CityView Magazine - Fayetteville, NC
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1463303
CityViewNC.com | 51 The collard sandwich is a work of Southern culinary art. The greens, flavored with smoked turkey, are flanked by cornbread fritters and topped with fatback. Learn where you can find 10+ recent art projects + photo-ops Downtown. Henley and his wife, Marilyn, will tell you that a series of small miracles and divine signs led them to purchase the building in need of many cosmetic improvements. Some years ago, the location was Newman's, which served sandwiches and a few Southern dishes, and before that, Smitty's, a bar and grill. A grant from the city helped them fulfill a desire to be part of the revitalization of the Murchison Road corridor, Michael says. It took about nine months of repairs and enhancements, but they were finally able to open the 40-seat restaurant in the middle of a pandemic. While they are seasoned business owners, they have no previous restaurant experience. Just a love of cooking and people. "is is our ministry," says Michael, an FSU business school alum who also owns the concrete company a stone's throw away. "People come in here and see a changed man," he adds. Michael is upfront about past troubles with drugs. He says he's been able to counsel some of his customers. He's been there and can recognize when something is off. Marilyn is also compassionate in her walk. Originally from New York, she met Michael in 1988 at a party. He won her over with his cooking. She formerly owned successful child-care centers in Fayetteville and St. Pauls. Marilyn says working in the restaurant has reminded her of the biblical " judge not," as was the recent case of a woman who works the streets and ended up sharing her story with Marilyn. "You never know what someone has been through," Marilyn says, as she wipes down tables, makes sure folks' orders of neck bones over rice and dark brown gravy are done just right, and visits with a lady dining solo. Marilyn listens intently and encourages the woman, who is battling cancer, and makes sure the shrimp and grits in a Cajun butter sauce are to her liking. The collard sandwich is a work of Southern culinary art. The greens, flavored with smoked turkey, are flanked by cornbread fritters and topped with fatback. FayFIXit.com Submit and follow requests Stay updated on local informaaon and events