(Atlanta, Georgia)  Plans have been set in motion to declare Atlanta as the preferred home of America's National Soul Food Museum (SFM).  The expansive and colorful collection of nostalgic Soul Food history & memorabilia is a perfect fit for the Sweet Auburn Historic District Avenue, says Soul Food Museum Founder Chef, Dr. Willhoite, Willhoite believes Auburn Avenue, once known as the "richest street in the world", will serve as an excellent location to install phase III.  The proposed
50,000 square foot facility will house nearly 400 years of significant contributions to the history of food, agriculture and hospitality, by African Americans.

  

Chef, Dr. Kenneth Willhoite

  

The center, aimed at promotion of travel, trade and tourism, is projected to create approximately 200 jobs.  Classes will be offered in culinary arts, hotel/motel, etiquette, and customer service.  The (SFM) will focus and showcase the history of foods from across the United States. Kitchen equipment and favorite corporate foods of African Americans will be highlighted.  A 200-seat theme restaurant will feature traditional cuisine, along with an array of goods targeted specifically toward healthier lifestyles.

  

  

Supported with a resolution from all members of the City Council of Atlanta and endorsement from Senator John Lewis and public support from Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, it appears Atlanta is hungry for this unique brand of entertainment and education.

The Soul Food Museum was anticipated and well received and acknowledged at the National Urban League 2012 "Empower the Nation", annual conference in New Orleans, keynote speaker, President Barrack Obama, the Black Mayor's Annual Conference and the Essence Music Festival also enjoyed the (SFM) booth exhibit.

  

In December of 2012 Chef, Dr. Kenneth Willhoite and the Soul Food Museum hosted the organization's 10th Annual (SFM) Awards Celebration.  The event gave recognition to servers, concierges, chefs, caterers, shoe shiners, bartenders, hotel staff, food and drink manufacturers,
and the hospitality industries.

  

The SFM is scheduled soon for a nationally sponsored 48-state tour.  The tour will consist of interesting exhibits and information on health awareness.  The event will target diseases and illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, heart attack, stroke and HIV/Aids.  As the exhibit travels around the country, people will be drawn to visit the City of Atlanta.  SFM is a 501(c3) and was founded in the annex of historic Big Bethel AME Church, Atlanta's oldest African American Church.  If all goes according to plan, they will find the museum headquarters located on Historic Sweet Auburn Avenue.

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