Kevin Lee expands his food business from Florida farmers markets to Dallas

Former UFC fighter Kevin Lee is expanding his food business, Braised, to Dallas with some support from his younger brother, popular social media food critic Keith Lee. The restaurant celebrated its grand opening at PREP Dallas on Nov. 1, marking another step forward for the company, which first began as a farmers market pop-up in South Florida before growing into a food truck and catering business.

According to 97.9 The Beat, the Dallas launch sold out. Braised got its start at Yellow Green Farmers Market in Hollywood, Florida, and has since evolved into a larger food operation. The concept now serves its slow-cooked comfort food in Dallas, featuring signature dishes like braised oxtail, barbecue beef short ribs, and chicken pot pie.

Even before opening in Dallas, the business had already gained attention. Keith previously reviewed Braised’s Florida location, helping draw millions of views and bringing in a wave of new customers. Reports also say Keith gave Kevin $10,000 to help reinvest in the business.

The restaurant also received a boost from Keith’s first Familee Day food festival in New Orleans. During the event, Braised’s short ribs and chicken pot pies reportedly sold out, giving the business another chance to introduce its menu to new customers. “I’m really excited for this next chapter in the business and getting it restarted, and just getting familiar with the people of Dallas and making a good community here,” Kevin told The Dallas Morning News, according to AfroTech.

Keith has also spoken openly about his brother’s dedication to the business. In a TikTok video promoting the opening, he said Braised runs with a small kitchen staff and that most of the food is made from scratch. “My brother’s kind of hard-headed, so he ain’t got no big team.

He ain’t got a bunch of people cooking with him. It’s him and like a few people,” Keith said. He also urged customers to stop by with patience and a big appetite, adding, “This is my way of saying, as a younger brother, that I’m extremely proud of him.”