HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – After a long hiatus and continued support from the community, Jackie Quarles is ready to reopen the doors of her beloved soul food restaurant at a new location in Hopkinsville.
For a long time, Ro’Mae’s Soulfood & Catering was thriving and serving up signature soul food favorites on Seventh Street. The owners of the building ended up selling, suddenly forcing the restaurant to find a new home. Loyal customers and friends helped Quarles quickly find a new spot on South Main Street when unprecedented events set her back.
While she prepared to get the new location ready, her son Darrius passed away, leaving her mentally unable to move forward with relocating. Quarles told Christian County Now that the owner of the building kindly held on to the location for her until she was ready. “It took a big mental toll on me,” said Quarles, “but I’m ready to go forward with it now.”
Over a year later, Ro’Mae’s is opening back up to serve the community again. The grand opening will take place on Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. at the newly renovated location on 801 South Main Street. She shared that overcoming her nerves and committing to a date has been challenging, but she feels the time is right. “I’m overwhelmed with blessings to know I have a good support team,” said Quarles.
Soul food favorites
Quarles first learned how to cook at a young age when she had to prepare meals for her four siblings. As she got older, she continued to stay in food service by cooking in nursing homes and sharing her food with the community. “I love to cook fried chicken, I love lasagna and spaghetti, just all different kinds of food,” said Quarles.
Returning customers of the original Ro’Mae’s can expect all her classic dishes and mouthwatering sides to be served up at the new location. Fresh, made to order fried chicken and catfish, salmon patties, fresh turnip greens, sweet potatoes, smothered pork chops, along with specials like meatloaf and hamburger steaks and gravy. Although it may take extra time, she is adamant that cooking food fresh is key.
As business picks back up, she is excited to connect back with her customers and community with her events that support local kids and neighbors. She is now located at 801 South Main Street, and people can contact the store 270-498-0308 or 270-874-2027, and find updates about the restaurant on the Ro’Mae’s Soulfood & Catering Facebook page.