Native Washingtonians Marcus and Dawn Smith talked about opening a breakfast restaurant when they first started dating. Some 25 years later, the right opportunity came along and the husband-and-wife duo opened Norma’s Homestyle Breakfast in January 2023. As part of their plan, they always knew they wanted to be open on Sundays when many other spots are closed.
The best way to describe Norma’s, which sits next to a Mobil gas station off of Minnesota Avenue NE, just a few blocks from Benning Road (look for a tall street sign on the corner, along with the red-and-black sign with a white background), is a restaurant that listens to its customers while keeping the food rooted in comfort. There’s no fuss or elaborate presentations and no attempt to make breakfast something flashy. It’s comfort food that tastes like something your favorite family member would make at home.
The restaurant is named after Dawn’s mother—who instilled in her a love of breakfast, even for dinner. Keeping with the familial theme, many of the menu items pay homage to Marcus’ family members and people who have played an important role in the Smiths’ lives and surrounding community. There are references to a boxing Hall of Famer, a cousin who played basketball at Georgetown University, and various aunts and uncles.
Marcus’ good friend Rodney Motley taught Dawn everything he knew about cooking and running a kitchen. He became an important part of the business, showing up every day and helping shape what Norma’s would become before recently passing away…