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New soul food restaurant moves into former Hooters at The Citadel

Amber Turner and Beverly Tripp (right to left) destem the collared greens before cooking them at the Stix and Soul Restaurant on Thursday, March 19, 2026. (The Gazette, Jerilee Bennett)

There’s a new soul food spot in town, and it’s calling a familiar place home.

Located in The Citadel mall’s former Hooters restaurant, Stix and Soul is doing business with the mantra of “our soul ain’t served, it’s shared.” The restaurant features six pool tables and offers tasty Southern food options, according to its Facebook page

Posts online show the restaurant was supposed to open in February. That was delayed, and it opened its doors Sunday. Videos on the restaurant’s Facebook page show some of the behind-the-scenes work required to get it open.

On Thursday, the smell of meat permeated the air just outside the restaurant as a pair of smokers ran, getting food ready for the crowds. It appeared to be a hit.

“We sold out by 5PM and we cooked (so) much we thought we had enough for at least 2 days,” the restaurant shared via Facebook on Monday. “God is watching, and He showed us how the city is supporting us no matter what.” 

The post was shared in all capital letters, drawing more than 80 reactions and comments.

Lewis Cox checks in with a customer who gave high marks to the macaroni balls at the Stix and Soul Restaurant at the Citadel Mall on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The soul food restaurant is located where “Hooter” used to be for years. (The Gazette, Jerilee Bennett)
The new Stix and Soul Restaurant is located at the Citadel Mall on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The soul food restaurant is located where “Hooter” used to be for years. (The Gazette, Jerilee Bennett)
Lewis Cox checks on the ready to serve food before covering it back up at the Stix and Soul Restaurant at the Citadel Mall on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The soul food restaurant is located where “Hooter” used to be for years. (The Gazette, Jerilee Bennett)
A meat smoker in operation at a new restaurant in Colorado Springs.
Smoke rises from a meat smoker on Thursday, March 12, 2026, as employees prepare for operations at the new Stix and Soul restaurant at The Citadel. (Alex Edwards, The Gazette)

Between Monday and Wednesday, the restaurant will be open from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday through Friday between 3 p.m. and “close” and on Saturday and Sunday it is open from 11 a.m. to “close.” Saturday will be the first karaoke night, according to social media. 

The food includes a catfish platter, barbecue ribs, fried chicken and more. 

More information can be found on the company’s Facebook page and on The Citadel mall website: shopthecitadel.com.



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