Kelly Rowland Reminisces About Childhood Houston Soul Food Spot and Her Dish

Before attaining global fame as a singer and burgeoning actress, Kelly Rowland loved to satisfy her hunger at her favorite soul food spot in Houston, This Is It. Much like other residents, Kelly and her Destiny’s Child group members—Beyoncé and Michelle Williams—would often spend their Sundays at this local eatery, indulging in the comfort and community it provided.

“Every Sunday, until it was time to go tour or do promo or whatever, it was that space. That’s the part of it that makes you feel this sense of calm and home and community,” Rowland told VIBE about the restaurant.

Now 43 and a mother of two, Kelly has returned to her roots as part of Pepsi’s Local Eats Better program. The initiative turns local restaurant regulars into hometown celebrities, offering them a chance to be featured in a Pepsi ad and have their favorite menu item renamed in their honor.

This Is It, a fourth-generation family-owned establishment, serves comforting dishes in a relaxed setting. To honor Kelly, the restaurant has renamed her favorite meal: peppered steak with rice and gravy, green beans, peach cobbler, and a cold Pepsi.

“A meal at Houston This Is It Soul Food isn’t just about the delicious food and drinks but the memories you create when you’re there,” Kelly shared in a press release. “The pairing of soul food and Pepsi will always remind me of celebrating big moments with my family and friends, and I’m excited to share a taste of that with others.”

Scott Finlow, Chief Marketing Officer of PepsiCo Global Foodservice, emphasized the power of neighborhood restaurants. “The Local Eats Better With Pepsi program celebrates the eateries that connect with their diners beyond just the food. We’re honored to spotlight these hometown gems and the loyal regulars who support them,” he said.

Kelly spoke further with VIBE about her partnership, her experiences with soul food, and eating on the road. Does This Is It still feel like home? “This Is It has been a part of my life for more than 20 years—before and after fame. It’s grounded me with its sense of community and peace, and of course, I love the food,” she responded.

Asked about the meal named after her, Kelly said, “You can close your eyes and pick from the menu, and you’re still going to be fine. But peppered steak with rice and gravy, green beans, and peach cobbler is definitely one of my favorites—it’s a flavor bomb.”

Sharing a story about the furthest she’s traveled for food, Kelly recalled craving Tex-Mex. “I went to my best friend’s mom’s house in Houston for enchiladas verdes instead of going on vacation. That’s how good it was,” she said, laughing.

When asked about her love for cooking, Kelly revealed, “I love cooking for my family. My son loves my sunny-side-up eggs and my husband enjoys my breakfast sandwiches. Seeing them clean their plates and appreciate my food makes it all worth it.”

Eating on the road poses its challenges, but Kelly often calls friends for local food recommendations. “In any city, I want what it has to offer, to feel the community, and to share those moments with people,” she said.

On the importance of supporting Black businesses, especially local ones, Kelly emphasized, “Our community needs to continue growing. Supporting Black businesses helps keep the Black dollar circulating and shows the world what’s cool.”

From Aug. 27 to Sept. 24, Houstonians can enjoy Kelly’s meal for $15 exclusively at both Houston This Is It Soul Food locations. Additionally, fans submitting their restaurant stories by Oct. 31 will receive $3 to enhance their next meal with Pepsi.

Fans can enter on Pepsi Local Eats website.

Source: VIBE