Today we’d like to introduce you to Aasiya Muslim.
Hi Aasiya , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Scrum-did-dly-ump-tious® was born from a moment of celebration and divine alignment. In September 2021, I hosted a three-day birthday weekend where I showcased my culinary talents across multiple events. The response was overwhelming—people showed up, showed love, and showed me that the leap from catering to a full-service dine-in restaurant wasn’t just possible, it was necessary.
The very next month, I signed a lease with my dear friend and now co-owner, LaShonia Turner, along with a third partner. It took 18 months to build out the space due to COVID-related delays, but we stayed the course. When we finally opened, we had a phenomenal first year—over $1.4 million in revenue and a growing, loyal customer base.
But the journey wasn’t without storms. In November 2023, we discovered our former business partner had been stealing money—despite us allowing her to remain involved after she failed to contribute financially at the start. Her betrayal was painful, and the lies she spread afterward added insult to injury.
Then in June 2024, an electrical fire forced us to close for 14 weeks. The financial strain was immense, and many customers assumed we wouldn’t reopen. But we did. And we’re still here—stronger, wiser, and more committed than ever.
We’ve never had a brand manager, but we’ve grown our Instagram organically to over 10.8K followers, built a beautiful website, and earned glowing customer reviews. Our family and staff—many of whom have been with us since day one—have held us down through every challenge. And through it all, God sustained us. Scrum is more than food. It’s a testimony.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been anything but smooth. We’ve faced betrayal, financial devastation, and personal heartbreak. After the theft by our former partner, we were left with debt, unpaid loans, and broken trust. We’ve faced eviction notices, foreclosure threats, and car repossessions. And yet, every time we were on the brink, God made a way.
In December 2024, we received the devastating news that LaShonia had Stage 4 gallbladder bile duct cancer that metastasized to the liver. The doctors recommended palliative chemo care, but we leaned into prayer and community. Her latest scans show 50% tumor shrinkage in her gallbladder and a reduction from four liver spots to two. That’s not just medicine—that’s grace.
Despite all this, neither of us has taken a paycheck in nearly three years. We’ve prioritized paying back investors and rebuilding what was lost. Our family members—LaShonia’s Children, her husband and family along with my children, nieces, nephews, cousin, and sister—have stepped in to keep the restaurant running. It’s been a labor of love, and we’re deeply grateful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Scrum-did-dly-ump-tious?
Scrum-did-dly-ump-tious® is a full-service dine-in restaurant located in the historic Downtown Lawrenceville—affectionately known as The DTL. We’re proud to be the first Black woman-owned restaurant in the history of downtown Lawrenceville, and we carry that honor with deep gratitude and responsibility.
What we do is simple, but sacred: we love on people through food and service. When you walk into Scrum, it’s like stepping into your favorite Auntie’s home—warm, welcoming, and full of flavor. We specialize in soulful dishes that feed the spirit as much as the stomach. Our signature offerings include Fried Catfish and Grits, Peach Cobbler French Toast, Carrot Cake Waffles with Chicken, Cajun Shrimp and Grits, and what many call the best Turkey Burger they’ve ever had. We also serve crave-worthy Crab Cakes and Crab Dip, Avocado Toast with Mango Salsa, Acai Bowls, so much more plus and a full bar with handcrafted specialty drinks that keep the vibes flowing.
What sets us apart isn’t just the menu—it’s the mission. We’re known for our hospitality, our heart, and our ability to make every guest feel like family. We uplift everyone who walks through our doors, regardless of background. Our brand is built on joy, comfort, and connection. We’ve grown organically, built a loyal following, and created a space where people come to be fed—in every sense of the word.
What we’re most proud of is the atmosphere we’ve cultivated. Scrum-did-dly-ump-tious® isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a place to belong. And as we approach our third anniversary, we’re excited to expand our offerings, elevate our brand, and continue building a legacy that lasts.
What does success mean to you?
Success, to us, is obedience. It’s staying the course even when the road is hard. It’s showing up with integrity, honoring your calling, and trusting that provision will meet purpose.
It’s not just about revenue or recognition—it’s about impact. It’s about building something that your great-grandchildren can inherit, not just financially, but spiritually. It’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, fed, and loved.
If we’ve survived the first three years—through betrayal, fire, and cancer—and still have joy, vision, and community? That’s success. And we’re just getting started.
Pricing:
- Carrot Cake and Fried Chicken $22.99
- Avocado Toast $15.99
- Catfish and Grits $24.99
- Shrimp and Grits $25.99
- Specialty drinks $14.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://scrum-did-dly-ump-tious.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scrumbrunch
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scrumbrunch/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@helloscrumdiddlyumptious
Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/madelynnegrace_?igsh=MXY2NnQyZmxmNTM3Yg==
