Kelsey and Kim’s will expand to include a third location at the corner of Kentucky and Pacific avenues called A.C.’s Southern Touch.
According to his wife, Kelsey absolutely loves what he does and wouldn’t have it any other way. Kim said she cooks sometimes and likes the restaurant business, but she makes sure they take time off and vacation together. She refuses to let them be consumed by the business and this seems to keep them balanced.
Plus, managing two locations gives them some time apart. They advise others who might think they’ll get rich as restaurant entrepreneurs, “You better not get into it because of the money. And you better have a passion for it and plenty of dedication. A lot of it is not what you think so it’s good to work at a restaurant first. Also, location is very important.”
Kelsey also said when it comes to “soul food” especially, consistency is extremely important.
Back in the 1980s and early '90s, Kelsey would often have customers at Trump Marina who asked “Where can we get some of our own food?” What they meant was “soul food,” the traditional fare of African-Americans, consisting of lots of beans or legumes, rice, root vegetables and little meat, not the greasy, salty, pork-filled diets some think of as soul food.
Kelsey realized there was a void, a need, and he wanted to make a difference.
After 18 years, the original take-out is still called soul food and employs four people. The Melrose Avenue location is called a “southern café” and has about 20 employees.
At some point, they realized southern was a broader term for many of the foods on their extensive menu and they didn’t want to exclude anyone.
When I visited, for sure, no one was excluded. Locals ate in or waited outside for their take-out orders and tourists filled the tables for dinner in the warmly colored dining room with lots of windows facing the inlet.
Some people like to describe soul food as “any food cooked with lots of patience and love.” I think Kim and Kelsey’s food is just that, a reflection of their own patience and love for one another, so if the success of their first two locations is any indication of the third, they are in good shape. This year, Kelsey and Kim celebrated 20 years of marriage.
READ: Klassic Soul Food review
The southern New Jersey shore continues to be one of the most dynamic, relevant restaurant regions in the nation.
We are, without the slightest hint of hyperbole, like nowhere else in the country. Maybe the world. New Jersey is known as the Garden State with good reason and this is the epicenter of that garden.
There is no more telling indicator of spring’s arrival hereabouts than the opening of new businesses, especially in food service sectors. In spite of a still-moribund economy, the Atlantic City region continues to percolate with activity. Here are a few of the 2010 season’s most hotly anticipated arrivals.
I've tasted IHop's new [chicken and waffles] dish and they're missing the key ingredient — soul! Eating chicken and waffles at IHOP is like eating a Philly cheesesteak in Montana. It's not even close." See photos and video...
The place is bright and lively, with a dining space shaded in comforting dark yellow and orange tones. A prophetic sign hangs near the entrance to the kitchen door reading: “Faith, Family, Friends.”
If you’re looking for a new hiding place, one that serves serious, authentic Mexican fare in an easily accessible location, look no further than La Escondida II in Pleasantville.
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1. AC Flyguy said... on Aug 8, 2012 at 10:57AM
“I'm sure a Southern Touch is going to be MUCH better than the building's former tenant Redding's.”
2. Henrietta Wallace Shelton said... on Aug 8, 2012 at 11:55AM
“I wish them success. If they continue to serve excellent food and have good services with a good staff then they should do well. They have my support. I enjoy eating at the Atlantic City location, my favorite meal is the liver & onions. Oh yes do not forget to try their chicken you will enjoy. Congratulation”
3. dianne washington said... on Aug 8, 2012 at 05:32PM
“Nice article! Wishing them the best in success. Hope they are well supported in AC. Will be sure to visit Kelsey & KIm's the next time I'm in town!”
4. Rick Brandon said... on Aug 9, 2012 at 07:02AM
“I'm sure their new location will be a success, their food and service is excellent.
"Being from the south, I know good soul food!"Also enjoy their Jazz venue! Congrats Kelsey & Kim!!”
5. Eddie Morgan said... on Aug 13, 2012 at 01:17AM
“I'm so excited for them. Kelsy n Kim will step up their game in such a large dining room. I have no doubt they can. Really looking forward to entertaining folks there. We will perform Sat. AUG 18th @ the uptown spot. 6:30-10:30. Stop by and share an evening with The Eddie Morgan Trio.”
6. karen b. said... on Aug 17, 2012 at 10:01AM
“Congratulations to Kim & Kelsey (kesley!) On their success in a difficult business even during tough economic times. They must be doing a lot of thing well. Continued success to them. Thank you Ms. Raheem for another great article about the other AC.”
7. Anonymous said... on Sep 5, 2012 at 05:01PM
“A WORD OF ADVICE FROM A FORMER CUSTOMER OF REDDINGS .
KEEP THE MENU SMALL AND HIRE PROFESSIONAL COOKS
KEEP THE MENU CONSISTANT.
IF I COME IN AT LUNCH AND THE FOOD IS GREAT, IT SHOULD BE JUST AS GOOD AT DINNER.
REMEMBER THIS AND YOU WON'T END UP CLOSING AND DISAPOINTING THOUSANDS OF SOUL FOOD LOVER'S
WHO GO TO ATLANTIC CITY TO ENJOY GOOD SOUL FOOD.”
8. Dennis Cogan said... on Sep 22, 2012 at 09:19AM
“Great place with wonderful food and terrific hosts”
9. Jackie millet said... on Feb 22, 2013 at 05:15PM
“Ate there this morning for breakfast food was escalante and server great place was recommended by friends and will tell more friends to eat there when in atlantic city.”
10. Robin and mansurabdulmuizz said... on Mar 9, 2013 at 10:57AM
“The first time we went we were in awe of all the food that we saw on other peoples plate. My wife never had catfish so she ordered the catfish macaroni and cheese candied yams cabbage. I ordered meatloaf cabbage and the candied yams, believe me when I tell you the food was just crazy delicious the staff was so hospitable . We are from Philly , we want to eat a real dinner we head straight to Kim an Kelsey . Mr. Kelsey and miss Kim please keep this fabulous dinning experience going. Today is Saturday our children are away at their grandparents. See you this afternoon. Oh by the way save my wife some catfish.”
11. Roni Mayes said... on Mar 20, 2013 at 08:57PM
“I love Kelsey and Kim's. Every time I am in AC I go there to eat. My husband just visited the new place on Pacific. We love K & K! Great food just”