MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, MI – Pearl’s Is It has been housed in Muskegon Heights City Hall for 26 years, serving home cooking for the soul.
Six months ago, Michael Jefferson, 40, took over the business started by his late grandmother Pearl Jefferson-Dean in 1996. He took over ownership from his aunt Barbara Cheeks.
Jefferson said he tries to stick to the same recipes his grandmother made and treasured as a kid.
However, with the pandemic and the business set up in a small building out of sight, Jefferson worries that potential customers may not have had a chance to see the restaurant at 2723 Peck St.
To jump-start the business, Jefferson said he’s been going to church parking lots and putting flyers on vehicles, in addition to advertising in Facebook foodie groups.
“It’s been a bit difficult, because it’s still a bit slow,” Jefferson said. “Because people don’t know, so I’ve had to do a marketing boost lately. I have to try something to get people’s attention.
Some of Pearl’s bestsellers are the Turkey Knuckles meal ($13) which includes two sides and fresh cornbread, and the Catfish meal ($13) which includes catfish nuggets or fillets, a choice of two sides and cornbread.
If that’s not enough to fill the stomach, Pearl’s also serves its popular Chicken Wingdings meal ($9) with a touch of special seasoning, fries and toast.
Some of Pearl’s popular side dishes ordered with meals range from macaroni and cheese and fries to baked beans and collard greens.
For specials, Jefferson recently started doing Taco Wednesdays and six Wingdings and Fries for $8.
Jefferson said he plans to reopen the business for catering services within the next month and hopes the community can come out to sample comfort food.
“I want the community to know about the business,” Jefferson said. “We’re just trying to keep serving the community, and it’s been let down in the area I’m in. It’s really difficult. We need people to support us, so we can keep the doors open.
Business hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. To place a takeout order at Pearl’s, call (231) 737-5376 and visit their Facebook page for the menu.
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