Menu at SHopper's Kitchen's relocated restaurant is '95% new' and features perfect catfish

Keishera Lately, Topeka Capital-Journal

It all started with cheesecake.

That's how Sylvia Hopper remembers her journey into the culinary world.

After posting a piece of her homemade cheesecake on her Facebook page in 2019 — Hopper was finishing culinary classes through a hospitality incubator program at the time — business began to skyrocket.

Since then, she has served the Topeka community by opening SHopper's Kitchen at 4140 S.W. Huntoon St. in May 2021. That building previously housed Top Dog, Fugetaboutit Pizza and Roxy's Donut Dive and Coffee Bar.

Hopper closed the Huntoon Street location in October.

The closure of her first brick and mortar brought the opportunity for a larger location for the Topeka eatery.

Sylvia Hopper, owner and chef at SHopper's Kitchen and Vista Event Center, removes a freshly fried piece of catfish for an order Tuesday. Hopper says the catfish is available Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays as long as she can get the large filets she prefers.
Sylvia Hopper, owner and chef at SHopper's Kitchen and Vista Event Center, removes a freshly fried piece of catfish for an order Tuesday. Hopper says the catfish is available Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays as long as she can get the large filets she prefers.

SHopper's Kitchen provides a new dining in experience

In December, The Capital-Journal reported Hopper would relocate to 250 S.E. 29th St. with a restaurant and event space dubbed The Vista.

SHopper's Kitchen officially opened its doors March 1, Hopper said.

"It's been nice getting the community support and figuring out some different processes and making some changes on things along the way," Hopper said. "But I'm really excited about the community and how the community is supporting us and they're doing marketing for me."

Hopper said the experience has a new feel with the dine-in option with "real plates, real silverware, real glasses."

"Then the menu has changed," she said, and "95% of the menu has changed with what we've added on and eliminated from the original."

Tables await customers Tuesday at the new SHopper's Kitchen location, 250 S.E. 29th St.
Tables await customers Tuesday at the new SHopper's Kitchen location, 250 S.E. 29th St.

Such new menu items as classic grilled cheeseburger meal, vegan protein bowls, SHopper's Stopper meal and more are now available.

Hopper takes great pride in her 11.5-ounce catfish meal priced at $18.99 with the choice of two sides and bread or cornbread. Catfish meals are typically only served on Friday and Saturday.

Sides include French fries, macaroni and cheese, green beans, collard greens and more. Gourmet cheesecake, banana pudding and carrot cake are desserts can be found on the menu, too.

Most sides are priced at $2.99 while desserts range from $3.99 to $5.99.

The Vista event space is included at the new eatery

In addition to new menu items, The Vista event space — located inside the building next to the dining room — is available for rental.

Hopper said she remembers growing up not far from the new location and it being a Vista Burger. That was the inspiration for the event space's name.

"They can rent it out while we even open for dining in on this side. It just depends on the size of their event," Hopper told The Capital-Journal. The space has been rented out three times since opening.

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The entire building can also be rented out for events but only for weekend dates. Table covers, napkins, microphones and speakers are included with an event rental.

Rental rates begin at $50 an hour.

What are the business hours at SHopper's Kitchen?

SHopper's Kitchen is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Monday and Sunday.

Cierra Martinez, host and server at SHopper's Kitchen, said it's been awesome watching Hopper grow into her business.

"Moving here from the location on Huntoon to this bigger building and turning it into a restaurant is awesome because it's been everything but a restaurant since The Vista Burger," Martinez said.

Server Cierra Martinez brings a catfish meal, complete with two sides for $18.99, is brought to the table Wednesday at SHopper's Kitchen, 250 S.E. 29th St.
Server Cierra Martinez brings a catfish meal, complete with two sides for $18.99, is brought to the table Wednesday at SHopper's Kitchen, 250 S.E. 29th St.

Hopper said the restaurant is a big thing for her because she grew up on the east side of Topeka and she appreciates how business are trying to grow in the area.

"I like to cook and serve people and so when they come here, I want them to be served and feel good about the food and the service," Hopper said. "So, it has to be special."

Those interested in a position at SHopper's Kitchen can visit in-person and fill out an application. Applications can also be emailed. An assistant cook position is currently open. For those interested, follow the SHopper's Kitchen Facebook page for further details.

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Keishera Lately is the business reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. She can be reached at klately@cjonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @Lately_KT.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Take a look inside the new SHopper's Kitchen in southeast Topeka

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