Our Story


Born and raised in Massachusetts by a father with southern roots and a mother who emigrated from Korea – Soul N’ Vinegar came from a love of combining cultures, combining cuisines, and finding ways to provide high quality delicious meals to everyone in the neighborhood.

Our first brick and mortar location opened in June 2018 due to the help of a SEED grant and we are focused on connecting with our local community by offering satisfying meals, affordable prices, and supporting equitable food access. Click below to learn more about our journey and thanks for being here!

Michelle Parrish in front of Soul N' Vinegar Cafe
Photo by Scott Elmquist

Some Kind of Hope

June 9, 2020 | StyleWeekly.com

Neighborhood market Soul N’ Vinegar opened in Church Hill two years ago, serving grab-and-go, affordable, healthy meals in the East End, an area oft regarded as a food desert. Owner Michelle Parrish, who opened a second Soul N’ Vinegar inside the Virginia Commonwealth University’s Institute for Contemporary Art in December, has said from the beginning that her mission is to sell food for everyone.

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A Double Dose of Soul

November 19, 2019 | Richmondmagazine.com

One year after opening her converted 572-square-foot brick eatery in Church Hill North, Soul N’ Vinegar owner Michelle Parrish was approached about a second venture, this time inside the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU, the $41 million gallery with continually rotating art exhibitions that opened in April of 2018.

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Soul N’ Vinegar restaurant in Church Hill opens outpost in ICA at VCU

November 13, 2019 | Richmond.com

Soul N’ Vinegar – the year-and-a-half old grab-and-go Church Hill restaurant – has opened a second location inside the Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University.

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New Eatery Brings Affordable, Healthy Food to Richmond’s East End

July 6, 2018 | Richmond.com

On June 30th, Soul n’ Vinegar, a self-described “neighborhood food shop” providing healthy and affordable options, opened its doors to the public in the Church Hill neighborhood of Richmond, Virginia, reports Richmond Magazine.

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Official word from Michelle that Soul n’ Vinegar a go

October 10, 2017 | Church Hill People’s News

It’s all happening! Soul n’ Vinegar is coming to Church Hill. For all of you who chose to stay updated:

Soul n’ Vinegar will be located at 2832 R Street (intersection of 29th and R Street, formerly Ruth’s Beauty Shop). Its goal is to provide affordable, fresh, packaged meals to everyone in the neighborhood…

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Soul Patrol

October 12, 2017 | The Apple Cart

There’s a new market headed for Church Hill in early 2018. Soul ‘n’ Vinegar announced plans to open in March 2018, with pop-up appearances places like Sub Rosato and The Robinson Theater along the way. Soul ‘n’ Vinegar received a 2017 Capital One…

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Soul food (n’ vinegar) rolling into Church Hill

October 11, 2017 | RVAHub

Speaking of delicious soul food, Church Hill residents will soon have a new go-to spot with the opening of Soul n’ Vinegar at 29th and R Streets–the former Ruth’s Beauty Shop space…

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Weekly Food Notes: Pinball Machines, Richmond Restaurant Week + More

October 25, 2017 | Style Weekly

Soul & Vinegar, reports Church Hill People’s News, will open in Church Hill at 29th and R streets in March…

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We’re excited to be participants of the Richmond Black Restaurant Experience!