For 15 years, M&M Soul Food thrived at 801 Manchester Ave., close to The Forum and SoFi Stadium. However, when their lease was up for renewal, the landlord dramatically increased the rent from $6,000 to $14,000. Beverly Brinson, the owner of M&M Soul Food, explained to Inglewood Today, “He knew we couldn’t afford to pay that much. We were barely making the $6000.” This rent hike forced the beloved soul food establishment to relocate, a story that resonates with many small businesses in Inglewood facing similar pressures due to the city’s growing popularity.
Brinson recounts how many loyal customers mistakenly believed M&M Soul Food had closed permanently and started frequenting other soul food spots like Dulans on Manchester. The uncertainty was heavy until a fortunate turn of events. While driving on Imperial Hwy, her son Jerry stopped at a Mexican restaurant. Inside, overwhelmed with emotion, Brinson began to cry. In an unexpected act of kindness, the Mexican restaurant owner offered to lease her his space for the same rent she was previously paying. For Brinson, it was “nothing but an act of God.”
Beverly Brinson’s journey to Inglewood began in Jackson, Mississippi. In 1974, seeking refuge from an abusive marriage, she arrived in Los Angeles with her two children and just $14. Her mother, Celestine Mosley, provided support as Brinson rebuilt her life. The name M&M Soul Food has a personal history too. Originally, it stood for Mississippi Mary, honoring Brinson’s godmother. Later, after Brinson took ownership in 1990, it came to represent Mississippi Moses, her maiden name.
M&M Soul Food has moved locations throughout Inglewood over the years, but Brinson feels optimistic about the current space. “As you can see there is much more space here,” she notes, gesturing to the walls adorned with photos of celebrities who have enjoyed their renowned Southern cuisine. The menu boasts mouthwatering dishes like succulent oxtails, tender short ribs, sweet candied yams, crispy Southern fried catfish, classic macaroni and cheese, flavorful greens, comforting cornbread, and smothered liver and onions. Turkey chops are also a popular choice.
Despite the larger space and the same beloved recipes, M&M Soul Food is facing new challenges. The staff has reduced from 19 to 12, including her son Jerry and daughter Toni. Brinson candidly shares, “I think the primary problem is that people don’t know we are still in business and I don’t have the financial resources to get the word out. I need help or we may have to close.” To combat this, the family has launched a GoFundMe campaign, hoping for community support to keep this family-owned culinary gem alive.
Ms. B’s M&M Soul Food is now located at 4549 W Imperial Hwy in Inglewood. For those craving authentic m&m soul food and wishing to support a local institution, they can be reached at (310) 330-2697.
