Vern’s Place may have changed locations, but the delicious fare prepared by owner Suvern Freeman-Simmons and her staff hasn’t. 

The popular soul food restaurant relocated to 2807 Elm Street in Deep Ellum last November, and celebrated its grand opening in February 2008. The event was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, which included a prayer by Pastor Rickie Rush (International Body of Christ). Edward Okpa of Integrated Valuation and Roy Laverne Brooks, vice chair of the state Democratic Party offered words of encouragement.

Freeman-Simmons, who’s affectionately called “Ms. Vern,” opened the eatery over 40 years ago. “It all began with an opportunity. My sister and I took over the Main Street building from a couple whose marriage was dissolving,” she recalls. “Shortly thereafter, my sister decided to open another business and asked if I could handle it and I replied, ‘Yes.’ I had no money — maybe $40 and a jukebox. Back then good music was really popular, so I used the money from the jukebox to keep the restaurant going. God is good!”
–cheryl w. robinson

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