Hidden Gems: Meet Tj Leak of DopeBrunch

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tj Leak.

Hi Tj, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The Story of DopeBrunch

My journey in event curation began in 2010, during my freshman year at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). What started as a passion project quickly evolved into a career. After graduating, I continued organizing events throughout the RDU area and eventually expanded to Miami for Spring Break experiences.

While traveling to cities like Miami, D.C., Houston, and Atlanta, I noticed one common trend: Sunday brunch was the best time to party. That inspired me to bring that same high-energy brunch experience back to my home state of North Carolina.

In 2017, DopeBrunch was born.

Our first event took place at a venue in Durham, offering unlimited mimosas and brunch for just $25. Although we only had about 75 attendees, we made sure everyone had an amazing time. With the Bull City’s own DJ Double J Djing, the energy never dropped. That first event may not have been a hit, but it was a valuable learning experience.

We regrouped and came back stronger in 2018, moving the event to a new venue in Raleigh—and it was a success! The venue hit full capacity with 200 attendees, confirming we were on to something.

Soon after, I received a call from my mentor Brian Dawson, who offered us an opportunity to move to Solas in Raleigh. That move changed everything. Attendance quickly grew, and we began hosting 900 guests monthly.

In 2021, we decided to expand across North Carolina and brought DopeBrunch to Charlotte. Our first event at Sections drew a crowd of 350—just one day before the COVID shutdowns. Despite the timing, the event was a success and set the tone for the future. Over the last four years, Charlotte has become one of our biggest markets, with 1,000+ people regularly attending our events.

Today, DopeBrunch continues to thrive. Our Instagram community has grown to over 20.5k followers, and we’re committed to providing consistent, unforgettable experiences for our growing audience.

Our next event:
📅 May 25th in Charlotte
📍 Slingshot

Follow us on Instagram: @DopeBrunch
Come brunch with us—the vibe is always unmatched.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a somewhat smooth road so far. Alot of learning but we are enjoying the ride so far.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about DopeBrunch?
🥂🍾🧇 Est. 2018 | #RDU | #Charlotte

DopeBrunch is more than just brunch—it’s a social experience that brings together young professionals to eat, drink, and vibe in style.

Our mission is to provide a vibrant space where like-minded individuals can connect, rep their school pride, and enjoy unforgettable moments. With strong roots in the HBCU community, our events are always filled with energy, culture, and pride.

🎉 Expect:

Delicious brunch options 🍽️

Curated drink specials 🍹

Top-tier DJs from across the East Coast 🎧

A party atmosphere that always delivers 🔥

We believe in pushing boundaries and choosing venues that match the vibe of our community. If you know of a dope venue or are a brand looking to collaborate, we’d love to hear from you!

📍 Follow us & stay connected: @DopeBrunch

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
I would say take more time planning first. Preparation is key!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DopeBrunch/