Franchising

Celebrity doctor opening soul food fast casual brand

Provided

October 12, 2020

Celebrity chef Dr. Fredrick Jacobs and his wife, Taja Jacobs, are launching a soul food restaurant in a fast casual setting, which aims to make every guest feel like a VIP.

"Celebrity's Soul Food has had the fortune of serving a broad range of customers, including numerous celebrities, through our executive catering service," CEO and co-founder Fredrick Jacobs said in a company press release. "We wanted to combine the elevated culinary experience of fine dining with the convenience and ease of casual dining. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy high quality soul food and great service without breaking the bank or breaking out their formal wear."

Celebrity CEO Dr. Fredrick Jacobs is launching a soul food restaurant in a fast casual setting, which aims to make every guest feel like a V.I.P.

The Celebrity's Soul Food menu offers Fried Chicken, Shrimp & Grits, Cornmeal-Dusted Catfish and Braised Oxtails as well as innovative twists such as Gold-Dusted Chicken Wings, Jerked Jackfruit Pineapple Bowls, Barbeque Glazed Alligator Ribs and Red Velvet Chicken & Waffles.

"We embrace all cultures and tastes. Whether you're a meat lover, vegetarian, vegan or other, we are constantly working to expand our menu to offer something that will satisfy your cravings," Taja Jacobs, chief sustainability officer, said in the release.

To complement their customer service standards, the restaurants are designed to feature a VIP experience through the decor and intimate chef's engagements. On the check side, a meal for two averages $30.

"The restaurant industry is ever-evolving and we strive to be ahead of the game. From our innovative menu offerings to our service model, we have our focus on being trendsetters," said Fredrick Jacobs. "We're excited to introduce this new restaurant concept and hope that it inspires others to rethink how they approach restaurant development."

Celebrity's Soul Food is in an expansion phase in North America. In partnership with United Franchise Group, it has set a 200-location rollout goal. To date, more than 24 franchisee partners have signed on to grow brand presence across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. More than 30 units are under development.

Fredrick Jacobs and his team have offered executive catering services to celebrities, such as Steve Harvey, Kirk Franklin, Fantasia, SWV, Stoney Jackson, Monica, Warren G, Flex Alexander, Shanice Wilson Ashanti and more.

He's also the host of "Dr. J the Counselor," a radio show that airs on Stevie Wonder's Los Angeles-based station, KJLH 102.3. Through this radio show, Dr. J briefs, teaches and counsels his listeners on a variety of topics and aspects of relationships.

In the Winter of 2020, he is scheduled to release his premiere book, "Do I Want to Stay Married?," which focuses on spiritual marriage and lends support to troubled marriages.