Local Chef David Porter Launches Bertha Dee’s Eatery in Marshall

BREAKING: Chef David Porter has officially opened his dream restaurant, Bertha Dee’s, in Marshall, Texas, after years of cultivating his culinary skills. Located at 1000 Wiley Avenue in the New Town Neighborhood, this new eatery marks a significant milestone for Porter, who started his journey at just 16 years old as a busboy.
In an exciting turn of events, Porter transitioned from selling desserts at the Harrison County Farmers Market to creating a full-service restaurant with a diverse menu. “I knew I had something … and when you have a good support group, you can do anything,” he shared. Bertha Dee’s opened its doors less than a month ago, and already Porter has expanded the menu to include classic American breakfast and lunch options.
The restaurant is named in honor of Porter’s late grandmother, who passed away in 2011. His journey began with selling cookies on the street, fueled by a passion for cooking and a commitment to honor her memory. “Everything is homemade,” Porter emphasizes. “There is nothing that comes out of the can.” His diabetic-friendly desserts, a hit at the farmers market, continue to be available by request.
Porter’s innovative menu was shaped by community feedback. “Before I even opened, I would give away leftovers from the farmers market,” he said. “I wouldn’t sell it, just give it away to all the (Wiley University) students, anybody that passed by.” This hands-on approach allowed him to gauge customer preferences, leading to the inclusion of items like burgers and wings.
Bertha Dee’s operates on a grab-and-go model, serving breakfast all day, alongside daily specials, juices, and snacks. The restaurant is open every day with varying hours: from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
As part of his community engagement, Porter hosted a giveaway of 100 cookies on October 1 for National Cookie Day, highlighting his ongoing commitment to connect with customers. To stay updated on his specials and promotions, follow Bertha Dee’s on Facebook and Instagram.
With a passion for food and a dedication to service, David Porter is not just building a restaurant; he’s creating a vibrant community hub. As Bertha Dee’s gains traction, local residents can look forward to a unique dining experience that honors tradition while embracing local tastes.
This is just the beginning for Porter, who is eager to continue evolving his restaurant and serving the Marshall community. Expect more exciting developments from Bertha Dee’s as it settles into its new neighborhood.