College students get creative when it comes to side hustles for extra income, and lately, the business of selling “plates” is growing in popularity. Students will make home-cooked meals that people miss while in school, especially soul food at HBCUs, and sell them to other students as a ready-made meal, or a plate. Rather than a menu with different options, the cook changes the meal every time they serve, making it more cost effective. For North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University senior Rhyan Smoot, it’s not just about money — it’s a passion.
Smoot started Rhy’s Kitchen in early March 2025, selling popular foods in plates like wings, fried fish, and oxtails, and offering meal planning services and catering for large groups. She also creates social media content, including food reviews and recipes. We sat down with Smoot to find out how she balances college with a business and what makes her so passionate about sharing her love of food…