In an age where fast food franchises and influencer-backed pop-up kitchens dominate the dining conversation, Woos and Keems Soulfood Restaurant LLC in Cheraw, South Carolina reminds us what true culinary legacy looks and tastes like. It isn’t trendy. It’s timeless.
On my recent visit to Cheraw—a town deeply etched into the Black American story—I stumbled into what I’d describe as a spiritual extension of our culture’s resilience: a brick-and-mortar Black-owned soul food restaurant that doesn’t just serve meals, but preserves memory.
First Impressions: Beyond a Meal, This Was a Moment
Cheraw, known for its Civil War history, jazz heritage (as the hometown of Dizzy Gillespie), and a strong yet often overlooked Black Southern identity, is a town with deep roots. After a business meeting, my partner and I were looking for a bite to eat—and what we found was far more than food.
We stopped into Woos and Keems, located at 129 Market Street, and were immediately met with a familiar warmth. No gimmicks, no over-polished menus. Just Southern hospitality and food that speaks to generations of tradition.
The Food: Honest, Homegrown, and Hard to Criticize
I ordered the grilled chicken salad, which came topped with seasoned meat, crisp greens, and a boiled egg. I give it an 8 out of 10—a light but satisfying choice that didn’t skimp on seasoning or care.
My partner ordered a plate that said more about the kitchen than any mission statement could: fried chicken wings, mac and cheese, and fried okra. The mac was creamy and rich, the okra crispy (even to a non-fan like me), and the wings were so well-received she nearly refused to share. That alone speaks volumes.
Original Analysis: What Makes This Restaurant Important
Most reviews will stop here. They’ll say “good food, good service” and slap on a star rating. But as someone who writes not just about food, but about the survival and innovation of Black entrepreneurship in the South, I want to take this further.
Woos and Keems is more than a restaurant—it’s resistance.
In a town where gentrification hasn’t yet reared its head, but economic pressure is real, the presence of a fully functioning, Black-owned, dine-in establishment says something powerful: we are still here, feeding our communities, on our terms.
The very existence of a soul food restaurant with real roots, brick walls, and a steady clientele is a cultural win, not just a business one. And to that end, Woos and Keems isn’t just feeding people—they’re holding space. A space where Black food, made by Black hands, for Black people and others, stands untouched by dilution or trend-chasing.
Customer Reviews: What the Community Says
To understand Woos and Keems from a community lens, I dug into verified reviews across Yelp, Google, and social platforms. The results confirmed what I felt firsthand.
⭐ Google Reviews – 4.7 stars
“Food was amazing! Especially the greens and yams. Very welcoming people. Great portions.”
“Nice little gem in Cheraw. The music was good, the service was quick, and everything tasted homemade.”
⭐ Yelp – 5.0 stars
“Collard green egg rolls were mind-blowing. You can tell this food is cooked with love.”
“Quaint little spot. Food was hot, fresh, and fast. The owners were friendly. It felt like family.”
Critical Notes (for fairness)
Some constructive feedback mentioned limited weekend hours or wait times during rush periods. However, most reviewers agreed it was “worth the wait” and felt the food delivered on all fronts.
Why This Matters: A Black-Owned Brick-and-Mortar Is Still Rare
In 2025, the push for economic empowerment in Black communities is louder than ever—but too often, it doesn’t translate into real-world support. Many Black entrepreneurs are forced into food trucks or pop-ups because of red tape, lack of funding, or discriminatory lease practices.
That’s what makes Woos and Keems so significant: they defied the odds.
They didn’t just build a menu—they built a place. A place you can walk into after church, after work, or after a funeral and still feel grounded.
It’s what our ancestors wanted when they talked about owning something that couldn’t be taken from us. It’s the manifestation of Black economic freedom—plate by plate.
Important Details for Visitors
Woos and Keems Soulfood Restaurant LLC
📍 129 Market Street, Cheraw, SC 29520
📞 (843) 910-2032
⏰ Open Tuesday–Friday: 11 AM – 6 PM
🚫 Closed Saturday through Monday
Menu Highlights (based on customer favorites):
- Fried Chicken Wings
- Collard Green Egg Rolls
- Mac and Cheese
- Smothered Pork Chops
- Peach Cobbler (when available)
Note: Menu items rotate depending on availability and day of the week.
Final Verdict: 8/10 — A Must-Visit for Cultural and Culinary Reasons
I walked into Woos and Keems expecting lunch—I left having experienced a moment. A moment that reminded me why we need to support Black-owned businesses. Why we must tell our stories. And why food, when done with intention, becomes more than a transaction—it becomes testimony.
I give this restaurant a proud 8 out of 10, not just for the food, but for the purpose, the presence, and the pride baked into every corner.
If you’re ever in Cheraw—or even within driving distance—make the trip. Sit down. Order a plate. And remember what soul food really means.
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