‘Good Morning America’ and Southern Smoke Foundation Surprise Houston’s Dandelion Cafe On Live TV | Eater Houston

"Family-owned Bellaire restaurant and coffee shop known for its competition-worthy chicken and waffles was hit hard when Hurricane Beryl knocked out power on July 8, leaving the cafe without electricity for nine days and causing an estimated $50,000 in food losses and significant lost income for employees. “It’s devastating. Our employees are why we’re so successful,” Ricks said on Good Morning America, and the owners returned to the show on July 19 where James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Shepherd and his wife Lindsey Brown presented $4,800 in disaster relief and CashApp announced a $10,000 donation—support Lieberman called a relief that “will help us take care of our employees.” The cafe had built a relationship with the morning show after appearing in its June 2023 “United States of Breakfast” competition (where it beat The Breakfast Klub), and Ricks had worked with Shepherd for a year before opening the restaurant. Local diners have supported the business by buying gift cards and visiting its second location on Rice University’s campus; the Bellaire flagship, which regained power on Monday, is still getting on its feet since opening Wednesday, July 17, and has been serving a limited menu. Open 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Sundays." - Brittany Britto Garley