HOUSTON – If you grew up in Houston, chances are you’ve heard of The Breakfast Klub — and probably pulled up for their famous Katfish & Grits or Wings & Waffles.
But this time, they’re cooking up something a little different. They’re turning their parking lot into a celebration zone for the fourth Annual HBCU Freshmen Send-Off Party, happening this Saturday, August 2, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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This isn’t your typical “Welcome to college” event. It’s a full-on, feel-good send-off made just for Greater Houston-area freshmen heading to HBCUs this fall.
From the music to the meals, it’s the perfect pre-college vibe — a chance to kick back, link up with future Panthers, Tigers, Bison and more, and soak in some love from the city before hitting the road.
The Breakfast Klub’s recipe for 'komminuty’ and college celebration
Mel Davis, CFO of The Breakfast Klub, and her husband Marcus Davis, the visionary behind the restaurant and a proud Texas Southern University (TSU) alum, watched their own kids head off to Howard University.
That experience sparked something bigger. They realized how important it was to create a space where Houston students bound for HBCUs could connect, feel supported, and know they’re not making this journey alone.
“They need our support in the community,” said Mel Davis. “We want to set a space where other students that are gonna be freshmen can come together, especially from Houston, and know they made a good decision. We’re here to encourage them and remind them they’re not alone.”
This event is curated to affirm & show community support for the students choosing HBCUs— especially those leaving Texas for the first time. Moving into a dorm is already a lot, but doing it in a new city or state, surrounded by strangers? That hits different.
That’s why this send-off feels more like a pre-move-in pep rally for a chance to meet new people and have some fun before the real college hustle begins.
“It kind of breaks the ice,” Davis said. “It gets them talking to people, especially if they’re going out of state. It even gives parents a chance to let go a little — to know their kids are surrounded by support.”
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If you’re going, make sure to rep your school —wear your HBCU gear. The Breakfast Klub shuts down the parking lot and turns it into a chill, safe space for about 150 students to link up, vibe out, and connect with future classmates or other HBCU students before college starts.
“We wanted to keep it fun — not like a panel or super formal,” Davis added. “It’s just free and fun. The goal is to create real moments of connection.”
That’s why upperclassmen that have previous attended the party are volunteers ready to share tips, making this event part networking, part hype session, and all heart.
“They’re making real connections,” she continued. “So when they see each other on campus, it’s like — ‘Hey, didn’t I see you at the HBCU send-off?’ That one familiar face makes a big difference.”
What’s on the menu?
- Free food (you know they’re not playing with the food)
- Games (Uno, spades, and dominoes)
- A live DJ + Dancing
- Snow cones
- Door prizes, including gift cards
- And even a shot at a scholarship
The send-off that keeps giving
But beyond the celebration, the impact runs deeper. It isn’t just about the music or the food — it’s about the moments that come after.
“Whether it’s somebody at your school or not,” she added, “it’s good to just meet someone, exchange social media, and keep in touch throughout your first year. And hey — your schools might even face off at a game later. This opens the door to all that.”
KPRC 2’s Zorrie Jones caught up with Mel Davis, who shared how, while helping her daughter move into campus housing, another student recognized her from the send-off the year before.
That one familiar face turned a brand-new place into something that felt like home, a reminder that one night in Houston can spark connections that last well beyond the party.
“It warms my heart to know that what it was designed for — it’s working,” Davis said. “It’s building relationships that continue even after that night. That’s what you want, right? To make an impact that carries on.”
How you can help keep the party going
The Breakfast Klub can be contacted here, if you would like to donate or help keep the party going strong for years to come.
