Photo by Bill Horin/ArtC
Story by Rob Laymon/ArtC
Commissioned by Holly City Development Corporation
At Soul of the Sea, on High Street in Millville, the comfort of classic soul food meets the briny freshness of the shore. Owner Sam Fowler’s fusion of fried chicken with blue crab isnt just a menu gimmick, it’s a reflection of his own journey—a second chance turned into a community touchstone on High Street.
“They just naturally go together,” Fowler says of his menu, a sentiment that also describes his blend of faith, food, and ambition.
Soul of the Sea, with its eat-in or take-out service, has been a busy addition to High Street, often crowded with the phone ringing non-stop. Bestsellers are the Pork Chop Platter, Jersey Blue Clawed Crabs and Baked Mac and Cheese.
But Fowler has devoted his restaurant to a higher purpose that goes well beyond wings and dry rubs.
“I’m a Christian man,” he said. “I like giving people second and third chances. I have had a second chance myself and never looked back.”
To that end, Soul of the Sea has played host to street revivals and Christian outreaches, and more such events are coming this summer, Fowler said. He considers himself “on assignment.”
Fowler, who grew up in Bridgeton and now lives in Vineland, makes many sauces and dry rubs from scratch, utilizing methods taught to him by his mom and grandmom. And yes, he has big plans.
“We’re going to be chain one day,” Fowler said. “That’s my vision, I want to start my own franchise.
“I’ve been doing it 23 years in four different restaurants. It’s been a rough ride and I’ve been through a lot of changes. I just want people to think good about the area, and that there is something good going on here. I wanted to be a light.”
It’s clear the light is shining.
Soul of the Sea
622 N High St., Millville
Phone: 856-825-6288
Website: www.facebook.com/1SOULOFTHESEA/
Email: sots622@gmail.com
Hours: Mon.-Sun., 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
