07/19/2025
🖤 A Message from Forty Acres Soul Kitchen 🖤
This past Mother’s Day marked seven years since we opened the doors of Forty Acres Soul Kitchen. Born from love, resilience, and the vision to celebrate Black excellence, we created more than just a restaurant — we built a cultural institution. A space rooted in purpose, pride, and community.
And now, with hearts full of gratitude, we announce that we’ll be closing this powerful chapter.
The number seven has long symbolized completion, wholeness, and sacred fulfillment. And after reaching that milestone, we recognize that this season has done exactly what it was meant to do. We’re not closing in defeat — we’re completing a mission. And preparing for what’s next.
Together, we:
• Launched the first full-service Black-owned restaurant of its kind in West Michigan
• Employed dozens of local residents
• Welcomed thousands of guests through our doors with food, history, and soul
• Sparked national recognition and became a symbol of pride in our community
This wasn’t just a place to eat. It was a place to gather, to be seen, to celebrate who we are.
As I, Darel Ross, step away from restaurant ownership to focus on other ventures, we’re proud to pass the torch to a familiar and trusted face — Chef Trimell Hawkins, the original culinary mind behind the Forty Acres kitchen.
Chef Trimell will reopen the space as a brand-new concept: Solace, launching in September!
Let’s be clear — this isn’t a rebrand. Forty Acres is closing. Solace is something new. And we couldn’t be more excited for what it will bring.
Our last day of service will be Wednesday, July 30.
To every person who ever walked through our doors, shared a meal, raised a glass, or showed love — thank you. You helped us build something historic. Something whole. Something sacred.
With deep appreciation,
Darel Ross & The Forty Acres Team
