A 2 Day Celebration
Thursday, July 23 - Friday, July 24, 2025
THURSDAY
JULY 23
RESTURANT & RESOURCE EXPO
Shops at Red Bird
Friday
JULY 24
STODA AWARDS SHOW
On the Levee
Day 1
Restaurant & Resource Expo
Thursday, July 23th | 10am - 3pm | Shops at RedBird
After last year’s powerful turnout, one thing was clear — our restaurant community needs more hands-on, face-to-face access to the resources and knowledge that fuel success. That’s why Day 2 is dedicated to empowering food entrepreneurs through direct access to health, business, and educational tools.
What to Expect:
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Workshops & Panels on restaurant growth, branding, funding, food safety, and innovation in the culinary and wellness industries
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Chef & Vendor Showcase featuring 20+ interactive booths with food brands, kitchen essentials, and tools to help you discover new ingredients, equipment, and innovations to elevate your kitchen or food business
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Health & Wellness Pavilion with free screenings for diabetes, high blood pressure, and on-site nutrition counseling
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College Expo connecting students to schools with programs in health, hospitality, and entrepreneurship
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Resource Row with direct access to business tools, delivery partners like Uber Eats & DoorDash, marketing experts, and funding opportunities
This isn’t just an expo — it’s your blueprint for long-term
growth, visibility, and wellness in the food industry
Day 2
Southern Taste of Dallas Awards Show
Friday July 24th | 7:00 pm -11:00pm | on the levee
We end the weekend with the moment we’ve all been waiting for — a celebration rooted in culture, excellence, and flavor.
This is where it all started.
The Southern Taste of Dallas Awards Show returns for its second annual gala — a powerful evening dedicated to honoring the heartbeat of our community: Black-owned restaurants and culinary creatives in Dallas, Texas.
This isn’t just a regular awards show — this is an experience. A red-carpet, star-studded, music-filled celebration that highlights the people, the flavors, and the stories behind our favorite places to eat.
What to Expect:
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Red Carpet Experience with media coverage and photo ops
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Live Performances & Musical Entertainment to keep the energy high
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Exclusive VIP Gala with Cocktails , Networking , and unforgettable moments
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Community-Nominated & Voted Awards — giving the city a chance to uplift and honor their favorite spots
Trophy Presentations in categories such as:
Dallas Favorite Soul Food
Dallas Favorite Food Truck
People’s Choice Award
Dallas Favorite Chicken Spot
Most Creative Culinary Concept
Dallas Favorite Bar
Dallas Favorite Vegan Spot
Dallas Favorite Seafood
Dallas Favorite Brunch Spot
And Many More...
This night is more than recognition — it’s a movement, a memory, and a moment of pride for Dallas and for every Black-owned culinary dream being served daily.