Ruthie’s Cafe in South Dallas on MLK Boulevard (1632 MLK Blvd., Dallas, TX 75215) is officially open. Ruthie’s Fueled by Good, one of Dallas’ most beloved food trucks, helped kick off the food truck boom in 2011. After more than a decade, the truck that made grilled cheese a favorite across North Texas has now opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant in South Dallas, near St. Philip’s School and Community Center, continuing its mission to support the community. The Cafe is just 1.5 miles from downtown, perfectly positioned along the route to Fair Park and Cedar Crest, making it a convenient stop for visitors and locals alike.
The new Cafe will continue Ruthie’s Fueled by Good’s mission of giving back to the community, with proceeds benefiting St. Philip’s School and Community Center. The new Cafe is the first of its kind in the South Dallas area, providing healthy options for local residents. However, the team behind this initiative wants Dallas to know that this new establishment is set to be more than just a place to enjoy a meal. It represents a significant stride towards addressing the food desert in the area while fostering community engagement and economic growth.
“Ruthie’s has always been about more than just serving food. It’s always been about serving the community and shining a light on good things happening in our community,” said Ashlee Kleinert, Founder of Ruthie’s Fueled by Good and The Good Foundation. “As one of Dallas’ first-ever food trucks, we’ve become synonymous with Klyde Warren Park dining, catering special events, and our Ruthie’s Snacks of Kindness initiative. Opening a social-impact brick-and-mortar restaurant is a natural extension of our mission. Collaborating with other organizations to address food insecurity in this particular portion of South Dallas is incredibly important to us.”
In addition to addressing the food desert, all the net profits from Ruthie’s Cafe will benefit St. Philip’s School and Community Center. In addition to providing critical funds to St. Philip’s mission, the Cafe will also employ individuals from underserved and overlooked communities in Dallas. As a fresh-start employer, Ruthie’s hires individuals affected by the justice system, providing them with valuable job and life skills through the Ruthie’s Fellows Program. This also includes local residents who may face barriers to traditional employment opportunities.
The Cafe’s menu is set to delight both loyal fans of Ruthie’s and new visitors alike, featuring classic favorites such as the iconic grilled cheese sandwiches from the original Ruthie’s menu. In addition to these timeless offerings, the restaurant is expanding its menu with a variety of breakfast items, including yogurt parfaits, fresh salads, and other healthy grab-n-go options, perfect for those on the move and parents dropping their children off at area schools. The Cafe also has a walk-up window, ideal for quick coffee orders.
“We are incredibly grateful to be the beneficiary of proceeds from the new Ruthie’s vision,” said Dr. Terry Flowers, Headmaster and Executive Director of St. Philip’s School and Community Center. “This partnership not only supports our mission to provide quality education and resources to our students but also strengthens our community by fostering a sense of togetherness and shared purpose.”
