A soul food restaurant called Carrie’s Kitchen is set to open in Lansing this spring. Mikal Moore is taking over a 4,400-square-foot building on South Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The space was once a “sober bar” called Wing Heaven Sports Haven, and has remained vacant after the previous business closed in 2022.
Moore has always dreamt of opening his own restaurant. Carrie’s Kitchen, named after his grandmother Carrie, will serve dishes from his childhood. Oxtail, pot roast, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, and cabbage all will be on the menu, Moore said. The menu will also serve desserts made from scratch, including banana pudding and various cakes.
Carries’ Kitchen is located at 3812 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. A grand opening has been tentatively scheduled for April 3, and renovations are currently underway. Carrie’s Kitchen will seat more than 135 people. Moore also plans to add a pool table and gaming area to the space. Moore expects to employ at least 35 people.
Moore chose to open a soul food restaurant to continue his grandmother’s legacy and fill in an underdeveloped market in Lansing, as there aren’t many other options around. “I ultimately want to open up more restaurants and even start franchising our brands,” Moore said.
