Yelp Dallas Presents Best in Business Award to Hugs Cafe

By now, we all know that Yelp is passionate about great local businesses. Whether you’re in search of top-rated HVAC repair or the best street tacos on the block, we’ve got you covered. But how cool would it be to take a deep dive into the interesting backstories behind the businesses we know and love? And what if we decided to celebrate them in a major way within our local community?!

Well, we did. And we’re excited to share the news with all of you! In June 2018, Yelp Dallas launched a new series called Yelp’s Best in Business. Our first feature spotlighted Hugs Cafe, in McKinney, Texas.

Hugs is the first of its kind in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and was created with the mission to add value and purpose to the special needs community. We interviewed Ruth Thompson, owner and operator of the 5-star eatery, and her dedication is apparent.

“We staff and train 22 adults with special needs, while maintaining our status as a 501(c)3 non-profit and staple in the downtown McKinney foodie community. We really are a treat for both the body and mind.”

Armed with her secret weapon of “the most encouraging and joyful staff,” she also relies on Yelp as a platform for the community to interact and share their individual experiences and feedback.

Ruth’s passion stems from years of involvement with the special needs community, first through in-home care and also through an adult cooking class. She recalls, “for nearly ten years, I developed  the cooking skills and personal self-worth of those I worked with. Twice a week we would gather; and I began to notice that much more than kitchen skills were being taught. And then I had a dream.” And luckily for the Dallas foodie community, Hugs Cafe became a reality!

Their all-American menu has been handcrafted and thoughtfully created by a team of experienced local chefs and will tantalize your taste buds. Show your support by trying out a sandwich, soup, salad or one of their mouthwatering sides. And maybe share a hug too!  

Dallas is happy to recognize this deserving business as our first recipient of Yelp’s Best in Business award. Hugs Cafe will be honored with an official Best in Business certificate and an array of local goodies. Want to hear more of their story? Check us out Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to bookmark Hugs on Yelp.

Do you know of a Dallas-area business that is killin’ the game? Share their story with us at dallas@yelp.com to nominate them for a chance to be spotlighted.