Anonymous Donor Helps Momma Dean’s Reopen

— Momma Dean’s Soul Food is open for business again after being shut down last week for nonpayment of state and local taxes.

The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration issued a business closure notice to the Fayetteville restaurant Aug. 19 and shut the eatery Oct. 5, said Tom Atchley, the department’s administrator.

Momma Dean’s owner Meneria Morrison said someone gave her thousands of dollars to help her pay more than $8,000 she needed to reopen.

“I know it was somebody that loved me, that’s all,” she said. “If they wanted it known who they are, they wouldn’t have done it anonymously.”

Atchley confirmed Tuesday that all past taxes were paid and Momma Dean’s could reopen.

Morrison said she reopened for business Saturday.

“I’m glad to be open because I missed all my customers,” she said.

Momma Dean’s, 1701 S. School Ave., is managed by Morrison’s son, Terry. The business opened in 2007.

Morrison started serving free meals to people in need last fall. She said then she would serve one free meal for every meal sold.

“I’m still doing everything I was doing before,” Morrison said.

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