Beloved Martha Lou’s Kitchen Building to Be Demolished

After 37 years, soul food restaurant Martha Lou’s Kitchen will not reopen its Morrison Drive doors. WCBD broke the news that owner Martha Lou Gadsden sold the building due to the increase in development in the NoMo area, and Post & Courier stated that the building, owned by Craig Bennett, is set for demolition.

The NoMo area has seen an increase in luxury apartments and other high-end developments in the past few years. Martha Lou’s Kitchen has been on Morrison Drive long before popular spots like Tattooed Moose, Goat Sheep Cow, Edmund’s Oast, and Lewis Barbecue popped up near by.

While Martha Lou Gadsden is 90 years old, she could still be found in the kitchen with her family. Martha Lou’s Kitchen was praised for its fried chicken, lima beans, cornbread, and affordable prices.

Granddaughter Melanie Alston told the Post & Courier that COVID was not a factor in the closing. So it seems Charleston might get more fancy condos (woohoo [sarcasm]) in the place of a Southern food legend.

• All Martha Lou’s Kitchen Coverage [ECAR]
• Martha Lou’s Kitchen Closes After 37 Years [WCBD]
• Martha Lou’s Kitchen, Peninsular Charleston’s Preeminent Soul Food Destination, Has Closed [P&C]