After setback, Peoria chef returns with soul food in 'perfect' location

Shaun Gist remembers when his grandmother Pearl cooked up mouthwatering wings and greens. As a child, he would watch and help her in the kitchen. He said, sometimes, she spent hours preparing the meals.

Initially, Gist didn’t understand why she dedicated so much time to the food. But he eventually came to realize her secret for creating delicious dishes.

“She taught us take your time. Put your love in your food,” he said. “People can tell when you ain’t putting love in the food.”

Gist carries her lessons and love of cooking with him today. Earlier this year, he opened Shaun Chef Soulfood at 304 S. Western Ave. in Peoria. He feels as if Pearl is still in the kitchen with him.

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‘I almost lost faith’

Gist started searching for his own space soon after a difficult departure from Castle’s Patio Inn in Peoria.

The popular chef began serving up his soul food staples at the establishment in 2021. However, the tavern decided to return to its former menu the following year, and Castle’s Patio Inn and Gist parted ways.

“It made me like almost didn't want to do what I love to do. You know what I mean?” Gist said. “I almost lost faith, you know what I mean, but then I was like, that’s alright. Maybe it wasn't meant to be.”

Afterwards, he continued catering and working a part-time job but quickly realized he wanted a restaurant of his own. Gist said he will never give up on his dream. He described the path to this point as a “fantastic journey.”

This year, he settled into the South Western Avenue storefront, which previously housed N & Out Market. He was drawn to the building’s prominent location along a main road.

“So, it’s like a jewel in the dirt – like wow, perfect,” Gist said, adding he's excited to serve soul food in South Peoria.

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Dinnertime specials and weekly cupcakes

Shaun Chef Soulfood operates from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The business is closed on Wednesday and Thursday.

The menu features a variety of soul food dishes and sides. One lunch option includes a main dish of catfish, chicken tenders or wings. The meal is served with three sides for $14.99.

Customers can order catfish, wings or pot roast for the main dish during dinner – which is served alongside a drink, cupcake, cornbread muffin and all five soul food sides for $24.99. So far, Gist said the pot roast dinner has been a customer favorite.

The various sides include:

• Collard greens with turkey tails

• Garlic butter corn

• Mac and cheese

• Spaghetti

• Sweet potatoes

Aside from the day-to-day menu, the eatery also serves daily specials. Gist said the specials are not the exact same from week to week.

“I try to be different,” Gist said. “That’s why I’m open on Mondays.”

For dessert, customers will find a cupcake of the week for $3. Gist said the Snickers cupcake is one of his favorites.

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‘I love what I do’

Along with feeling his grandma Pearl’s presence in the kitchen, Gist also has the support of his mother, Dora Gist-Mason, who works as the establishment’s general manager.

Gist said his mother supported him from the very beginning of his cooking and catering career – from keeping him motivated to ordering supplies to purchasing a “mama Shaun Chef” hat and other apparel for the business. Now, he said she can often be found helping out at the restaurant during the weekends.

“I’m grateful to her,” Gist said, describing her as the "best mother ever."

Since opening, he said the business has received strong support from the community.

Sundays are normally busy, Gist said, with around 200 people typically stopping by. He recalled the space being filled with customers on one such Sunday.

“It’s been marvelous,” he said. “So, I’m blessed and grateful for that.”

The location only offers carryout, but Gist plans to begin delivery as well. Eventually, he hopes to open a dine-in restaurant with a buffet.

For now, he is glad to bring his soul food to the community.

“I love what I do, and I love seeing them happy from eating it,” Gist said. “So, it’s all love in the food, and that’s what makes soul food.”

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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: 'Fantastic journey' leads Peoria chef to 'perfect' location