The biennial event takes place on Sunday, June 1 featuring a menu inspired by St. Louis LGBTQ+ food influencer, Stephen Deaderick
ST. LOUIS (Apr. 24, 2025) — PROMO, Missouri’s LGBTQ+ public policy and advocacy organization, welcomes the community to its Brunch of Champions event to kick off Pride Month on Sunday, June 1 from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at 4 Hands Brewing Co. (1220 S 8th St, St. Louis, MO 63104). This year’s event brings back the culinary talent of Chef Michael Shadwick of Honey Bee’s Biscuits + Good Eats and Chef Snoop Hollins of RootedBuds; however, the chef-curated brunch menu takes inspiration from local food influencer and LGBTQ+ community member, Stephen Deaderick (@stepheneatsstl). His personal journey as a gay man and his Chinese-American heritage take center stage with menu highlights including an Asian Crunch Salad, Sichuan Mapo Rox with Braised Beef and Mushrooms, and dessert collaboration — the Southern Peach Cobbler Biscuit. The collaboration item is set to be sold at Honey Bee’s throughout the month of June with proceeds going to local LGBTQ+ charities. Attendees will also enjoy an open bar with craft beer from 4 Hands and cocktails from 1220 Spirits. Tickets are available through PROMO’s website and cost $125 per person or $25 for students and older adults.
“I started my food blog and Instagram account when I lived in New Orleans because I found a passion for uplifting local businesses, especially those that allowed me to find a new home through food and new experiences,” said Stephen Deaderick, St. Louis food influencer. “With the state of Missouri and the world, I wanted to get more involved because having a presence in the community is now more important than ever. Brunch of Champions kicking off Pride Month is important because it shows that we are here and we are coming together in community all while we continue to fight these relentless attacks.”
This year, the brunch setup focuses on allowing guests the ability to build their own biscuit, whether they want to go with a savory or sweet profile. Attendees can choose from three different types of biscuits (honey glazed, vegan birthday cake, or Creole garlic cheddar) and then choose to top it with eggs, sausage, chicken chorizo as well as bacon, aioli, jam, and butter.
“Over the past three years, our community has shown up in power through a variety of ways,” said Lacie Jett (she/her), Director of Development for PROMO. “Our Brunch of Champions event is a way where we can celebrate those who have fought alongside us time and time again, recognizing the advocacy efforts of communities across the state.”
The full menu being served at Brunch of Champions includes:
- “Breakfast Sammie Bar” from Honey Bee’s — egg, sausage, and chicken chorizo patties alongside bacon, aioli, jam, and butter. Guests can choose from three different mini biscuits — a honey glaze, vegan birthday cake-style, or Creole garlic cheddar
- New Orleans-inspired Charcuterie Bar — a spread of cured meats, cheeses, crackers, and more
- Asian Crunch Salad — a medley of crisp cabbage, shaved carrots, bell peppers, red onions, edamame, and crunchy wonton strips. The salad is tossed in a sesame-ginger vinaigrette.
- Vegetable Gumbo — seasonal vegetables, okra, and aromatic trinity (onions, bell peppers, and celery) all in a rich deeply spiced roux that is slow-simmered
- Sichuan Mapo Rox with Braised Beef and Mushrooms: A fusion of Sichuan flavors and Southern soul with tender braised beef and mushrooms simmered in a spicy, Mapo sauce served with creamy grits
- Southern Peach Cobbler Biscuit— a blueberry biscuit covered in warm, cinnamon-spiced peach cobbler and topped with a bourbon caramel sauce, streusel, and Chantilly cream
Ticket holders will also hear an address from PROMO’s Executive Director, Katy Erker-Lynch, on the current legislative climate in Missouri and learn about ways to engage in grassroots organizing to fight back against the hate within the state. For more information about Brunch of Champions and to purchase tickets, visit PROMO’s website.