About Us

"Where there is no vision, the people perish."

 

 

 

Our Story

Where It All Began

Serving Spoon at 119 is not a restaurant, but it could be. Since the first time she cooked a fish dinner for her family as a nine year old, Joyce Jenkins has put love and care into every step of the cooking process — and that attention to detail shows with every bite. She and her husband, Wayne, have added that special touch to the event space itself at the Serving Spoon at 119. 

The space is a refurbished building that’s been standing near the railroad track in Pine Level since 1906, and every detail is intentional. From the parlor that greets visitors who step in from the sidewalk, which features a comfortable sitting area and a portrait of Jenkins’ great-grandmother, one of her inspirations. Beautiful floors tie the pieces together — an old sewing machine salvaged from the original building, a Hoosier cabinet, historic pictures of Pine Level and the verse from Proverbs 29:11 on the wall that reads “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

 

Joyce Jenkins started cooking with her family when she was nine years old, and she’s been serving up goodness ever since. She may have grown up in the Philadelphia area, but she’s been a Pine Level staple for years, and it’s hard to find anyone in Johnston County who doesn’t love her signature ham rolls. Over the years, she’s refined her craft a bit, but it still comes down to a family-based approach to cooking.

“I have some clients where I’ve done their wedding, baby showers, bridal showers — all of that. It just warms my heart to be part of that family. When you prepare food; you know that old saying? ‘The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.’ That works for everyone. If you prepare good food, and you present it well and give good service, you’re going to have good business.”

The vision is obvious when you arrive at the Serving Spoon at 119, but the show is just getting started. All of the dishes are hand selected and made from scratch from locally sourced, fresh ingredients. Food should be prepared, not processed, after all. On top of the venue and the food, our team handles all of the details. You don’t have to worry about linens, dishes, set up or clean up. Just focus on having an amazing time. We’ll take care of the rest.

 

Upcoming Events

Sunday Brunch

Sunday Brunch

Sunday Brunch with a variety of Mrs. Joyce's delectable offerings!
Sunday Brunch

Sunday Brunch

Sunday Brunch with a variety of Mrs. Joyce's delectable offerings!

Drop Us a Line

Don’t be shy. Let us know if you have any questions!

119 W. Pine Street
Pine Level, NC 27568