Houston Soul Food Icon Closes Its Doors After 66 Years

This Is It Soul Food, a beloved soul food restaurant in Houston, permanently shut its doors on October 12.

Twinkle Jha
Written By Twinkle Jha
News Writer
Annesha
Edited By Annesha
Managing Editor
This Is It Soul Food bids goodbye to its Houston location (Source: Yelp)

One of Houston’s much-loved soul food establishments, This Is It Soul Food, permanently closed on October 12. The restaurant announced its closure to fans on social media.

This Is It Soul Food Ends Its Six-Decade Run in Houston

The family-run establishment served soul food lovers for the last time on Sunday, October 12. Soul food items served at the Houston location (Source: houstonthisisit.com)

This Is It Soul Food was a Houston staple for nearly 66 years. The eating spot originally launched in Fourth Ward in 1959 before moving to Third Ward. The family-run restaurant welcomed its final guests on Sunday, October 12.

In an Instagram post, This Is It Soul Food thanked patrons: ‘Thank you to every guest who walked through our doors, every vendor who stood by ourside, and every neighbor who cheered us on through the years.’

The post added, ‘For over 66 years of business, we have cherished the memories and lessons each season brought. As we close this chapter, we carry with us the memories of shared meals, celebrations, and the enduring spirit of family.’

Since 1959, This Is It Soul Food served a range of mouthwatering dishes. Some examples include oxtail, fried chicken, pepper steak, turkey wings, candied yams, and green beans.

Rebranding and Future Ventures

While the Blodgett Street location closes, the brand is expanding elsewhere in Houston. This Is It Soul Food will now focus on rebranding, growth, and innovation at the North Side outpost in Humble. Diners from the neighborhood can stop by the 9441 Farm to Market 1960 Bypass Rd location for tempting soul food items.

The family-run soul food brand is also gearing up for Mikki’s Café, its latest Blodgett location, which is slated to open on Sunday, October 26.

Owner Craig Joseph shared that his eldest son and daughter will lead the new café. ‘We ask you to continue supporting the next chapter of our family’s culinary story,’ he wrote. ‘My oldest son and his sister are stepping forward to carry on a legacy with their mother’s vision at @mikkiscafe who will be taking over at the Blodgett location. Please join us in supporting them as it opens on October 26, 2025 and grows, and in lifting up a family tradition that values heart, loyalty, and hospitality!’

With the new café and family leadership, This Is It Soul Food’s legacy will continue in Houston and beyond.

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Twinkle Jha is a content writer passionate about crafting engaging and informative pieces for diverse audiences. She holds a degree in Journalism & Mass Communication that helps her create news-based articles related to restaurants, retail, and real estate in the US. With five years of writing experience, Twinkle has a strong base for her research, allowing her to create compelling content. Her keen eye for detail and creative approach make her writing stand out. When not working, she loves to watch movies.
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