Tampa Soul Food Restaurant To Be Featured On Food Network

TAMPA, FL — After being rescued by Chef Robert Irvine, host of Food Network's "Restaurant: Impossible," Mr. B's Southern Cuisine in Tampa will host a grand reopening Wednesday at 7 p.m.

The world-renowned chef and his team of designers is helping struggling restaurant owners get back on their feet following coronavirus pandemic shutdowns by giving them a makeover.

His goal is to save America's most desperate restaurants from impending failure in just two days with only $10,000.

After spending three days with Irvine's design team, Mr. B's Southern Cuisine at 3401 N. Nebraska Ave., will reopen with a newly renovated space as well as some menu suggestions from Irvine.

Like all Tampa Bay eateries, Calvin Jefferson said his restaurant was impacted by the coronavirus pandemic although he was able to offer his diners their soul food fix with takeout fare.

He describes his offers as "soul food with a twist."

"It’s not just your traditional grandma’s kitchen," Jefferson said. "Once you taste it, we have a saying here, you will be stung by the bee."

In fact, the bee is the restaurant's mascot and locally sourced honey is included in a number of menu items including Mr. B's signature honey hot sauce.

Mr. B's menu features Southern comfort foods including Honey Hot Chicken & Waffles, Sausage Gravy & Biscuit, Cuz'N B's Shrimp & Grits, Fried Fish & Grits, liver and onions, meatloaf, oxtails and Cuz'N B's Famous Bar-B-Q Ribs with sides like collard greens, cabbage, okra and tomatoes, and black-eyed peas.

Although all reservations for the grand reopening are filled, residents craving soul food can visit Mr. B's for breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.