Alabama soul food favorite closing after 10 years and ‘over 1,000,000 meals’
The restaurant, which has long been described as a hidden gem, features a menu filled with Southern and Caribbean-inspired dishes.
Chloe Mitchell 
A beloved staple of the Alabama culinary scene is set to shutter. Jake’s Soul Food Cafe, a Hoover favorite celebrated for its distinct fusion of Southern comfort and Caribbean flair, announced it will serve its final meals on August 16.
A Decade of Flavor
The family-owned establishment, located at 3075 John Hawkins Parkway, marked the occasion by reflecting on a monumental achievement: serving more than 1,000,000 meals over the last 10 years. In a heartfelt announcement on Facebook, the owners thanked the community across Hoover, Birmingham, McCalla, Bessemer, and Tuscaloosa for their unwavering support through daily lunches, birthdays, catering requests, and the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"With grateful hearts, we announce that Jake’s will officially close its doors on August 16," the team shared. "Over the next 10 days, we invite you to join us for The Final Serve. Come enjoy your favorite meal, share a memory, and celebrate the community that made Jake’s so special."
The Final Serve
To commemorate their final days, the restaurant is offering 20 percent off select menu items through August 16. Diners can stop by to grab favorites like chicken & waffles, whiting, salmon croquettes, and their signature curry chicken.
Known as a "hidden gem" to its more than 24,000 Facebook followers, the restaurant built its reputation on a bold menu featuring Jamaican jerk chicken, stewed oxtails, pork chops, and fried catfish. In a 2020 interview, General Manager Sherrell Moore noted that the restaurant frequently introduced guests to new flavor profiles, specifically citing the unique seasonings of their Caribbean-style oxtails as a dish that consistently turned first-timers into regulars.
Operational Details
Before finding its home in Hoover, the restaurant originally operated on U.S. 31 in Pelham. For those looking to pay one last visit, the cafe will operate from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, with the exception of August 9 and August 16, when operations will conclude at 6 p.m. For the latest updates, visit their Facebook page.
