(BALTIMORE – May 14, 2024) – Soul Street is pleased to announce the opening of its brick-and-mortar location at 819 E. Pratt St in downtown Baltimore’s charming Little Italy. This collaborative venture between HoodFellas Bistro & Catering and Rymks Bar & Grill plans to introduce a fresh and vibrant approach to Modern American
Barbeque to Baltimore’s culinary landscape.
Soul Street is the conglomeration of many years of culinary passion and dedicated customer service of 2
companies with a strong belief that rising tides raise all boats, offering patrons not only exceptional cuisine
but also a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Leading the kitchen of this new-age barbeque endeavor is Executive Chef Ben Thompson, whose journey
from humble beginnings to restaurant leadership embodies passion and perseverance. Behind the strategic
direction is Ira Chase, Director of Business Development, leveraging his extensive corporate background to
elevate Soul Street to new heights. Responsible for the day-to-day activities of Soul Street is Teaon Everage,
an accomplished culinarian in his own right and director of Business Operations. Mr. Everage brings over two
decades of culinary and business experience, and his commitment to talent development at the Maryland
Food Bank ensures an enriched dining experience.
Nestled within walking distance of the iconic Inner Harbor, Soul Street promises unparalleled dining
experience. Building on the success of its predecessors, HoodFellas and Rymks, whose relationship was
founded on B.O.R.T.’s maiden voyage, (Black Owned Restaurant Tour, a collective initiative founded by
Azikiwe Deveaux which aims to highlight the African American business owners serving the community) Soul
Street is set to be featured on B.O.R.T. during CIAA week in Baltimore in 2025.
“We are thrilled to bring our newest vision to Baltimore,” commented Ira Chase. Our team has poured their
hearts and souls into crafting a menu and ambiance that will exceed our customer’s expectations. We invite
everyone to take a stroll down Soul Street and become a part of our family.
Leading up to the grand opening, Soul Street is participating in various events throughout May, offering
patrons a preview of its tantalizing cuisine. Notable events include last week’s Royal Affair gala at the
Hippodrome for which Soul Street provided an eclectic array of detectable passed hors d’oeuvres, which was
hosted by the Reginald F Lewis Museum on May 9, and an upcoming appearance at Preakness this Saturday,
May 18, at Pimlico Racecourse.
Soul Street extends a warm invitation to the press corp and community leaders to join its grand opening
press conference on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, from noon, followed by a reception 1 pm – 3 pm. The restaurant will be open to the public for modified service from 5 pm – 9 pm.
