At the entrance of Quick Bites Soul food a customer will brush pass a small wall decal that reads “Come as guests, leave as friends.” Though it may not be the focal point of the restaurant the saying represents the attitude of the restaurant and more specific, the owner Justin Epting.

Epting has created an atmosphere of what he calls his ministry. He retired from the U.S Navy, a christian, and a family man. Epting has had over 20 years of experience with restaurants and went to school for being a chef. After exploring different options, he knew this was the field for him.  

Epting saw his opening one day once he saw that the owners of the previous restaurant, Mi Casa, were retiring.

“We went home, my wife was with me, so we went home we talked about it, prayed about it, waited,” Epting said. “We just knew God wanted this for us”

Soul food is traditionally known as “southern food,” such as fried chicken, beans, fries, hamburgers, fries, fish, and homemade dessert specials served with ice cream.

“Soul food is food for your heart, food that makes you feel good makes you feel comforted, like a hug,” Epting said.  

Epting and his crew had dedicated his place to God, when the next day he had to go in for heart surgery. On top of this, he was already having to do kidney dialysis for the past eight years 3 hours a week. This  made it even more difficult for him.

“I kept on thinking I got to get back, I got to get back,” Epting said. “But I kept remembering that God’s not going to give me a restaurant and then leave me. So I kinda relaxed and waited till I felt I was healthy enough to come back. When I did, I started to doing good ever since.”

Despite the interruptions, Epting’s business is back on track to where he wants it to be. He  credits the support of God, his family, and the city of Bellevue for making it all happen.   

“People in Bellevue and Papillion, and definitely in this Olde Towne Bellevue area here, have been awesome,” Epting said. “I mean I have had so many people come in here, and they have been praying for me.”

Many customers enjoy not only the food but Eptings friendly personality.

“They are all about taking care of their Bellevue people, and making sure no one leaves hungry,” customer, Kate Szymanski said.

The area is for Epting is fitting, considering it is around base, where Epting explains how he enjoys seeing other veterans around.

Epting uses his restaurant as a way to give back to the community. Quotes stock the walls, chatter of old and new customers fill the room and relaxing lights drape from the ceilings. Epting wants his place as a way for people to come in, decompress and enjoy soul food.  On top of this, he uses his work as a way to provide jobs for other people.

“Most of my money comes from retirement,” Epting said. “I haven’t even got paid since we have been opened but the point for me is to be able to better someone else’s life.”

Quick Bites soul food is located on 105 W Mission Avenue. They’re open Tuesdays-Saturdays 11 a.m. -2 p.m., 4 p.m. -7 p.m.