Chef Chubb back at SoulFull Cocina after stroke, community rallies around him

Lincoln, Neb. (KLKN) — SoulFull Cocina reopened Wednesday, Aug. 12, after temporarily closing while Manuel Hurd, better known as Chef Chubb, recovered from a stroke.

Chubb said he’s happy to be back at the restaurant, but he’s quickly learning he can’t jump right back into the long days he was used to before his stroke.

“I find myself getting tired a lot quicker now since the episode. But I’m doing better, and it feels real good to be back,” Chubb said.

Before his stroke, Chubb said he could spend 12 to 14 hours a day at the restaurant. Now, he’s aiming to spend three to four hours a day there as he continues to recover.

Even while he was away, Chubb said the support from his customers and the community never stopped.

“I’ve had over three or four hundred DMs and then a million texts. It’s just that they want me to come back, and I think that’s a good feeling. Just to know that I’m making an impact on somebody,” Chubb said.

That support continued when the doors reopened Wednesday. Customers stopped by just to check in and say hello, while employees said Chubb doesn’t always realize just how much he means to his customers and the community.

For Chubb, the time away was also an eye-opener. He said he knows he needs to slow down and make some changes at the restaurant.

But even with shorter days, Chubb said SoulFull Cocina is where he wants to be.

“I was only out for a week, but it seemed like it was forever, to be honest. It’s a good feeling to be back. Like I said, this is where my heart is. This is my baby,” Chubb said.

Chubb said he’s still recovering and notices he tires much faster than before. His speech and feeling on his left side have improved, but he said he’s still working his way back to normal.

For now, Chubb said the biggest change will be learning how to spend less time at the restaurant while still being part of the place he loves.