has become known for its delicious food, welcoming atmosphere, and cultural significance.

According to Kevin Johnson, the goal was to create a space that offered great food and educated diners about the history and culture behind the dishes. “We wanted to bring the soul food experience to Sacramento, combining our love for food with our love for culture,” Johnson said in an interview with The Sacramento Bee.

Fixins Soul Kitchen prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and preparing dishes from scratch, ensuring that every meal feels like it was made with care and love—just like a home-cooked family meal.

A Menu That Celebrates Tradition

Signature Dishes

The menu at Fixins Soul Kitchen offers a wide variety of soul food classics, each prepared with a modern twist while staying true to their roots. Some of the standout dishes include:

Fried Chicken: Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside; Fixins’ fried chicken is a must-try. It’s perfectly seasoned and served with traditional sides like collard greens and mashed potatoes.
Catfish and Grits: A Southern staple, this dish features perfectly fried catfish paired with creamy, cheesy grits.
Mac and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust, the mac and cheese at Fixins is comfort food at its best.
Collard Greens: Slow-cooked with smoked turkey, these greens are rich in flavor and represent a classic soul food side dish.

Fixins also offers vegetarian and vegan options, catering to the growing demand for plant-based dishes without sacrificing flavor or authenticity. According to Statista, the number of vegans in the U.S. reached 9.7 million in 2022, a 300% increase from just a decade earlier. Fixins responds to this trend by offering vegan-friendly dishes such as their famous vegan jambalaya, ensuring everyone can enjoy the soul food experience.

Dessert and Drinks

No soul food meal is complete without a sweet treat to end the experience. At Fixins, diners can enjoy traditional desserts like peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, and banana pudding—all homemade and flavorful. These desserts have a nostalgic quality that evokes memories of family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

In addition to the food, Fixins offers a selection of signature cocktails that complement the Southern flavors on the menu. From bourbon-based drinks to refreshing sweet tea cocktails, the drink menu at Fixins adds an extra layer of Southern hospitality to the dining experience.

The Rise of Fixin Soul Kitchen in the Restaurant Scene

Since its opening, Fixins Soul Kitchen has gained a loyal following, with positive reviews from food critics and customers alike. The restaurant’s delicious food, vibrant atmosphere, and cultural storytelling have resonated with a broad audience, making it a standout in the Sacramento and Los Angeles dining scenes.

In 2022, Yelp named Fixins Soul Kitchen one of the top soul food restaurants in California. It has a 4.5-star rating and hundreds of glowing reviews praising the authenticity of the food and the welcoming ambiance. Many customers have shared that visiting Fixins feels like being welcomed into a family home, where the food is made with care and the atmosphere is warm and inviting.

The Economic Impact of Soul Food Restaurants

Soul food restaurants like Fixins are not just about food; they also play an essential role in the local economy. According to a report from IBISWorld, the U.S. restaurant industry generated $731.5 billion in revenue in 2023, with soul food restaurants contributing a growing share of that figure. This restaurant industry sector has seen steady growth as more people seek comfort food and culturally rich dining experiences.

Restaurants like Fixins that use locally sourced ingredients help support local farmers and suppliers. This commitment to quality ingredients enhances the flavor of the food and contributes to the sustainability of the local economy. As more consumers become conscious of where their food comes from, restaurants that prioritize sustainability and support local businesses are seeing increased demand.

The Cultural Significance of Fixins Soul Kitchen

Beyond the food, Fixins Soul Kitchen serves as a cultural hub for the community. The restaurant regularly hosts events celebrating African American culture, such as live music performances, art exhibitions, and discussions on the history of soul food. These events provide a space for the community to unite and celebrate their heritage while enjoying a good meal.

According to Kevin Johnson, one of the driving forces behind Fixins was creating a space that fed people’s bodies and nourished their souls by celebrating culture and history. “We wanted Fixins to be more than just a restaurant; we wanted it to be a place where people could come together and feel a sense of pride in our culture,” Johnson said in a feature with Eater.

Conclusion: Fixins Soul Kitchen—More Than a Meal

Fixins Soul Kitchen is not just a place to eat; it’s a place to connect with culture, history, and community. Through its menu of soulful, comforting dishes, Fixins brings the flavors of the South to California while paying homage to the rich heritage of African American cuisine. From the signature fried chicken to the warm peach cobbler, every dish tells a story of resilience, creativity, and love.

As Fixins continues to grow and expand its reach, it remains a shining example of how food can bring people together, celebrate culture, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a local looking for a taste of home or a visitor eager to experience authentic soul food, Fixins Soul Kitchen offers a culinary journey as rich in flavor as history.