<\/p>\n
A customer takes a drink of his coffee while eating at The Breakfast Klub in Houston.<\/p>\n
Brett Coomer\/Staff photographer<\/p>\n
The summer has clearly benefited the Houston Cougars football team<\/a>. On Thursday, many players entered the locker room for media availability wearing shiny new helmets and crisp uniforms, showcasing their appreciation for the training and physical development that occurs during the\u00a0offseason. They shared stories of their dedication in the weight room<\/a>, focusing on building muscle and preparing for another demanding college football season.<\/p>\n When asked about their preferred spot after Thursday’s media session, nearly every player mentioned the same popular Houston location to satisfy their cravings.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n “I’m going Breakfast Klub,” said Cougars defensive lineman Ashton Porter. “I’m tearing it down. I got to.”\u00a0<\/p>\n The Breakfast Klub<\/a>, one of Houston\u2019s longtime-running restaurants, has been open for more than 25 years<\/a>\u00a0and is known for its outrageously long lines that patrons wait in faithfully for servings of southern-style brunch staples and a living room atmosphere that’s unmatched in the city.<\/p>\n Houston Cougars players Koby Young and Tyson Turner take turns posing during photo shoots at media availability inside TDECU Stadium.<\/p>\n “My personal favorite when everybody comes to the H is Breakfast Klub,” said Cougars linebacker and Houston native Christian\u00a0Brathwaite. “I just go chicken and eggs with an extra side of waffles.”<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n The size of the orders knows no bounds for the Cougars, especially for the offensive and defensive linemen.\u00a0<\/p>\n “They got a lot of options,” said Cougars linebacker and edge rusher Brandon Mack. “I get the fried chicken plate. Eggs, grits. Yeah, that’s my go-to. You feel me? I add like a little French toast, maybe some pancakes on the side too.”<\/p>\n “I’m getting the Meatty Three Omelet (bacon, ham and sausage) with spinach and some pancakes or some waffles,” said Cougars offensive lineman Anthony Boswell.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n The restaurant’s flagship location sits in Midtown, just a two-mile trek from TDECU Stadium<\/a> where the players hope to compete for a Big 12 Conference championship this season. For many Cougars teammates, hitting The Breakfast Klub is also about team bonding and bringing their families to a familiar location when they’re traveling from out of state.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n “I feel at home, and I know my family will appreciate it when they come to visit,” said Mack, a native of Montgomery, Alabama. “Plus, the portion sizes are so big, I know my teammates and I will be plenty full when we leave out of there.”<\/p>\n “I’ll handle the order for my family,” Boswell said with a laugh. “We can get them biscuits and gravy, catfish and eggs. Chicken and waffles.”<\/p>\n Building bonds by breaking bread together<\/p>\n While players wouldn’t admit to getting preferential treatment at the restaurant, one player did note that the long lines are sometimes navigated by a freshman sent to wait in line for the rest of the team. Or, occasionally, they might jump the line if they see someone they know.\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n “It’s love, folks know we’re a good time,” said one Cougars lineman who wished to remain anonymous. “Can’t have others knowing our secrets.”\u00a0<\/p>\n People stand in line by the mural at The Breakfast\u00a0Klub in Houston.\u00a0<\/p>\n Houston Chronicle\/Hearst Newspap\/Houston Chronicle via Getty Imag<\/p>\n According to ESPN, the Cougars are projected to finish sixth in their conference this season. However,\u00a0many in the college football community believe Houston has\u00a0a legitimate chance to win its<\/a>\u00a0first-ever Big 12 title<\/a>. With head coach Willie Fritz reimagining the program in his image, the impact is obvious, including time to bond, even over food.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n “The culture we built here,” said Brathwaite, who played at Cypress Ranch and originally attended LSU. “The culture’s just been different and the best it’s been since I’ve been here. So I would definitely say the culture. We’ve built and established a culture here as a brotherhood. It’s why we eat together so much.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A customer takes a drink of his coffee while eating at The Breakfast Klub in Houston. 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