Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannea Akins.
Hi Shannea, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
When you think of the Best Restaurants in Orlando Nikki’s Place is sure to be the first to come to mind if you’ve ever been there. However, if you’ve never experienced the finer side of soul food, Southern Cuisine, then you must visit Nikki’s Place located less than two minutes from downtown Orlando
Nikki’s Place has been serving up traditional flavor soul food and catering special events in Orlando, Florida since 1999. We know what you like and how you like it!
One might say, the atmosphere, another may say the service, and yet another might say the food. At Nikki’s Place, you’ll experience all of this and more. Here at Nikki’s Place we often find many visitors who have been raised and nurtured from a background where soul food is more than just good food. It’s food that brings rest to your soul. Visitors find that Chef Nick’s food leaves you feeling and knowing everything is going to be alright no matter what life is throwing your way at the time. A meal made with so much love and care satisfies more than just your stomach!
Owner, Nick Aiken, has been in the Food and Restaurant industry since 1952 when he began work in his Aunt’s restaurant. After graduating high school he attended Johnson Junior College and upon graduating continued in the food service business as it has become what his life is about and each dish is a masterpiece. “I’ve developed a reputation for being a good cook and that has opened many doors for me.” Nick has had the privilege of serving Muhammad Ali, Coretta Scott King, and Elvis Presley when he played in concerts at the sports complex.
At Nikki’s Place food is our passion. Whether you’re visiting our place or we are catering to your event you can be assured you’ll experience food from one of the best restaurants in Orlando. Either way, you’ll feel right at home, no matter who you are or where you are from, with more than just good home cooking. If you don’t have much time for lunch, that’s alright, come on in we’ll get you served fast so you can enjoy every bite!
Nikki’s Place specializes in catering for weddings, church events, colleges, and corporate events. We understand when putting on a big event the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not you made the best choice for catering. We will listen to what you need and give you exactly what you want when you want it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In 2015 we had a fire, that closed us for 2 and a half years. We had an article that talked about the struggle. (https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-nikkis-place-parramore-fire-gofundme-20150602-story.html)
Covid was a big hurdle we had to overcome. We missed out on the PPP loans, thankfully we were able to get the SBA Loan. Which did help us stay in business for the time of 2020. In 2021, we had a hard time showing people we were open, as a lot of places shut down due to the pandemic. By the grace of GOD, we were able to stay open and started to get customers back in their seats.
There were many a time, that we thought we were going to miss a paycheck, but we never did the entire pandemic.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Nikkis Place Incorporated?
Nikki’s Place is a black family-owned business that specializes in traditional southern dishes. We are known for cooking southern classics like Liver & Onions, Smothered Pork Chops, Turkey Necks, and more.
Our brand is Nikki’s Place Family! Cooking the way it used to be. You are family once you walk through those doors. And we treat you as if you were one of my cousins, aunt, and uncle.
We offer online services for delivery and takeout. We offer dine-in and catering services too.
Please follow us on IG: @Nikkisplace99 and FB: Nikkis Place Inc.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
There is no luck, it is only the Lord.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nikkisplace.net
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikkisplace99/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nikkisplace/
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/nikkis-place-southern-cuisine-orlando
Image Credits
Shannea “Nikki” Akins, Nick Aiken Jr, Inez Elaine Aiken, Audrey, Bobbitt, Ruth, Smith, Carlos, Thompson, Maurice Butler, Ben Richardson, Shirley Ocasio, Kay Reed, and Jamal Stevenson
