If you haven’t made the short drive out to Pooler lately, it might be time to change that—because something special is happening inside a place you’d probably drive past without a second thought. Tucked inside the Broughton Market near the Tanger Outlets, yes, inside a gas station convenience store, you’ll find some of the most talked-about soul food in the area.

Chef Willa is the force behind Fat Girlz Soul Food. If the name sounds familiar, it should. She built a strong following as a caterer long before stepping into this brick-and-mortar space, and that reputation has followed her in a big way. People aren’t just stopping by—they’re coming from miles around.

And once you taste the food, it all makes sense.

Everything here is made from scratch. Not “kind of scratch,” not “mostly scratch”—we’re talking every vegetable chopped, every piece of chicken prepped, every dish handled with care. It’s the kind of effort you can taste immediately, whether you’re digging into fried chicken, meatloaf, collards, or whatever’s coming out of the kitchen that day.

That commitment to doing things the right way paid off in a big way. Chef Willa took home the 2024 Taste of Pooler award—her second straight win—and it clearly meant something to her. I was there that night. The tears were very real. And as a result, you can feel the pride in every plate. See for yourself here.

Now, a quick heads up before you go: they can get busy. Lines on Sunday mornings aren’t uncommon, and yes, sometimes things run a little behind. But once that food starts rolling, you’ll understand why no one is complaining.

Also important to know—they are closed most Saturdays, so plan accordingly. The good news? Chef Willa is still very much in the catering game, and if you’ve got an event, this is the kind of food people remember.

Gas station, yes, but there are a few tables inside where you can Eat It and Like It. Pro tip: If you see Red Velvet cake? Grab it.

And then there’s the cornbread. Drizzled with syrup and somehow both comforting and completely addictive, it might just steal the show. One bite and you’ll get it.

Bottom line: don’t let the location fool you. This is real-deal, made-with-love soul food that’s absolutely worth the trip. Just 15 or so minutes from Downtown Savannah or 4 minutes off of I-95 if you are driving through the region.

Do it. And thank us later.

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