(Gallery) Dope Brunch: A First Class Experience For Young Professionals In The Triangle

TJ Leak

RALEIGH, NC – The Dope Brunch series, created by host TJ Leak, is a collaborative event to bring young professionals and friends together for a first-class experience on Sundays. On Sunday, April 25th, the Dope Brunch returned with its first event since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020. It was held at Jonathan’s Sports Bar and Grille (3000 New Birch Drive, Suite 120), and was pre-ticketed but general admission sales were allowed on the day of the event. (Scroll down to see the highlights of the Dope Brunch.)

“COVID definitely made us take a hit, but we are looking to be bigger, better, and safer,” said Leak. “We have created made-to-order brunch now so people are not sharing the same spatulas or utensils like the buffet style which we did for a few years.”

Dope Brunch held on April 25, 2021, at Jonathon’s Sports Bar & Grille.

TJ created this event in 2017 for the Raleigh/Durham area after realizing there was nowhere on Sundays to kick back, mingle and have brunch before the start of the workweek. He traveled frequently to Houston, DC, New York, and Miami which helped him recognize that NC (being his home state) needed that same brunch lifestyle in this area. The first brunch, held on the day of his grandmother’s funeral, was $25 for admission which included food and unlimited mimosas. The first brunch Starting with 35 people at the inaugural brunch, the event has now grown to over 500 attendees, depending on the venue.

The Dope Brunch is normally held in the capital city at various locations for good music, good food, and positive vibes only. Everyone 21+ is welcome. Leak explained, “On Sundays, we kick back, break bread, have a drink, and chill before the start of another work week. The energy is always live and positive… that’s our main goal, for each event, to have everyone happy!”

K975 radio personality DJ Double J (l) and MTV “Wild ‘n Out” star comedian Darren Brand

This collaborative brunch featured K975 radio personality and well-known heavy hitter DJ Double J, and MTV “Wild ‘n Out” star and comedian Darren Brand. The menu featured brunch specials such as Shrimp and Grits, Chicken and Waffles, French Toast, and an all-star platter. Mimosas specials and hookah were also available.

The next Dope Brunch will be held Sunday, May 16th from 3 pm – 8 pm in Charlotte at the Monarch Room, hosted with DJ Double J and Darren Brand. Follow @spectacularmag on Instagram and Facebook, and @_themediabae to see all events upcoming for the Dope Brunch and other local events in the RDU area.