McKnights: Soul Food At Its Best

William McKnight has a vision:

An upscale, fine dining soul food experience with an intimate jazzy, urban appeal.

The result:

McKnights Soul Food, smack dab in the middle of downtown, across the street from the Amway Center at 595 West Church Street.

With its mahogany walls, gigantic fish tanks and a decor that oozes a rustic ambiance, McKnights weaves a tapestry of elegance that one would quickly associate with an Atlanta or New Orleans nightspot.

We recently spoke with Mr. McKnight, the 29-year old native Orlandoan from South Street and Westmoreland, to learn more about the man, his vision and of course, the fabulously wonderful, McKnights Soul Food.

Arriving at 2:30 p.m., and just after the lunchtime rush, the first thing I noticed was the entrance and its great big doors and stout handles, atypical of a downtown Orlando restaurant.

As I entered the restaurant, I thought to myself, ‘wow, someone has spent a lot of cash.’  The decor immediately pulls you in and engulfs the visual senses and you are quickly reminded that, ‘this ain’t your daddy’s soul food restaurant.’ Plush, warmth and intimacy abound.

Sitting down with McKnight was also a huge ‘wow’ as I asked him to explain the ‘who,’ ‘what,’ ‘when,’ and ‘whys’ of McKnights Soul Food.

“I wanted to bring to Orlando something the city has never had,” says Mcknight.  “A nice, upscale environment where you could enjoy your evening out, with great food, in a nice, wholesome environment.”

Is that all, I think to myself.  As I look around at the spaciousness, the quality furnishings that one would find at any quality steak house, I’m perplexed.  At every booth, there is a sense of privacy, each offering a unique experience in hospitality. As McKnight speaks, I lie in wait with my next question: How has the public responded?

“The public is blown away, it’s not expected,” he answers. “You walk in, you have bamboo on the walls with Mahogany paneling, beautiful booths, beautiful tables. It’s completely unexpected.”

Unexpected indeed. McKnight, a Boone HS grad, explains why: “Its something new. Its unexpected.”

I ask McKnight about the menu, as plates go by stacked and packed with gigantic Pulled Pork, BLT sandwiches and Chicken Alfredo. Wait! Chicken Alfredo and Mozzarella Burgers in a soul food restaurant? What’s that?

“We serve traditional soul food of course, but we also offer Curry Shrimp Tacos and our McKnights Medley Pasta which has a European soul food flavor,” exclaims McKnight. “We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and offer daily specials.”

By this time I am delirious with hunger as the aromas of the McKnights kitchen assault my sensibilities, but I swore a vow to taste nothing.

At this point in the discussion I am thoroughly impressed with this young entrepreneur. A local kid, employing 20 people and helping Orlando emerge from the extended stay recession.

Curious of course, I asked Mr. Mcknight how he got here. What motivated him to open Orlando’s finest Soul Food restaurant? But those answers will be provided in part 2 of, McKnights: Soul Food At Its Best.