Soul Ramen Opens To Packed Crowds, Nearly 350 Guests And A Weekend Sellout

Airian McDuffy, owner of Soul Ramen Chicago enjoys a moment of smiles ahead of welcoming guests into the newly opened Soul Ramen Restaurant. The Black women owned Ramen Bar is located at 508 East Pershing Road, in Chicago’s Historic Bronzeville community. Photo credit: Joseph Ignatius of E11evate Photography
Airian McDuffy, owner of Soul Ramen Chicago enjoys a moment of smiles ahead of welcoming guests into the newly opened Soul Ramen Restaurant. The Black women owned Ramen Bar is located at 508 East Pershing Road, in Chicago’s Historic Bronzeville community. Photo credit: Joseph Ignatius of E11evate Photography

Soul Ramen Opens To Packed Crowds, Nearly 350 Guests And A Weekend Sellout

A Black Female Owned And Operated Restaurant In The Historic Bronzeville Community


Chicago, IL  —  Soul Ramen kicked off its highly anticipated opening weekend with an overwhelming response from the community, serving nearly 350 guests across its first two days of operation and selling through its inventory on opening day.

On June 20, 2026, Soul Ramen welcomed just under 200 guests as supporters, food lovers, community leaders, and local residents gathered at 508 East Pershing Road in the historic Bronzeville community to celebrate the restaurant's debut. Guests raved about signature menu items including Chef Lance Watson’s Heritage Wings, Shrimp Po' Bao, Fried Oxtail Ramen, and the restaurant's House Ramen, featuring a signature broth that is carefully brewed and stewed over a period of three to five days.

The grand opening celebration featured remarks from 4th Ward Alderman Lamont Robinson, who joined the festivities and helped commemorate the occasion. The event was masterfully hosted by Shaneen Murray and drew strong support from members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, whose presence added to the excitement and energy of the day.

A ceremonial ribbon-cutting brought together key supporters and “vision pushers” behind the project, including Alderman Lamont Robinson, Rahim Muhammad, Lisa Brown, D. Magic Johnson, and Airian McDuffy's father, Freeman Cooley.

Following the successful opening, Soul Ramen returned to service on June 22nd with a limited menu and served approximately 150 additional guests in a short span of time. The continued demand has reinforced the community's enthusiasm for the concept and its unique culinary offerings.

As guest volume continues to exceed expectations, Soul Ramen is actively refining and adjusting its service style and operational flow to better accommodate the growing number of patrons while maintaining the quality and hospitality that define the brand.

"We are incredibly grateful for the love and support shown by the community during our opening weekend," said the Soul Ramen team. "The response has been nothing short of amazing, and we're committed to continuously improving our service to deliver the best possible experience for every guest who walks through our doors."

With momentum building and community support pouring in, Soul Ramen looks forward to welcoming even more guests in the weeks ahead and continuing to serve bold flavors, rich traditions, and unforgettable dining experiences.

About Soul Ramen Chicago

Soul Ramen blends culture, community, and culinary craftsmanship through thoughtfully prepared dishes and deeply developed flavors. From its signature multi-day ramen broth to creative menu offerings inspired by heritage and innovation, Soul Ramen is committed to delivering a dining experience that feeds both the body and the soul.

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