Letrell and Samara Russell, both Chattanooga natives and high school sweethearts who met in 1991 at Kirkman Technical High School, are bringing a long-held aspiration to life.

After honing their skills for years — cooking for co-workers, catering events and running street-side stands — their dream became a reality this October when they opened Soul Food Xpress on Brainerd Road.

“This is something we’ve always wanted to do,” said Letrell Russell, who describes their menu as “comfort food — anything you could think of that could bring you comfort in the South.”

Soul Food Xpress is a small, cafeteria-style “meat-and-two,” where customers can order at the counter, choosing from daily selections at the hot bar.