MUNCIE, Ind. (NewsLink) -- From the stomach and to the soul, Mama Bonds Soul Food Kitchen has been making a name for itself. Since its opening last November, the restaurant has operated on the principle of family.
“We do have a lot of family members that help out here. I have my sisters-in-law. I have my brother-in-law here as well,” said owner Andrea Venable-Bond.
Bond was unsure of the next step she should take in a rapidly changing time, so she examined the needs of those around her, and thus, Mama Bonds was born.
“I tried to think of ways to create more jobs. I have a cleaning company and also thought of opening a daycare, but my dad knew I wouldn’t want to open one during COVID. Everybody needs to eat, and Muncie doesn’t have a soul food restaurant. That’s how Mama Bonds came to be.”
The restaurant was able to rise above its adversities as it now nears the first anniversary of its opening.
"To be honest, we are really blessed. We see most businesses that have been here are shutting down, but we just started and we’re still here,” said Bond.
The name Mama Bonds originated from the late Regina Bond who passed away in 2014. Her family works to continue her legacy through cooking.
“We wanted to continue her vision in cooking with love. She was intimate with us as family. We’re intimate with you as customers,” said Kenneth Bond, Regina Bond’s son and employee at Mama Bond’s.
Through its adversities, Mama Bonds has proven it's here to stay and make an impact on the Muncie community. Andrea Bond said “as long as we have staff and customers, we’re going to keep going hard and keep Mama Bond’s here as long as we can.”
Students at Ball State can receive a 10% discount with the presence of a student ID.
