Michigan’s Best Local Eats: Lott and Big Weezy’s Kitchen serves up soul food in Muskegon Heights

MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, MI — Twayne Davis was first inspired to start cooking when he took culinary classes while in federal prison before embarking on a new soul food business when he got released.

His restaurant at 169 E. Broadway Avenue in Muskegon Heights serves up the soul food staples plus a variety of other items.

Davis describes his menu as “unpredictable” because of how much he switches it up each day with the help of his daughter and brother.

Davis, 45, first opened Lott and Big Weezy’s Kitchen in late April of 2019 after he moved back to Muskegon from Flint.

It wasn’t long after that Davis got the attention of the Muskegon area. He describes it as “hard work climbing the ladder,” but God made it happen for him.

“When I got out, I hit the ground running,” Davis. “I started on the streets, cooking on the corners. And once I stopped cooking, everybody told me that I needed to start making food more often, so I got into it again, and it turned out well for me.”

One of the top sellers on the menu is the lamb chop dinner ($20) that comes with deep-fried or grilled lamb dipped in homemade spicy sauce, fried rice, corn on the cob and fresh garlic bread.

For Davis, he said his favorite is the rib tips ($14) that come with homemade seasoning and sauce, made to order as deep-fried or grilled. If customers are looking for a heftier dinner, Davis also makes a savory Cajun chicken alfredo with lobster tails ($30).

While he works to bring soul food dining to Muskegon, Davis said he gets called on the regular to cater parties and events in the community because of his popularity online.

“Everyone knows my style of cooking,” Davis said. “I try to make my menu items more unique than others, items that other restaurants don’t do. I keep a basic menu with rib tips, fish, burgers and stuff like that. But I always bring something different to the table.”

On Sundays, Davis has a “Soul food Sunday” menu to include special sides like collard greens, macaroni and cheese, candied yams, baked spaghetti, pinto beans, potato salad and more for $4 each.

Customers can order Davis’ cuisine through delivery partners like DoorDash, or call (231) 246-7211 to place an order for pickup.

Hours of operation for the restaurant are Tuesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. To see updates to his menu daily, visit the kitchen’s Facebook page.

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