10 Years of Food, Friends & Fun at SoPro

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Sopro (formally Southern Provisions) has become a Canton mainstay. Serving up American-inspired food, tasty cocktails and local brews, while hosting neighborhood gatherings and supporting community initiatives, the restaurant has become more than just a place to eat, it’s a place where neighbors connect.

We recently caught up with General Manager, Ben Pratt, to learn more about SoPro, his connection to the neighborhood, and how the team stays invested in the community.

SoPro is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. What do you think has made the restaurant such a lasting part of the Canton community?

Ben: I think it’s a combination of great food, a fun atmosphere and the people behind it. Ten years in the restaurant industry is a huge accomplishment and Sopro has become a staple in Canton because we've consistently been a place where people come to celebrate, meet up after work, watch the Ravens, enjoy brunch or simply feel at home.

What really keeps people coming back, though, is our commitment to great service. From our ownership to managers to bartenders, everyone genuinely cares about making sure you have the best experience every time someone walks through the door. It's the kind of place where everyone knows everyone and that sense of familiarity is something we're really proud of. Many of our staff members have been here since I took over in 2021, which says a lot about the environment we've built together. Great food and drinks might bring people in for the first time but it's the people who work here that have them coming back time and time again.

You’ve spent more than 20 years in the restaurant industry and worked your way up with Alliance Collective. Tell us about your journey to becoming General Manager of SoPro and your connection to Canton and Highlandtown.

Ben: I’ve worked in restaurants and bars for more than 20 years. I joined Alliance Collective in 2018 as a barback and worked my way up through the company as a bartender, manager, and eventually General Manager of SoPro.

While I grew up on Millers Island, my connection to Canton and Highlandtown goes back generations. Both of my parents were born and raised in Highlandtown, and my grandmother owned the Buerhaus Confectionery Store at Fait Avenue and Eaton Street. I spent a lot of time there growing up, so this neighborhood has always felt like home.

For neighbors who may be new to SoPro, how would you describe the atmosphere and what makes the restaurant stand out?

Ben: I always tell people that SoPro reminds me a little of the show ‘Cheers’. It's the kind of place where people know your name, the bartenders remember your favorite drink (or shot of Rumple)  and you're greeted with a familiar face when you walk through the door. Whether you're a longtime regular or stopping in for the first time, we want everyone to feel like they're part of the neighborhood.

We love giving people a reason to come back throughout the week, whether it's meeting friends for trivia, grabbing the mic during karaoke, Cheesesteak Flight Night or Late night BOGO. We also renovated the space a few years ago to give it a fresh, vibrant look while still keeping the charm and welcoming atmosphere that people love.

Canton has a lot of food lovers. What’s your favorite menu item, and what’s something you think everyone should try?

Ben: My personal favorite has to be the Buffalo Chicken Wrap. We recently revamped our menu  and it's quickly become one of our biggest hits not just for me, but with our guests as well.

If there's one thing everyone should try, it's our Wednesday Cheesesteak Flight Night. For just $15, you can pick any three of our six cheesesteak varieties, served with fries. It's a fun way to sample a few different flavors, and it's become a favorite with our regulars that keeps people coming back every Wednesday.

I'd also recommend stopping by for Happy Hour, Monday through Friday from 4–7 p.m. We recently introduced a new spritz menu as well and it's been a huge hit this summer!

SoPro has always been active in supporting the Canton community. Can you share some of the ways you’ve enjoyed partnering with local organizations and events?

Ben: Supporting the Canton community has always been something that we have been apart of. Over the years, we've had the opportunity to partner with a variety of local organizations, businesses and creators that help make our neighborhood so special. We've donated food to Hampstead Hill Academy, helped support Church on the Square's Easter basket drive for local children, collaborated with Brightside Boutique and Baltimore influencers, and partnered with Visit Baltimore to showcase everything our community and restaurant have to offer.

We've also enjoyed creating opportunities to bring the neighborhood together. Over the years we've helped with neighborhood trash cleanups, hosted movie nights, welcomed local vendors for pop-ups and feature local talent through events like Soprotoberfest and Open House. We love finding new ways to bring people together while giving other local businesses a chance to shine.

You’re hosting the SoPro Family Fun Day – End of Summer Bash on August 15. What can neighbors look forward to at the event?

Ben: We're really excited to host Family Fun Day. We wanted to create a free event where families and neighbors can come together, have fun and enjoy everything our community has to offer. We'll have games, crafts, activities for kids and a face painter. Along with food and drinks specials for the kids and adults

This will actually be our fourth Family Fun Day with two more planned before the end of the year. As a company that has many parents amongst ourselves, creating a family-friendly environment is important to us. Canton is home to so many families and we want everyone to know that Sopro is a place where you can feel comfortable bringing your kids and feel part of the neighborhood.

When you’re not at SoPro, what do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Ben: When I'm not at Sopro, I'm usually spending time with my wife at our new home in my hometown of Millers Island. We recently made the move from Federal Hill, so having a larger yard has been a big change, in the best way. I've really enjoyed taking on home improvement projects, landscaping and making the house our own.

Outside of that, I enjoy staying active by going to the gym and taking walks through North Point State Park. I love taking trips to places we haven't been before. Whether it's a weekend cabin getaway or exploring a new state. I always enjoy experiencing new places.

Is there anything else you’d like the community to know?

Ben: I'd like the community to know that what makes SoPro special is the people. We have an incredible team that's fun, personable, and genuinely enjoys getting to know our guests. It's the kind of place where everyone knows everyone, and that sense of familiarity is something we're really proud of. Many of our staff members have been here since I took over in 2021, which speaks to the culture we've built together.

Whether you're a longtime regular or you've never been here before, we'd love to welcome you through our doors and let you experience the energy and atmosphere that make Sopro unique. We're always looking for ways to give back to the Canton community, and we're excited to continue building those relationships for many years to come.

To contact Ben, email ben@southern-provisions.com. To learn more about SoPro, visit their website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Note: Owner Mattew “Bull” Lasinski serves on the CCA Board of Directors. He and the Sopro team regularly support the community through donations, fundraisers, and partnerships with local organizations. Their commitment to Canton sets an example, extending well beyond the walls of the restaurant.