Martin’s Soul Food opened on Oct. 10 at Hayes Store Shopping Center, Hayes.

Kimberly Moody said she and her husband, Ray Barefoot, have opened the first franchise store of Norfolk-based Martin’s Soul Food. Tim Martin of Norfolk, who owns several stores in South Hampton Roads, started the restaurant business 10 years ago.

The local restaurant seats 40 diners. The restaurant offers dine-in, take-out, and catering services.

Big sellers in the first few days in business here have been macaroni and cheese, which Moody said is one of Martin’s signature dishes, and meatloaf.

The menu is laden with all types of traditional soul food, Moody said, with chitterlings and pigs’ feet sharing space with tilapia, whiting and fried chicken. Other entrees include pork ribs, turkey chops, chicken liver and onions, country fried steak and baked chicken.

Vegetables play a big part in the soul food concept, Moody said, with favorites such as fried okra, mashed potatoes, mixed greens and cabbage. A children’s menu is offered.

Moody said they are open for lunch and dinner now and plan to add breakfast items like gravy and biscuits soon. Also, she said they plan to add some desserts and daily specials.

Martin’s has a staff of 10. Carlos Musgrove of Virginia Beach is the kitchen manager and head chef. He has worked at other Martin’s locations for three years and has a total of about 25 years’ culinary experience, mostly working at restaurants in Florida.

Moody previously worked as a stockbroker and in the insurance field. Barefoot previously owned a construction company in Gloucester.

They reside at Ark with their son, Bryce, 8, a third grader at Petsworth Elementary School.