CANTON — When Diane Oberkrom, the founder of Soul Food Market, moved her business into its own historic space in downtown Canton, she took the leap of faith in her career in the food industry.

The food is billed to offer “a little bit of heaven” in every bite, and that is where it gets its name.

Oberkrom originally began making baked goods after her husband died in 2005 and she decided to leave her corporate job.

She began turning out muffins, cupcakes and other treats and selling them to friends and family. Soon she had a growing list of clients and began expanding her menu.

Customers kept clamoring for more. The ingredient that perhaps kept customers coming back was that prayer and caring was baked into each goody, and that is what Soul Food is all about.

Each box of Oberkrom’s famous cookies, muffins and cupcakes has a Bible verse attached and promises that the recipe was baked with a prayer for the person who ultimately enjoys the serving of Soul Food.

At the end of May, Oberkrom moved her growing downtown lunch business from Yawn’s Books and More, where it had been housed for a couple of years, into the old Green Rail Restaurant site just up Main Street.

The Green Rail was for decades a popular spot for breakfast and lunch, with short order cooks in the 1940s and 1950s serving up all sorts of burgers and sandwiches to hungry patrons in the tiny space.

Oberkrom has quickly added her special touches to the place.

In honor of the heritage, Oberkrom has painted the lower part of the walls a bright green and put in church benches along the wall to open up seating.

She also plans to soon add a Green Rail Burger to her lunch menu, which already includes a delightful variety of sandwiches and salads.

Although only opened in the new location for a few weeks, the small tables are lined with a mix of regulars, court workers and attorneys and ladies who like to lunch.

Among the favorites on the lunch menu are the Funky Chicken, which is a sandwich of chicken salad made with crisp apples, dried cranberries, pecans, celery and love, topped with alfalfa sprouts and romaine.

Another popular offering is the Flying Pig, which is a pulled pork sandwich with cheddar, and fresh cole slaw nestled in a toasted bun.

An egg salad sandwich made from local eggs and a salad served with a fresh baked honey corn muffin and local honey butter are both big sellers.

The quesadillas, such as the Jive Turkey which combines turkey, spinach, bacon, onions and cheese with a tasty dressing, are sure to please.

Homemade soup is also featured daily. For those who are “High Maintenance People,” according to the menu, any two half sandwich, soup or tossed salad mixes are available.

For the adventurous, breakfast starts off with Red Velvet Pancakes served with cheesecake butter.

For those who want something a little more basic, there are Southern buttermilk or whole grain pancakes. And for a small upcharge, ingredients such as chocolate chips, chopped fresh apples or raspberries can be stirred in.

For those who want a little protein to start the day, all sorts of omelet sandwiches are available.

For the veggie lover, there is the BLT Dragged Through the Garden made with bacon, lettuce, tomato, two cheeses, and fresh basil and grilled to perfection.

Desserts are made fresh daily on site, including hand pies, filled muffins and cupcakes of all sorts.

For those who want to take it away, carryout is available.

Oberkrom also does catering, including wedding cakes, birthday cakes and other delights.

For four-legged friends, Oberkrom bakes up special doggie treats. At the new location, she has a dog rest spot on the sidewalk where man’s best friend can get a free treat and some iced water while its owner eats lunch.

For information about Soul Food Market, visit www.thesoulfoodmarket.com or call (404) 625-3198.