Today we’d like to introduce you to Dwight Blockett.
Hi Dwight, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Dwight — but most people call me D-Block — and my wife Ruby and I are the proud owners of Red Block Southern Grill. Cooking has always been a passion of mine and years ago, my brother and I dreamed of owning a food truck and one day opening a restaurant. After he passed away, that dream became even more personal and powerful. Not long after he passed, my wife and I and I made it our mission to carry that vision forward, and for over two years now, we’ve been living it out through Red Block Southern Grill.
Before launching the business, I walked away from a six-figure salary and senior executive position to pursue this dream full-time. Some people thought I was out of my mind — but with the love and support of my wife and family, we launched the business and I’ve never looked back! My wife has been by my side through every moment and is the backbone of this business. While I’m over the hot smoker and flat top grill and attending networking events all throughout the DFW area to generate in new business, Ruby is the heart and soul of our customer experience. Her ability to connect with people, make them feel welcomed, and deliver unforgettable service is the kind of magic you don’t expect from a food truck — it’s what keeps people coming back. She does all this while also managing an extremely demanding Human Resources Management career.
Our team wouldn’t be complete without our son, DJ — also known as DJ off 300. He’s a recent high school graduate and already a highly sought-out DJ in the DFW area. While he is busy making his own mark, he’s also our secret weapon behind the scenes. DJ handles food prep, sales, customer service — and he’s also our marketing and brand manager. His talent for creating high-impact promo videos, building engaging social media content, and expanding our reach is unmatched. He’s helped grow our following and bring in new customers week after week.
Our food? It’s Southern BBQ with a twist. I’m from Mississippi and Ruby’s from California. Together we bring both soulful roots and creative flair to every dish. We love experimenting with recipes and seeing our customers’ faces light up when that flavor hits their tongue. The unique blend of our seasoning styles and cooking techniques delivers an almost euphoric feeling we like to call The D-Block Experience — it’s not just food, it’s a vibe.
It’s wild to look back and see how far we’ve come—and honestly, we couldn’t have done it without the love and support of our friends and family. From our God-Mother jumping on the truck to help at a moment’s notice, to our loved ones always making us their first choice when grabbing a bite, showing up for events, booking us for catering, and referring us to family, friends, and business associates, generating new business for our catering and food truck events. Their constant support has helped our name reach places we haven’t even stepped foot in yet!
Owning a food truck is fast-paced, competitive, and full of ups and downs — but it’s been one of the most rewarding journeys of our lives. We’re just getting started, and we can’t wait to keep sharing The D-Block Experience with the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it been a smooth road? Not at all—but it’s definitely been an adventure. In the beginning, we wasted a lot of money and food just trying to figure things out. We overcooked like crazy and ended up eating a lot of BBQ ourselves—more than we’d like to admit! But that’s how we learned.
Over time, I figured out how to prep just enough food with the intention of selling out, while still making sure nobody leaves hungry. It’s a real balancing act and took plenty of trial and error before we got it (almost) down to a science.
We also had to learn how to manage food costs, book events the right way, and keep our calendar packed. None of it came easy, but every challenge taught us something and brought us one step closer to where we are now.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I spent over 20 years building a career in the financial industry, eventually becoming a Vice President of Collections. Even though I’m pretty laid-back by nature, I’ve always loved entertaining, traveling, and chasing new experiences – especially when it comes to food and culture.
My wife, on the other hand, has spent the past 16 years excelling in Human Resources Management. She’s currently the Plant HR Manager for a for an international company, where she’s leading the launch of their brand-new U.S. manufacturing operations.
What truly sets us apart is the fact that we’re a team in every sense of the word. I’m very active in the DFW area and love being out and about, connecting with people, building relationships, and spreading the word. My wife is more of a homebody, but she brings the structure, strategy, and behind-the-scenes magic that helps to keep everything running smoothly. That balance is our secret sauce – it allows us to play to our strengths and grow something real, together.
We’re most proud of what we’ve built from the ground up: a business fueled by passion, partnership, and community support. Every plate we serve reflects who we are and what we love.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory isn’t just a single moment – it’s a collection of experiences from growing up in Cleveland, Mississippi, surrounded by family and lifelong friends. Many of those same friends are now here with me in the DFW area. Though I left Mississippi almost 30 years ago, my Delta roots run deep. It’s where I’m from, and it will always be home.
Most of my favorite memories include my late mother and brother. Our childhood was filled with everyday love, laughter, and support. My mom was truly amazing – beautiful inside and out and she always gave us her very best. She supported every dream I had, including when I packed up and moved to Dallas, TX just two days after graduating high school. Childhood was a blessing, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
One spark that lit the fire for what I do now came from my uncles. They would come down to Mississippi from Chicago, and we couldn’t wait for them to show up because we knew the grill was coming with them. The smell of good meat cooking, the sound of them cracking jokes and talking noise, and the warmth of those family gatherings left a lasting impression on me. Some of the most meaningful conversations I’ve ever had were standing next to the grill with my uncles and cousins, soaking up stories, wisdom, and love. They weren’t just feeding us, they were taking care of the family in the best way they knew how.
As kids, you don’t always realize which moments will stick with you forever but those simple, smoky afternoons around the grill became lifelong memories that helped shape the man I am today.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redblockgrill?igsh=b3F3MmE3YnJucW10
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16iC5qo5MM/
