Bosstalk 101 Small Business Spotlight: Breakfast Brothers Bring Southern Flavor to the State Fair Classic

Dallas–Ft. Worth has always been a hub of flavor, culture, and entrepreneurial grit, and this week our Bosstalk 101 Small Business Spotlight shines on one of the brightest names in the city’s Black-owned restaurant scene: Breakfast Brothers. Founded in 2017 by Rickey Booker and Jonathan Briley-Smith, the restaurant franchise has transformed from a modest food trailer into a soul food staple that embodies the best of Dallas southern hospitality.

From Nightlife to Soulful Mornings

Booker and Briley-Smith first launched Breakfast Brothers by selling plates from a trailer outside Dallas Gentleman’s—better known as DG’s. What started as a late-night fix soon grew into a movement. Briley-Smith brought his family’s South Dallas catfish burger tradition, while Booker infused comfort food roots and business vision. Together, they curated a menu where fried catfish and eggs, shrimp and grits, and red velvet waffles aren’t just meals—they’re memories of home cooked with love.

As Dallas leaned into recovery after the pandemic, Breakfast Brothers made the leap to brick-and-mortar, opening locations in Arlington and Red Bird. Today, their brand represents more than food—it’s a testimony of perseverance, culture, and community building.

Awards and Accolades

The restaurant’s impact has not gone unnoticed. In December 2024, they were crowned Best Soul Food Restaurant by Dallas Weekly[^1]. Just a year later, they were nominated as a Top 5 Favorite Breakfast Restaurant at the Southern Taste of Dallas Awards, an event that Booker himself helped co-found to celebrate Black-owned restaurants across North Texas[^2].

And for the Bosstalk 101 family, the recognition hits even closer. Co-owner Rickey Booker has been a guest on the Bosstalk 101 Podcast, where he shared his entrepreneurial journey, reminding us all that “hard work and hustle taste just as good as the food you serve.”

Serving at the 100th State Fair Classic

This weekend, Breakfast Brothers steps onto an even bigger stage: the 100th Anniversary State Fair Classic between Grambling and Prairie View A&M at the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium. While you won’t see their traditional stall, Breakfast Brothers will be serving exclusive VIP catering inside the suites—complete with signature bites like their fresh-baked cookies, savory pork chops and eggs, and more soulful surprises[^3].

It’s more than just food service—it’s culture meeting tradition at one of Texas’ most celebrated football matchups. With a century of history colliding with modern Dallas soul food excellence, Breakfast Brothers is giving fans one more reason to remember this year’s Classic.

How to Experience It Yourself

Tickets to the VIP experience can be purchased directly at Breakfast Brothers’ Arlington and Dallas locations. Beyond the Classic, you can drop in year-round to enjoy their famous all-day breakfast, or book their catering for your own private event.

So whether it’s a weekday craving for shrimp and grits, or celebrating football’s southern traditions at the Cotton Bowl, Breakfast Brothers continues to prove why they’re more than a restaurant—they’re a movement rooted in family, flavor, and the kind of southern hospitality that makes Dallas proud.

Writer Credits:

Dallas–Ft. Worth

DJ Bobby Eupho

Co-Writers: Arleshi Deshon & Dr. Ranessa Harding