Takeout Tuesday: New Hope’s RCK Soul Food

“Comfort” is not a word usually associated with the dog days of winter.

But don’t tell that to Orneary Conley. No matter the season, she does her part to bring a little soul to the Twin Cities.

“Real Cooks Kitchen is your kitchen away from home,” Conley said. “So we specialize in bringing traditional southern comfort food in a commercial environment.”

What initially began as a fundraising activity at her church, soon turned into a catering business.

And three years ago, Conley opened her restaurant, RCK Soul Food, in a building in New Hope that was once home to a Pizza Hut.

RCK Soul Food is located at 7500 Bass Lake Road in New Hope.

“So far so good,” Conley said, when asked how the restaurant was doing. “During the onset of the pandemic, we thought that we would struggle, but actually we were already kind of geared toward takeout, curbside, carry-out, so it did not affect us.”

When your menu consists of items like fried chicken, smothered pork chops, greens and red beans and rice; it’s no surprise that it’s going strong.

“I know how much she invests and puts into her food, so I’m like, ‘man, I’m getting some real good food right now,’” said Enia Kyle, a customer from Minneapolis.

She’s not the only one who has rave reviews about the restaurant.

RCK Soul Food has amassed quite the following over the years, as evidenced by the messages people have written on the boards inside.

“Mac and cheese, sure to please,” Conley said, reading one of the handwritten chalk messages on the wall.

The concept of “soul food” likely means different things to different people. Yet for Conley, it’s all about spreading love.

“Soul food, for me, means a good time,” she said. “It means good times, good vibes, sitting around, talking it up with family and friends. And it just means laughter and love and relaxation.”

Food has the power to uplift and bring people together, and while it’s impossible to satisfy every customer, there are plenty who appreciate the job she’s doing; all thanks to this little taste of the south.

“I feel fulfilled, you know,” said Kyle. “And I know it was made, like, with love.”

New Hope

Takeout Tuesday