Is war ever good for business? Not when you serve waffles and you want your customers to feel safe. The bright minds behind two of the city's most thriving breakfast spots actually came to blows this weekend after years of building tension. We have watched with amusement as both Sound Bites and Ball Square cafe served good food along with petty bickering – in New England's most densely populated city, we appreciate a good feud among neighbors.

The Somerville news even gave a name to the rivalry – The Breakfast Wars.

But this is crazy.

Mike Moccia of Ball Square Cafe and Soundbites owner Yasser Mirza allegedly exchanged punches Saturday afternoon in front of breakfast crowds and had to be pulled apart by stunned onlookers. Blood was drawn and accusations of assault may be forthcoming. Mirza is said to have visited a hospital. Moccia said Mirza spit on him.

Both of these business owners should be embarrassed. Ball Square is home to a thriving breakfast and lunch scene – and these two knuckleheads are rolling around on the sidewalk on Broadway.

Forget a breakfast summit, The Somerville News has a solution: reality television. The Travel Channel's "Food Wars" contacted Moccia and Mirza about a show and both initially agreed. But it somehow fell apart and that's a shame because, despite the punches to the head, it would be a welcome spotlight for a thriving breakfast district that also includes Kelly's Diner and True Grounds.

Sound Bites must face Ball Square cafe in a food duel to end the madness.

Let's hope these two can get back to business and end the bad blood – or at least stop punching and spitting at each other.