Meet SaQuana Brooks & Shante Joseph | Cater

We had the good fortune of connecting with SaQuana Brooks & Shante Joseph and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi SaQuana & Shante, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
There were several factors behind the creation of Breakfast on the Run – NY Style. Beside the fact of being in the middle of a pandemic, we come from a long line of cooks.  Our grandmother expressed her love for us through cooking.  It was a time in which she knew that was a way of bringing us all together at the same time. When we were kids, she had a soul food restaurant in the Bronx, and she fed and met so many people. Even as a teenager, people would say, that restaurant?? I knew your grandmother; they had the best food in the Bronx. Naturally, our mother would pick up the same concept with her kids and we with our kids. Fast forward, we’re here in the house, on lock down, laid off due to the pandemic, with nothing but time to think. Frustrated at the fact of being out of work again, I’ve been laid off 1 time too many and at my age, I’ll never be able to retire and my sister working a job from home that was causing hypertension from the stress.  We had to find something to do, and we had to find something quick.  Being business owners in the past, we knew we could do it again. Entrepreneurship was in our blood, but we had so many ideas, we needed to narrow it down.  My sister and I began brainstorming and we figured we would do what we do best, cook.
As New Yorkers migrating to the south, we needed to bring to Georgia what all New Yorkers miss when they leave and that was the BaconEggandCheese Sandwich. That’s right, it’s spelled correctly, it’s one word. Although you can purchase Bacon, Eggs, and Cheese, it’s usually sold on a hamburger bun or sold separately. NY bodegas prepares them a little different and we were prepared to bring that difference to GA. We thought if we got a food truck, we could go into the industrial areas to service the warehouses and local businesses. We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but we decided to invest our stimulus money along with the extra funds from unemployment to buy and flip a few mobile homes.  That was the hardest work we have ever done in our lives, but we had a plan and it had to be done.  Needless to say, it worked in our favor, and we got our first food truck.
It’s been a little over a year and we must say, it was the best decision we could’ve made. Not only is our food truck thriving, but we have partnered with an event planner, and we are in the process of opening a brick and mortar.   Our story isn’t over, in fact, it’s just getting started. Stay tuned, Breakfast on the Run is going to be a household name.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Breakfast on the Run – NY Style. was established in 2021 in Jonesboro, GA. As New Yorkers migrating to the south, we needed to bring to Georgia what all New Yorkers miss when they leave and that was the BaconEggandCheese Sandwich. That’s right, it’s spelled correctly, it’s one word. Although you can purchase Bacon, Eggs, and Cheese, it’s usually sold on a hamburger bun or sold separately. NY bodegas prepare them a little differently and we were prepared to bring that difference to GA. We thought if we got a food truck, we could go into the industrial areas to service the warehouses and local businesses. We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but we decided to invest our stimulus money along with the extra funds from unemployment to buy and flip a few mobile homes. That was the hardest work we have ever done in our lives, but we had a plan and it had to be done. Needless to say, it worked in our favor, and we got our first food truck.

The BaconEggandcheese was supposed to be the headliner, but somehow or another, our Stuffed Waffles took over the show. We quickly learned our waffles is what set us apart from the other food trucks. It was expected to see a BBQ truck or a Taco truck, but how many events can you go to and find a Breakfast truck? We offer Stuffed Chicken-N-Waffles, where you have chicken inside the batter and on top of the waffle, getting a piece of chicken in every bite. The Stuffed Strawberry Waffles were second in line. Again, the fruit is in the batter and on top of the waffle. Topped with chocolate, caramel, or strawberry drizzle, whipped cream, and powdered sugar. As if that wasn’t enough, we created the Chicken Waffle Sliders. Our audience grew and soon added private catering as a part of our services.

It’s been a little over a year and we must say, it was the best decision we could’ve made. Not only is our
food truck thriving, but we have partnered with an event planner, and we are in the process of opening
a brick-and-mortar. Our story isn’t over, in fact, it’s just getting started. Stay tuned, Breakfast on the
Run is going to be a household name.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Here in Atlanta, there are so many places to go and see. I would start with the historical Dr. Martin Luther King Center. The tour and the history are so profound. We would also visit Centennial Park, and maybe ride the Ferris wheel. The scenery is absolutely beautiful. As far as food goes, we would definitely go to Pappadeaux. They have the best seafood hands down.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We would like to recognize our family and friends for their prayers and support during our birthing stages. A special shout out goes to our mother Emma Brooks. Without your patients and support, this would not be possible. To Dameione Rogers, of Magnolia BBQ, Thank you for introducing us to the food truck world. You have encouraged us and guided us without hesitation. You’ve shared with us all you know and showed us how to become successful at it. To Cyrstal Green of Uniquely Inspired Events and Decor, thank you for all the knowledge you have poured into us. For taking a chance on us, bringing us into your world. You have taught us things about business, we would have never learned without you. You are blessed because you pay it forward without reservation. Thank you all!!!!!!

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Other: Email: BOTR21NY@gmail.com Phone: 678-469-5900