en, meatloaf, smothered steak, deep fried baby
back ribs, mac and cheese, yams, greens, butta
beans, cornbread, cabbage, potato salad, beans,
peach cobbler and berry cobbler and . . . . . . . . .
to the southern United States. Slave owners modestly and frequently fed slaves with leftovers or unwanted food, like tur-
nips, beets, and dandelions, from the plantations. From there, slaves were soon cooking with collards, kale, cress, mustard,
and pokeweed, adding flavor to their food with onions, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Years later in the 1960s, and because
enslaved Africans ate like this on a daily basis, this intriguing diet became what we know today as "soul food."
Rockdale, Texas. Its founders are Dr. Dennis Brooks and his wife, Clara, who celebrated their
50th anniversary on July 4th. Also the pastor of New Jerusalem Interdenominational Church
of Rockdale, Dennis has approximately 30 years of pastoring on his resume. Together, the
couple opened the restaurant with a unique purpose in mind: to "feed, rebuild, and help their
community." Dennis's goal for Sho'Nuff was to bring a part of his childhood and youth back
to life, while sharing that passion of soul food with his community.
of flavor and always made from scratch. Even now, Sho'Nuff takes pride in making everything from scratch. They
use all fresh vegetables and season their meat with direct heat, up to three days, to ensure the seasoning marinates
properly. Sho'Nuff is a reminder of the charm of the old South, where the only meals that mattered were dinner
and supper. Happiness was inhaling the delicious aroma of collard and mustard greens or cabbage and when people
enjoyed a glass of Poly Pop on the front porch. This is the heart and
soul of Sho'Nuff. No wonder it has become a favorite diner for its
area and surrounding communities. There is no place like it!
one dollar to the demolishing or remodeling of old buildings in
the surrounding community." Because of this, Dennis and his
family are dedicated to rebuilding the community. They extend
employment and training opportunities to everyone, including
people with criminal backgrounds, to help them have a better life
and become productive
citizens of the community.
The Brooks family's
philosophy is that Sho'Nuff
"is a piece of history,
melding the childhood
experience of many people.
It's a combination of culture
and heritage, family and
community, food and life."