Beloved Island Soul Restaurant At Risk Facing Foreclosure Deadline

Owners Theo and Gaelyn Martin standing in front of Island Soul Rum Bar & Soul Shack (Photo courtesy of Island Soul)

By Elizah Lourdes Rendorio 

Island Soul Rum Bar & Soul Shack, a beloved family-owned Caribbean soul food restaurant known for their signature oxtail stew and rich gumbo, is fighting to keep their doors open in Seattle’s Columbia City. 

Theo Martin, owner and visionary behind Island Soul, said the restaurant is struggling to keep up with loan payments after the closure of their Kirkland counterpart earlier this year.  

“We already paid off almost more than half of the loan in less than three years by selling property,” Martin said. “And they basically said, sell the rest of your property.” 

According to Martin, although business at Island Soul remains strong, the Washington Trust Bank has given him until December to fully pay off the remaining balance, allowing no room for a misstep. 

“If I miss one payment, it's over,” he said.  

VIDEO: Island Soul was highlighted earlier this year on the show Back2Besa on FOX13 Seattle as part of their “Support Black Business” campaign. (Back2Besa / FOX13 Seattle / Converge Media)

Island Soul’s rich history dates back to the 1970s with Martin's father, Jeff, when he first opened Judkin’s Barbeque in the Central District. The restaurant became a hotspot where people traveled from all across the region just to try a plate of the iconic southern barbeque. Soon after Jeff fell ill, Theo took over, relocating the establishment to Columbia City under the new name Island Soul.  

“This is where the community comes together,” Martin said. “You bring family in town, you have reunions, anniversaries… It's a place where you come to share, converse, and be around like-minded people—your community.” 

Tisha Gallow, a devoted customer of Island Soul and close friend of the Martin family, expressed her love for their cuisine and atmosphere. 

“Island Soul has been a staple in Columbia City for many years,” she said. “From the moment you walk in the door, you can just feel a vibe that you can't feel anywhere else… Having Island Soul in a gentrified neighborhood is truly a blessing.” 

In 2023, Martin expanded his family legacy by opening Arleana’s in Kirkland, a French Caribbean fusion restaurant named in honor of his foster mother Lula. They operated under the Arleana’s name until 2024, when Martin decided to pivot the restaurant back to the original Island Soul brand. 

“We saw the writing on the wall that we need to change our concept and stick to what we have been doing,” he said.

Martin explained that customers were more familiar with Island Soul and its unique Caribbean and soul food menu that made the Columbia City location a household name. He realized the value of aligning Kirkland's restaurant with the beloved brand in order to capture and reach a wider audience. 

Unfortunately, the switch came too late. 

“The truth of the matter is, we were challenged with the rent because it kept going up,” he said.  “In a short time, we were not able to maintain being there, so we sold the business.” 

According to Martin, the Kirkland closure put significant financial strain on Island Soul and seeks to restructure their debt with the bank. Converge Media reached out to the Washington Trust Bank but they declined to comment on the matter at this time. 

“We have a business in Seattle that has been doing well for more than two decades and has existed in the family for four decades,” Martin said. “It has proven to be a household name, a place where people go. We're just saying after many years of being a business, all we need is time to repay the debt because we're not going anywhere.” 

Eric Moss, communications director of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development, said business professionals from the OED’s consultant program and the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund are in discussions with Martin as he searches for additional resources. Martin ensured that they are not asking for a handout but simply a chance to keep Island Soul in the fabric of Columbia City and Seattle’s Black history. 

“We do not want to settle here…” he said. “This is what we do. This is what my father did, what I do, and what my kids do.” 

The Martin family seeks not only for support but help finding solutions. They have since sent out letters to community leaders and set up a GoFundMe page to garner support. To Martin, this is more than just about saving a business, but keeping the community together and the family legacy alive for future generations to come.  

Inside glimpse of Island Soul Rum Bar & Soul Shack located in Columbia City (Photo courtesy Island Soul)

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