RJ’s Place pop-up brings family, comfort food and music together in Mansfield on Nov. 7

MANSFIELD — RJ’s Place is bringing Southern comfort food, family and music to the community for one day only.

Ryan James has spent more than 20 years managing restaurants for other people. On Saturday, Nov. 7, he’ll bring his experience in food service, cooking and event promotion together to make Mansfield residents feel at home.

“This is my chance,” James said, describing the opportunity to run his own restaurant for a day.

James will host the pop-up event at Upno Lounge, formerly Deja Food, at 54 Park Ave. W.

Brunch begins at 9 a.m., with lunch and dinner following, and live music from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Carryout will remain available throughout the day, and customers can pay with cash or card.

A family affair with a side of comfort food

James plans to bring his wife, mother, daughter, brother and close friends together to run the pop-up restaurant. Family members will work in the kitchen and serve guests, giving James a chance to share his years of restaurant management experience with the people closest to him.

“They always would see me at work, but to be able to work with them and see me in action, how I lead, how I function … I think it’s going to be cool,” he said.

James wants guests to feel as comfortable at RJ’s Place as they would visiting a relative’s home. He sees the event as a way to give back to a community that has supported him and his family over the years.

“Mansfield has been good to us,” James said. “This day is our way of saying thank you.”

The menu will focus on familiar comfort foods. Guests can order fried chicken, wing and leg meals, fried fish, barbecue ribs and burgers, along with Southern sides such as green beans, red beans and dirty rice, fried okra and coleslaw.

The pop-up will also offer homemade desserts, including red velvet cake, caramel cake and sweet potato pie. Brunch will feature breakfast plates, pancakes, sausage, hash browns and classic mimosas served by the glass or pitcher.

Drink specials will be available throughout the evening. The bar will serve cocktails, classic pours and soft drinks from 1 to 10 p.m.

James said he wants to create a relaxed atmosphere where guests can enjoy music, watch football and spend time together. He plans to play mellow music throughout the day and hopes to give local performers opportunities to share their talents.

One day to test a bigger dream

James said he learned about the pop-up opportunity through a Facebook post from Deja Food owners Andrew Bolesky and his wife, Rosell. They offered the chance to rent the building for one or three days, with different rates for each option.

The arrangement gives people an opportunity to experience restaurant ownership without investing in a food truck or a permanent business. James said the opportunity immediately appealed to him.

“I’m like, man, you know, it’s just a good deal,” James said. “I’m going to give it a shot.”

For now, James wants Mansfield residents to come out, enjoy a meal and experience the atmosphere he has planned. If the event goes well, he may organize another pop-up or consider moving forward with a more permanent business.

“You don’t want to be a fluke,” James said. “So this is going to be a good opportunity to see how it looks.”