Those of us who remember Cafe Brazil’s first location, a tiny storefront in East Dallas that almost burned down nearly 20 years ago, can only marvel at how far the coffee house/breakfast joint/neighborhood hangout has come in that time. Today’s 10 locations include not just this neighborhood, but far off suburbs as well. Who would have thought McKinney was ready for Cafe Brazil’s vegetarian migas?

What’s even more interesting is that not much has changed in those 20 years. Some of the locations are nicer inside than others, but the menu isn’t all that different, the employees seem to be cut from the same cloth as they have always been, and the quality remains consistent. Something else I’ve noticed: Getting a Cafe Brazil is a big deal, and seems to be a mark that a neighborhood has arrived.

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I don’t go as often as I used to, but it’s reassuring to know that when I do, Cafe Brazil is like an old friend that I haven’t seen in a while. I can sit down, have a cup of coffee, order the Brazilian breakfast, and enjoy myself.