Our Story
Our Story
Named for the women who shaped the way I cook and love on people through food: my mom, whom we affectionately named Shirley, and both of my grandmothers, who were each named Thelma.
"Around here, 'Did you eat?' was basically another way of saying 'I love you.'"
Where It All Began
Shirley & Thelma's Soul Food Kitchen is named after the women who shaped the way I cook and the way I love on people through food. Shirley is my mom's nickname, and believe it or not, both of my grandmothers were named Thelma. So this name carries a whole lot of family history with it.
Both of my grandmothers influenced me in different ways. One of my grandmothers was country-bred and brought the kind of soul food that sticks with you: greens, dressing, hearty meals, big portions, and plenty of comfort on the table.
My other grandmother, Thelma, who we called Big Mama, brought another kind of flavor. She loved spices, Cajun-inspired cooking, sweets, dressing, and her potato salad with pimentos. Her Christmas potlucks were the kind where a little bit of everything showed up on the table, and somehow it all worked. Big Mama believed in bringing it ALL.
Then there's my mom, whom we nicknamed "Shirley". Sunday dinners were her thing. She cooked in large quantities, made plenty of desserts, and knew how to put together a meal that was delicious, organized, and enough to make sure everybody was fed. Growing up, I admired the way she cooked and the way those meals brought everybody together.
I took a little something from all three of them: the country cooking, the bold seasoning, the sweets, the Sunday dinners, the holiday spreads, and most of all, the habit of making sure nobody leaves hungry. Around us, "Did you eat?" was basically another way of saying "I love you."
I started cooking as a teenager and began taking small catering orders in my early twenties. A lot of the business grew through word of mouth, and over the last couple of years, things really started picking up.
Today, Shirley & Thelma's is my way of carrying those traditions forward while putting my own touch on the table. I want people to taste comfort, warmth, love, and good seasoning in every bite. I want you to feel like somebody cared enough to make sure you and your people were fed right, because around here, we are not sending anybody home hungry.
Whether I'm cooking for a holiday, church event, birthday, wedding, corporate event, or family gathering, my goal is simple: take some of the stress off your plate and put something GOOD on it.
What We Stand For
Made From Scratch
Every dish is prepared fresh using original family recipes. No shortcuts, no pre-made bases — just real cooking the way it was meant to be done.
Community First
The people we serve aren't just clients — they're neighbors, congregations, and families we're honored to feed.
Honoring Tradition
Soul food is more than a cuisine — it's a culture and a history. We take pride in preserving the flavors and techniques passed down through generations.
Nobody Leaves Hungry
Around here, "Did you eat?" is another way of saying "I love you." From the first inquiry to the last plate, we make sure you and your people are fed right.
Ready to Bring Us to Your Table?
Whether you're planning a holiday feast, a corporate luncheon, or a family reunion, we'd love to be part of your celebration.