Used Courtesy of Southern Taste of Dallas Awards.
The Southern Taste of Dallas Awards is set to return for its second year with a three-day culinary celebration that spotlights Black-owned restaurants, food trucks, and culinary entrepreneurs across North Texas.
The event, co-founded by Brittany “Luscious Barbie” Criswell and restaurateur Rickey Booker Sr., will take place July 16–18 at The Shops at Redbird and the Kessler Theater, featuring a food truck park, educational expo, and formal awards gala.
“We want to be able to bring resources to the restaurateurs who truly want it every single year,” said Booker, owner of Breakfast Brothers. This industry is for the strong, for the hungry, and for those who want to grow. If you’re ready to elevate, then we’re here to help make that happen.”
Day 1: Food Truck Park Kickoff – July 16
The celebration begins at noon on Wednesday, July 16, with the Southern Taste of Dallas Food Truck Park at The Shops at Redbird.
More than 20 food trucks are scheduled to participate, including Hip Hop Hibachi, Groovy Chicken and Waffles, Snappy’s Catfish, and Kingaling Smoked Turkey Legs.
The kickoff will feature a family-friendly, picnic-style environment with bounce houses, a kids’ fun zone, complimentary food samples, live DJ entertainment, games, and giveaways.
Day 2: Restaurant & Resource Expo – July 17
On Thursday, July 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Shops at Redbird will host a Restaurant and Resource Expo aimed at supporting food entrepreneurs and small business owners.
The expo will include access to national vendors like U.S. Foods and Ecolab, industry panels, and expert-led workshops.
Panelists will include Harrison Blair, president of the Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce; Melanie Linnear, senior vice president of concessions at the State Fair of Texas; and Tim Williams, director of operations for Williams Chicken.
Additional sessions will cover restaurant innovation, technology, financial management, and community wellness resources, including mental health and domestic violence awareness.
Day 3: Awards Gala – July 18
The weekend concludes Friday, July 18, with the Southern Taste of Dallas Awards Gala at the historic Kessler Theater from 7 to 11 p.m.
The formal affair will feature red carpet arrivals, live performances, and the announcement of community-nominated culinary award winners.
Categories include Favorite Soul Food, Favorite Food Truck, Favorite Brunch Spot, Favorite Seafood, and People’s Choice.
Previous honorees include Aunt Irene’s Seafood, Kitchen and Kocktails, Slutty Vegan, and Hip Hop Hibachi.
Voting for this year’s awards closes July 5.
Tickets for the weekend events range from free to $30, with VIP experiences available.
More details, including registration and voting, are available at www.southerntasteofdallasawards.com.
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