You probably recognize them from a Cook Out parking lot. Or maybe you saw that chaotic, heartwarming engagement on Watch What Happens Live back in 2018 when Andy Cohen played matchmaker. Dakota Wright and Jackson Mullins (now Jackson Wright) aren't your typical polished Los Angeles influencers. They’re Southern, they’re loud about their love for fast food, and they’ve managed to turn a simple "tray" order into a full-blown digital career.
Honestly, it’s refreshing. In a world of filtered "day in my life" videos that look like a Vogue shoot, Dakota and Jackson feel like the friends you’d actually want to grab a slaw dog with. But there is a lot more to their story than just chicken nuggets and hush puppies.
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How Dakota Wright and Jackson Became the Internet’s Favorite Couple
Most people think they just blew up overnight. Not really.
While the viral TikTok fame hit hard in 2021, the foundation was laid years earlier. Dakota was a real estate agent in North Carolina, and Jackson was working as a nurse practitioner. They met at a Halloween party in Greensboro after some light Facebook "creeping" from Jackson. It’s a classic modern love story—boy likes old photo, boy sends message, boys eventually get engaged on national television.
The transition from "regular guys" to "content creators" wasn't planned. Dakota started posting food hauls—specifically from Cook Out and Ruby Tuesday—and people just latched onto the authenticity. It wasn’t just the food. It was the dynamic. Dakota is the high-energy, Bravo-loving personality, while Jackson is often the grounded, slightly more reserved partner who "doesn't care about being famous," as Dakota often puts it.
The Power of Being "Unfiltered"
Social media is usually a highlight reel. Dakota Wright flipped that. He’s been incredibly vocal about his history with eating disorders.
That’s a heavy topic for a guy known for eating fried chicken on camera. But that’s the nuance. He’s used his platform to explain that his relationship with food is a journey, not a destination. By showing the "full picture," he’s helped de-stigmatize disordered eating within the LGBTQ+ community, specifically in the South where these conversations often happen behind closed doors.
Then there is Jackson. Jackson was born with a cleft lip, and he’s been open about that journey too. He’s become an accidental role model for people who don't see themselves represented in the "perfect" influencer space. They aren't trying to be perfect. They’re just being Dakota and Jackson.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Their Fame
There’s this weird assumption that if you’re a TikTok star, you must be "fake" or "doing it for the views."
With these two, what you see is basically what you get. They still live in the Charlotte area (Huntersville, specifically). They haven’t abandoned their Southern roots for a mansion in the Hollywood Hills.
- Fact: They got married after that 2018 engagement and have remained one of the most stable couples in the creator space.
- The Vibe: Jackson still has his "day job" energy, even when he's appearing in videos that get millions of views.
- The Reach: They’ve hung out with comedians like Fortune Feimster and attended major premieres like Scream VI and Mean Girls, but they still seem most at home in a drive-thru.
Navigating the Noise
It hasn't all been easy. Being a gay couple in the South with a massive online presence means dealing with a fair share of trolls. Dakota has a pretty legendary way of handling this: he screenshots the nastiest comments and puts them on blast. It’s a "kill them with kindness" approach, mixed with a healthy dose of "don't mess with me."
They’ve faced slurs and judgment, but they’ve used it to build a stronger community. Their followers aren't just fans; they're people who feel seen by them.
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Why They Are Still Trending in 2026
You’d think the "food haul" trend would have died out by now. It hasn't.
Dakota and Jackson have stayed relevant because they evolved. They moved past just "what I'm eating" into "how we're living." They talk about their home, their relationship struggles, and their goals for the future, like the adoption process.
They represent a specific kind of Southern LGBTQ+ identity that isn't often portrayed in mainstream media. It’s not all glitter and parades; sometimes it’s just two guys in a truck talking about whether the Mac and Cheese at one location is better than the other.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators
If you’re following their journey or looking to build your own path like they did, here is what we can actually learn from the Wrights:
- Niche down, then branch out. They started with a very specific love for Southern fast food. Once people fell in love with them, they could talk about anything.
- Vulnerability is a superpower. Dakota’s honesty about mental health created a deeper bond with his audience than any viral dance ever could.
- Stay local. You don't have to move to a content house to be successful. Their North Carolina roots are a huge part of their brand's "flavor."
- Balance the spotlight. Not everyone in a "social media couple" needs to be an extrovert. Jackson’s more behind-the-scenes role provides a balance that makes the content feel more grounded.
The reality is that Dakota Wright and Jackson have built something that lasts because it’s built on a real marriage and real personalities. Whether they are reviewing Krispy Kreme or talking about the complexities of coming out in a conservative Southern Baptist environment, they do it with a level of sincerity that’s hard to fake.
Support creators who aren't afraid to show the "messy" parts of life. Follow their updates on TikTok and Instagram to see how they continue to navigate fame while staying rooted in the Queen City.