On a recent Thursday afternoon, the parking lot at Elisha’s Food for the Soul was bursting at the seams. Not a single spot was available. Owner Elisha Williamson recently moved her restaurant from Marshall to its new home in Longview, located at 1511 E. Marshall Ave.
“After seven years, it felt like completion,” Williams said. “Now, I see this as a fresh start, a chance to connect with the Longview community.” Every day, she makes the drive from Marshall to run her new establishment.
The menu remains unchanged from her Marshall days, offering hearty dishes like smothered pork chops, chicken and dressing, catfish fillets, and meatloaf. “We serve down-home food that feels like a warm meal at your own table,” she shared.
Elisha also offers comforting sides such as purple hull peas, squash, beans, and hot water cornbread. Her culinary skills come from her time spent in the kitchen with her mother and grandmother, both of whom have passed away. “My mom loved to cook for anyone who came by,” Elisha reminisced. “I think that passion is in me too.”
Her family is an essential part of the restaurant, with her sisters, daughter, and niece helping out. The mix of returning Marshall customers and new patrons from Longview has created a vibrant atmosphere.
Elisha’s restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
In other local news, 258 Resources, a financial firm based in Dallas, is also expanding into Longview. They are set to open their new office at 3549 Gilmer Road, with a grand opening on August 30 from 3-5 p.m. This new facility aims to better serve East Texas, promising enhanced operations and local job growth.
“The state-of-the-art space is part of our commitment to provide personalized financial services,” the company stated. They offer services like credit repair, financial consultation, tax preparation, and insurance solutions, making them a resource for individuals and business owners alike.
Longview’s real estate market is also seeing positive changes. According to the Longview Area Association of Realtors, home sales and prices rose significantly. In July, 69 homes were sold—a 6.2% increase from last year. The median home price climbed 8.2% to $265,000, with active listings reaching 352, a 29.9% rise compared to July 2024.
These developments in food and finance reflect a growing community spirit in Longview. As residents enjoy comforting meals and new financial services, the positive trends in home sales suggest an optimistic outlook for the area.
