TJM Catering has a menu full of soul food

Tender Juicy Meats (TJM) is a family-owned business that had a grand opening in Kinston on Monday, April 19, 2021. With a location in Greenville, the catering company has been in business for two years with over thirty years of cooking experience. The owners are Melvin Gram, Tierany Graham, and Christine Paige.

"We've been doing catering for quite a while for over 30 years and we've been doing it in the town of Greenville and we just thought we'd come outside of our comfort zone and come into Kinston," said one of the owners, Melvin Graham. 

TJM catering is located inside the Pure Gas Station at 3701 W Vernon Ave, Kinston, NC 28504. They have a drive-through window as well on the backside of the store. Their menu is available online and also on their Facebook page called TJM Catering L.L.C. 

"My favorite [item] off the menu is the oxtails," said Graham.

Not only are meats sold but so are multiple sides, desserts, and they have daily specials.

“The people from Kinston has really shown mega support to us and we are so grateful to them coming in and dining with us and supporting us with our restaurant,” said Paige.

The menu is packed full of soul food items ranging from turkey wings, baked macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, collards, and more. 

Gram said his favorite menu item "is always fried chicken, I've always been a southern boy so mine is always fried chicken." 

Though new to Kinston, the business has seen a good amount of business and many regulars already. They have been close to selling out on a few occasions. 

"We had a great crowd, a lot of people came out,” said Graham. “They enjoyed the food and gave some really good feedback and we have our regular customers so the food is great."

Their business hours are Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm. TJM is closed on Sundays. They serve breakfast on Friday and Saturday 7:00 am to 10:00 am.