From Prison to $1.6M: Dawon Matthews’ Food Truck Success

Imagine being told you’re not good enough, not because of your skills, but because of your past. That’s the reality Dawon Matthews faced. After a felony charge led to his expulsion from college, he found doors slammed shut in the corporate world, despite earning degrees from Manor College and La Salle University. But Dawon didn’t let a felony conviction define his future; instead, he wrote his own success story.

Betting on Himself: From Cleaning to Cuisine

After applying to over 200 jobs with no luck, Dawon realized the traditional path wasn’t for him. He decided to invest in himself and dive headfirst into entrepreneurship. His first venture, Wonderful Cleaning, was a solid success, bringing in nearly $12,000 monthly by its second year. This initial triumph paved the way for R&R Junk Removal, which quickly generated over $100,000 in its first year.

Dawon’s ambition didn’t stop there. He expanded into real estate, acquiring 16 properties in the Philadelphia area, adding another $11,000 to his monthly profits. It just goes to show that with determination, a felony record doesn’t have to be a life sentence for career prospects.

Goodies Soul Kitchen: A Taste of Success

Now, Dawon has brought his entrepreneurial spirit to Houston, Texas, with his latest venture: Goodies Soul Kitchen. Launched with a $40,000 loan and in partnership with Jessica Ahwash, this food truck is serving up delicious soul food with a twist. Think honey jerk lamb chops, hot lemon pepper fried fish, and classic sides like sweet potato casserole and Cajun mac and cheese.

The response in Houston has been phenomenal! Goodies Soul Kitchen is attracting nearly 300 customers each week, raking in an impressive $20,000 weekly. Since its launch, the food truck has grossed over $665,000 in 2025 and surpassed $1 million in 2024, bringing the total to over $1.6 million. It seems Dawon has found his passion in hospitality.

What’s Next for Dawon Matthews?

Dawon isn’t slowing down. He plans to expand Goodies Soul Kitchen into a full-fledged restaurant, complete with a sports bar and burger shop. His journey is a powerful testament to resilience, proving that with grit and a willingness to bet on yourself, you can overcome past challenges and build something truly remarkable.