Featured Business: Soul of the Sea

There are some really good places to eat in Downtown Millville. This is certainly one of them.

Photo by Bill Horin/ArtC. Story by Rob Laymon/ArtC.

At Soul of the Sea, the comfort of classic soul food meets the briny freshness of the shore. Owner Sam Fowler's fusion of fried chicken with blue crab isn't 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 nonstop. Best sellers 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 by his mom and grandmom. And yes, he has big plans.

“We’re going to be a chain one day,” Fowler said. “That’s my vision, I want to start my own franchise.

“I’ve been doing it for 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.

Phone: 856-825-6288

Cell: 856-405-7553

Website: www.facebook.com/1SOULOFTHESEA/

Email: sots622@gmail.com

Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11 am - 9 pm