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The Dish: A soul food feast in burrito form
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Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, July 31st 2025 at 7:01 GMT by Dallas Morning News🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The Soul Food Burrito at Brunchaholics in DeSoto is a must-try. Here's the story about the viral dish from Jessie Washington.
Soul Food Burritos: How Brunchaholics is Revolutionizing Brunch in Dallas with Jessie Washington's Flavorful Creations
In the heart of DeSoto, a suburb just south of Dallas, a culinary revolution is quietly unfolding, one oversized burrito at a time. Jessie Washington, the visionary chef and entrepreneur behind Brunchaholics, has taken the comforting staples of soul food and wrapped them into portable, flavor-packed burritos that are drawing crowds from across North Texas. What started as a pop-up experiment during the pandemic has blossomed into a beloved brunch spot that's redefining how locals think about morning meals. With dishes like the "Soul Roll" – a tortilla stuffed with collard greens, mac and cheese, fried chicken, and a drizzle of hot honey – Washington is blending Southern traditions with Tex-Mex flair, creating a fusion that's as innovative as it is nostalgic.
Washington's journey to brunch stardom wasn't straightforward. Born and raised in Dallas, she grew up in a family where food was more than sustenance; it was a love language. Her grandmother's kitchen was a sanctuary of simmering pots filled with greens, cornbread, and slow-cooked meats, flavors that imprinted on her from a young age. "Soul food is about feeding the soul," Washington often says in interviews. "It's hearty, it's comforting, and it's meant to bring people together." After years working in corporate jobs that left her unfulfilled, the 2020 lockdowns provided an unexpected pivot. Like many, she found herself experimenting in the kitchen, posting photos of her creations on social media. What began as homemade brunches for friends quickly gained traction when she introduced her signature soul food burrito.
The concept is simple yet genius: take the elements of a classic soul food plate and encase them in a warm flour tortilla. The result? A handheld meal that's perfect for on-the-go Dallasites who crave something more substantial than avocado toast. Brunchaholics officially launched as a food truck in 2021, parked in various spots around DeSoto and Dallas, from community events to farmers' markets. The truck's vibrant purple exterior, adorned with graffiti-style murals of steaming plates and smiling faces, became an instant landmark. Lines would form early, with patrons eager to try the "Yammy Yam" burrito, featuring candied yams, smoked turkey, and a hint of cinnamon, or the "Grits 'n' Glory," loaded with shrimp and grits, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits.
What sets Brunchaholics apart isn't just the food; it's Washington's commitment to community and quality. She sources ingredients locally whenever possible, partnering with Black-owned farms in the Dallas area to ensure fresh produce and meats. This not only supports the local economy but also infuses her dishes with authenticity. "I want every bite to tell a story," she explains. "These aren't just burritos; they're a piece of my heritage wrapped up for the world." Her menu evolves seasonally, incorporating fresh twists like a summer special with watermelon salsa or a fall edition featuring pumpkin-spiced sweet potatoes. Vegetarian options abound, too, with plant-based "chicken" made from jackfruit and vegan mac and cheese that's so creamy, even die-hard carnivores are converted.
Customer stories highlight the impact of Brunchaholics. Take Marcus Johnson, a regular from Oak Cliff, who stumbled upon the truck during a weekend errand. "I was skeptical at first – soul food in a burrito? But one bite of that fried catfish wrap with remoulade sauce, and I was hooked," he recalls. Families flock here for weekend brunches, turning the parking lot into a makeshift picnic area where kids munch on mini burritos while parents sip on Washington's house-made hibiscus tea. It's not uncommon to see office workers grabbing a quick lunch or event planners ordering catering for weddings and corporate gatherings. The burritos' portability makes them ideal for everything from tailgates at Cowboys games to lazy Sundays at Klyde Warren Park.
Washington's rise hasn't been without challenges. The food truck life is grueling, with long hours in Texas heat and the unpredictability of weather. Supply chain issues post-pandemic made sourcing affordable ingredients tough, but she persevered by building a loyal online following. Social media has been her secret weapon; Instagram reels of her assembling burritos – layering golden cornbread crumbles over tender brisket – have garnered thousands of views. Collaborations with local influencers and appearances on Dallas food podcasts have amplified her reach. In 2023, Brunchaholics expanded to a brick-and-mortar location in DeSoto, a cozy spot with indoor seating and a drive-thru for those in a hurry. The menu now includes sides like loaded tater tots with cheese sauce and green beans, plus desserts such as peach cobbler empanadas.
Critics and foodies alike have taken notice. Local reviewers praise the balance of flavors – the way the creamy mac and cheese tempers the spice of Cajun-seasoned shrimp, or how the sweetness of honey-glazed ham complements tangy collards. "It's comfort food elevated," says one Dallas food blogger. "Jessie has managed to make soul food accessible and fun without losing its essence." Awards have followed: Brunchaholics won "Best Fusion Food" at the 2024 North Texas Food Festival, and Washington was named a rising star in Ebony magazine's list of Black chefs to watch.
Beyond the kitchen, Washington is a community advocate. She hosts monthly "Brunch and Learn" events, where she teaches cooking classes focused on healthy twists to soul food classics, emphasizing portion control and fresh ingredients to combat health disparities in Black communities. Proceeds from these events go toward local food banks, ensuring that no one in DeSoto goes hungry. "Food insecurity is real here," she notes. "If I can use my platform to give back, that's what it's all about." Her efforts have inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs, with young chefs citing Brunchaholics as a model for blending culture and innovation.
Looking ahead, Washington has big plans. She's eyeing expansion to other Dallas suburbs like Cedar Hill and even a potential spot in downtown Dallas. A line of branded sauces – think hot honey and remoulade – is in the works for retail, allowing fans to recreate the magic at home. There's talk of a cookbook, too, chronicling her recipes and the stories behind them. "I never imagined a simple burrito could change my life," she reflects. "But it's more than that; it's about sharing joy through food."
In a city known for its diverse culinary scene, Brunchaholics stands out as a testament to creativity and resilience. Jessie Washington's soul food burritos aren't just meals; they're a celebration of heritage, community, and the endless possibilities of flavor. Whether you're a brunch enthusiast or a soul food purist, one visit to DeSoto will have you joining the ranks of the "brunchaholics" – hooked on the bold, comforting tastes that only Washington can deliver.
As the sun rises over North Texas, the aroma of frying chicken and simmering greens wafts from the Brunchaholics kitchen, drawing in a steady stream of eager customers. It's a reminder that in Dallas, brunch isn't just a meal; it's an experience, and Jessie Washington is making sure it's one wrapped in love and innovation. For those venturing to DeSoto, the address is straightforward: follow your nose, or better yet, your heart, to the spot where soul food meets the burrito in perfect harmony.
The menu at Brunchaholics is a playground of possibilities. Start with the classics: the "Southern Sunrise" burrito, packed with scrambled eggs, sausage gravy, biscuits, and a side of hash browns all rolled into one. For the adventurous, the "Creole Kick" brings Louisiana influences with andouille sausage, dirty rice, and a spicy remoulade. Health-conscious diners appreciate the "Green Goddess," a lighter option with kale, quinoa, turkey bacon, and avocado. Each burrito is customizable, allowing patrons to mix and match proteins, veggies, and sauces to their liking. Washington's attention to detail extends to presentation; burritos are wrapped tightly, grilled for a crispy exterior, and served with optional dips like ranch or her signature comeback sauce.
The DeSoto location has become a hub for local events. On weekends, live music from area jazz bands fills the air, turning brunch into a mini festival. Holiday specials keep things fresh – think Thanksgiving burritos with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, or Juneteenth editions honoring Black culinary traditions with red velvet waffles incorporated into the wrap. Washington's team, a close-knit group of family and friends, ensures every order is made with care, often chatting with customers about their favorites.
In interviews, Washington shares her philosophy: "Food should make you feel good, inside and out." This ethos is evident in her commitment to sustainability, using biodegradable packaging and minimizing waste. As Brunchaholics grows, so does its cultural footprint, proving that a single idea – like stuffing soul food into a burrito – can spark a movement. Dallas food lovers, take note: the future of brunch is here, and it's deliciously wrapped.
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[ https://www.dallasnews.com/food/2025/07/31/soul-food-burrito-brunchaholics-jessie-washington-dallas-desoto/ ]