MUNCIE — Restaurants are finding ways to press on despite the challenges of the pandemic. Andrea Nicole Venable Bond, a business owner in Muncie, opened Mama Bond's Soul Food Kitchen on Friday.
"From last night, we had people calling us, placing orders. We didn't want to turn anyone away. This morning at 8:30, they started coming in," Venable-Bond said.
Mama Bond's was so busy, they ran out of food by the end of their first day of business. With that happening, Venable Bond has faith this Soul Food Kitchen, which she said is the only one of its kind in Muncie, is going to do well. That helps her with the goal of having a positive impact on her community
"I wanted to open up something in Muncie to employ more people," Venable-Bond said. The pandemic made her change up her plans because a restaurant wasn't her first idea.
"The pandemic hit in march and I was talking to my father and he said.. do you really want to open a daycare during this time."
While opening a restaurant is still a big risk, she's staying the course and trusting in her faith.
"I trust God. I have a decal on the wall that says 'let your faith be bigger than your fear.' It just explains itself. I have to have faith and we'll overcome, making it a success," Venable-Bond said
Venable-Bond honored her husband's family by naming the restaurant after his mom. Mama Bond's Soul Food Kitchen will be open seven days a week from noon to six. It's located in downtown Muncie in the Rose Court Building
