There is an adage that goes “the customer is always right.” For Sonya Colyar, owner of Simply Sonya’s Lounge and Restaurant, she pays attention to what her customers tell her. And when one regular customer suggested she should be a Hope du Jour restaurant, she took it to heart.
“I’d seen it advertised, but I didn’t understand how it worked. After I learned more, I signed up and I’m excited to be a part of it. It’s so easy to help Crisis Control Ministry, I love that.”
Sonya has been in the restaurant business for 14 years in four different locations in Winston-Salem. Her expertise in the kitchen has earned her a loyal following. She said, “My Southern cuisine includes everything from mac & cheese, oxtails, fried chicken, meatloaf, and her specially created ‘soul food egg rolls,’ to shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles.”
David Winship, an enthusiastic customer, remarked, “I drive from Tennessee just to get her meatloaf and candied yams. The friendly atmosphere makes it even better.”
Hope du Jour joins several other nonprofits that Simply Sonya’s supports. “We support A Legacy of Hope out of Greensboro and Men of Valor in Winston-Salem. We’ve partnered with both of these nonprofits whenever they feed the homeless and we help them with their fundraisers when they have a night where we donate a percentage of sales.
“We support these nonprofits because they do a lot for the community and, as a business owner, it’s a way that I can help give back, to play an active role in my community.”
Sonya noted that May 5 is also Cinco de Mayo. “I’m planning to have ‘soul food tacos’ as the special for Hope du Jour. We’ll also have our usual menu and will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.”
Simply Sonya’s has become the go-to place for a night out on the town. They offer Funny First Friday comedy nights, live music, karaoke nights, occasional jazz saxophone on Sunday afternoons, and other events. They also have a VIP lounge area and are available for private parties.
When asked why people should dine out for Hope du Jour, Sonya said, “Come out and help our community through Crisis Control. They help keep people safe and warm and fed throughout the year. Every dollar counts! No donation is too little.”
And she added a plug for coming to Simply Sonya’s on May 5: “When you come to Simply Sonya’s, I want you to feel like you’ve just come to your mom’s house or your grandma’s house. We have a comfortable atmosphere, a comfortable vibe, and if I’m here, a good warm hug. A welcoming atmosphere makes the food taste better!”
Simply Sonya’s Lounge and Restaurant is located at 7832 North Point Blvd. in Winston-Salem. Phone: 336-293-8760. Hours are: Tuesday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Thursday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Friday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., and Sunday, 12 – 7 p.m. Additionally, Friday and Saturday 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. For updates and event schedule, visit www.SimplySonyasWS.com and follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/simplysonyasws.