Status: OPEN
Smith’s Soul Food Bistro in Gastonia, North Carolina isn’t just a restaurant – it’s a community mission. Owned by former NCAA basketball champion Cheryl Littlejohn, this soul food establishment was created to help local youth by providing jobs and opportunities. After Restaurant Impossible’s visit, it’s still serving that mission today.
From Basketball Champion to Restaurant Owner
Cheryl Littlejohn’s path to restaurant ownership came through heartbreak. After being fired from her NCAA coaching job, the former college basketball champion channeled her energy into a new mission: opening Smith’s Soul Food Bistro in Gastonia, North Carolina.
The restaurant was named after her grandmother, and they serve her recipes – authentic soul food with family history in every dish. But Cheryl’s vision extended beyond food. She created the restaurant specifically to benefit local youth by giving them jobs and work experience.
She also started the Lady Vols Legacy & Legends Foundation, a non-profit that raises money for college scholarships. Her sister Deborah Currence volunteers at the restaurant and helps with finances. For Cheryl, Smith’s Soul Food Bistro was never just about profit – it was about community impact.
The Episode (Season 21, Episode 1)
Title: “The Final Shot”
Air Date: April 28, 2022
The episode title referenced Cheryl’s basketball background. Robert Irvine arrived to find a restaurant with a beautiful mission but operational challenges that threatened its survival.
The Transformation
Chef Robert Irvine’s team transformed the interior into a chic bistro featuring:
- Patinaed mirrors adding elegance
- Family-style seating encouraging community
- A dark ceiling creating ambiance
- A look that matched the quality of the food
The menu classics got makeovers too. Signature dishes like shrimp and grits and pork chops were refined while maintaining their soul food authenticity. The grandmother’s recipes stayed, but the execution improved.
Continuing the Mission
After the episode aired, Smith’s Soul Food Bistro doubled down on its community focus. In June 2022, Cheryl organized a massive food giveaway, handing out 20,000 pounds of meat to the Gastonia community.
This is what sets Smith’s apart from many Restaurant Impossible subjects. For Cheryl, the restaurant’s success isn’t measured only in profit – it’s measured in young people employed, scholarships funded, and community members fed.
Reviews and Reception
Post-renovation reviews are generally positive. Customers consistently praise:
- The food quality and authenticity
- The atmosphere
- The owners and their mission
- The community impact
Some reviews mention pricing concerns, but most acknowledge the quality justifies the cost. The restaurant maintains a 4.4-star average rating.
Visit Information
Address: 209 S Chestnut St, Gastonia, NC 28054
Cuisine: Soul Food, Southern
Known For: Shrimp and Grits, Pork Chops, Grandmother’s Recipes
Rating: 4.4 stars average
View Smith’s Soul Food Bistro on Google Maps →
Smith’s Soul Food Bistro represents Restaurant Impossible at its best – not just saving a business, but supporting a mission that lifts up an entire community.
Last verified: January 2026
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