Dear Kountry Kitchen,
Let me tell you what you mean to me. Kountry Kitchen was my go-to soul food spot in Indianapolis. It recently became a place for me to clear my mind. A few months ago, I went through something professionally that had some personal ramifications, and it had me a little down. A lunch grab turned into a two-hour venting with a total stranger. That stranger saw me sitting alone and asked to join me. I hesitated, but I agreed, not knowing that it would be that conversation that got me back in the right spirits. The words of encouragement given to me that day are words I won’t forget.
After that, Kountry Kitchen became my go-to place for peace and strategy. Many African American leaders before me would meet and game plan some significant events that happened in our city at Kountry Kitchen. So, as I was preparing for a comeback, I reached out to an old and dear friend. It was time for us to catch up and plan what we wanted to accomplish as school leaders. When she asked me a place to meet up, the first location I suggested was Kountry Kitchen. When we arrived, I felt what all other leaders over the years have felt; Kountry Kitchen was like sitting at your dining room table with a friend and fellowship with family. We would have two additional meetings after that first meeting and would enjoy good food, good conversations, and being around the other folks who enjoyed Kountry Kitchen.
Like many Indianapolis residents, I was saddened by the news that Kountry Kitchen became a victim to fire. I was saddened that their doors closed. I pray the closure is temporary and not permanent. Kountry Kitchen is a pillar in our community, and the black community needs it to reopen. It the place for us to strategize about politics, personal concerns, education, etc. I miss my go-to spot, where I would get my corner booth and order fried catfish, chicken wings, side of greens, yams, and mac and cheese. Oh, I can’t forget my large order of their famous lemonade.
I’m not alone in my feelings. There are thousands of people with similar stories like mine who see Kountry Kitchen as their go-to place. Good things come to good people. Kountry Kitchen, you have been good to the city of Indianapolis, and I am sure the city will return that favor. Whatever you need, I am sure the community will help restore Kountry Kitchen back to its former glory. I will give my little whether that is time or money; I will give something to help with the rebuild.
Sincerely,
David McGuire