This week’s Sunday Spotlight shines on Ida-Belle’s Southern Kitchen… a Havana-grown business rooted in tradition, hospitality, and a whole lot of heart.
Owner and Havana native knows this community well… because it’s home. Having grown up right here, it was only natural to build something meaningful in the same place that helped shape her.
Ida-Belle’s Southern Kitchen officially launched in 2021, following the closing of her brick-and-mortar restaurant. But instead of stepping away, she leaned in… falling even deeper in love with the hospitality industry and finding new ways to serve others through food and connection.
And if there’s one thing she wants people to know… there are no shortcuts. Everything is done the way her family did it… with care, intention, and pride in every detail.
While catering remains her most popular service, there’s a growing demand for her private chef experiences… and that’s where she really feels her work shines. Cooking for smaller groups allows her to focus not just on the cuisine, but on creating meaningful, intentional moments around the table. That said… she still loves being part of big celebrations like weddings and corporate events.
When asked about her best-selling offering, it comes back to that same idea… the private chef experience. It’s personal, it’s elevated, and it’s where her passion for both food and hospitality truly comes together.
Even after transitioning away from a physical restaurant, the support from Havana hasn’t gone anywhere. She still feels it… and carries that gratitude with her every day. It’s also why she makes a point to support other local businesses whenever she can… because she knows just how much that community support matters.
Behind the scenes, there’s a lot that people don’t always see. She pours everything she has into her work and her clients… so while she may come across as energetic and outgoing, the days can be long and exhausting. Over time, she’s learned how important it is to find balance… to step away when needed and make space for self-care, even in small ways.
When she does get a break, you’ll likely find her spending time with others in the hospitality world… swapping stories, decompressing, and building connections with people who truly understand the grind. It’s part networking, part therapy, and a whole lot of mutual support… a reminder that even in a group of self-described “misfits,” there’s a strong sense of community.
Ida-Belle’s Southern Kitchen is more than just great food… it’s about connection, tradition, and showing up for people in a meaningful way… one meal at a time.