One of Fayetteville's most-missed restaurants returns at homecoming event

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Hi foodies,

Iconic soul food restaurant Vick’s Drive-In was a popular spot for returning alumni during Fayetteville State University’s homecoming.

Until it closed in 2014, after 57 years in business.

But this weekend, local chefs aim to recreate the flavors and vibe of Vick’s at the S.T.A.M.P.E.D.E. Homecoming Wrap Up, hosted by Innergy Education Consulting Company.

Happening from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at E.E. Smith, attendees can get a taste of one of Fayetteville’s most-missed restaurants with ribs, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, chitlins, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, rice and gravy, yams, fries and bread rolls, Remembering Vick’s organizer Rakeem Jones said.

“Of course, we’re going to have chitlins, because that’s what everybody wants,” Jones said.

The food is from Diva Delights & Cordials and Heart & Soul Soul Food and Lounge. A protein, two sides and a drink is $10.

A portion of the proceeds benefit Innergy, which focuses on peace education and mental health, Jones said.

Shirts that commemorate the soul food restaurant will also be for sale, he said.

This isn’t the first time that Jones has brought back Vick’s. For the last three years, he’s hosted a July festival centered around recreating the restaurant — a place where he said many have fond memories of eating comfort food, listening to music and hanging out.

“This is really about bringing back this feeling for all the alumni that went to E.E. Smith and Fayetteville State,” Jones said.

Next year, he hopes to serve favorites from Vick’s for the entire week-long homecoming celebration, he said.

But for now, Jones said he’s thankful to be able to provide the experience for a couple of hours this weekend.

“It just started from an idea,” Jones said. “To see where it is now just goes to show that people really love Vick’s.”

Happy eating,

Taylor

Taylor Shook writes about food, dining and business for The Fayetteville Observer. She can be reached at tshook@gannett.com, on Twitter, or Facebook. 

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Vick's Drive-In returns to Fayetteville at Sunday homecoming event