Soul & Smoke, renowned for its celebrated American soul food and barbecue, is set to unveil a long-awaited flagship restaurant in Evanston. Inspired by roots in Chicago’s South Side and with an unexpected nod to molecular gastronomy, the new location opens on September 1.

Chef D’Andre Carter and sommelier Heather Bublick, who launched the business as a catering company in 2020, now oversee four locations in Chicago, including a venue at Soldier Field. The Evanston flagship marks their first full-service restaurant, reflecting the Black and woman-owned business ethos.

The revamped Soul & Smoke will offer two distinct menus. Diners can enjoy familiar favorites all day and experience fine dining with dishes like oysters and steak during dinner. Chef Carter aims to merge fine dining with the classic barbecue and soul food the restaurant is known for.

Chef Carter, who grew up loving Chicago-style smoked rib tips and spicy hot link sausage, crafts his version using heritage Duroc pork. The couple’s professional journey began years ago in the Michelin-starred restaurant Moto. Soul & Smoke stands as Carter’s dream—a modern barbecue fused with cherished family recipes.

“Soul & Smoke is pretty much my dream restaurant,” Carter stated, capturing the essence of the upcoming flagship.

Opening this flagship has been no small feat. The location, a century-old barn, was first rented by the couple in 2016 and purchased in early 2020. Following COVID-19, unexpected challenges such as code changes for the kitchen infrastructure led to increased expenses.

Despite hurdles, the duo persevered without investors. Carter and Bublick continue to offer their bestselling brisket while expanding their culinary creativity with dishes like an oxtail cigar—a tribute to Carter’s mentor, the late chef Homaro Cantu. The dish combines hickory-smoked beef oxtail with braised collard greens, ingeniously mimicking a cigar.

Beyond the inventive main courses, the restaurant will present desserts curated with pastry consultant Casey Doody, featuring a sweet potato pie and a peach cobbler. Pastry cook Janice Espino executes these creations in-house.

The beverage program will feature cocktails, local beers, and nonalcoholic drinks, focusing on producers from diverse backgrounds, including women and people of color.

A unique element of Soul & Smoke is its decor. Visitors will encounter design elements reminiscent of Chicago’s distinctive urban feel. The dining area features bright red smokers, a chef’s counter by the kitchen, and an array of art reflecting the community’s history.

Bublick emphasizes community involvement, noting the mural ‘Soul & Fire’ by Bianca Pastel, celebrating local heritage. A DJ-curated playlist will feature R&B and hip-hop, enriching the vibrant atmosphere.

The couple remains dedicated to bringing their dream to fruition while maintaining a connection to Evanston’s local history, including its strides in reparations.

“On the way to building our dream restaurant, we just had to survive too,” Carter reflected, embodying the couple’s journey and commitment.

Find Soul & Smoke at 1601 Payne St., Evanston; for more information, call 847-859-2732 or visit their website at soulandsmoke.com/evanston.