Black Restaurant Week Begins in Chicago
About Black Restaurant Week
Founded in 2016 by Warren Luckett, Falayn Ferrell, and Derek Robinson, Black Restaurant Week is dedicated to celebrating the flavors of African-American, African, and Caribbean cuisine nationwide. Through a series of events and promotional campaigns, Black Restaurant Week’s culinary initiatives help introduce culinary businesses and culinary professionals to the community.
A Mission to Celebrate and Support
It began as a one-city food experience in Houston. The mission: celebrate African American, African, and Caribbean influences in the culinary industry, educate consumers on the abundance of cultural cuisines. The organization supports restauranteurs, bartenders, chefs, caterers, and food trucks.
More Than Just a Week
According to the Independent Restaurant Coalition, 500,000 restaurants and bars are faced with an uncertain future due to lost revenue and increased debt over the past 22 months. 1.1 million minority-owned businesses often face heightened challenges and disparities when securing business funding. The shocking statistics championed Black Restaurant Week’s More Than Just a Week campaign.
2022 Campaign Initiatives and Events
- Free entry-level business registration and inclusion in national culinary directory organization’s website
- Online culinary marketplace retailing Black-owned food and houseware brands
- NOSH Culinary Showcase to create and highlight business opportunities for catering companies and private chefs
- Soundbites Food Truck Parks to showcase and drive business to food trucks
- Small Business Grants and Business Development training from Black Restaurant Week’s non-profit Feed the Soul Foundation
Commitment to Support the Black Culinary Community
“More Than Just a Week speaks to our commitment to support the black culinary community throughout the entire year,” states Falayn Ferrell, Black Restaurant Week, LLC’s Operations Managing Partner. “More than 90,000 restaurants and bars closed nationwide since 2020, it is essential that we create a platform that drives awareness to black-owned culinary businesses outside of our culinary tour.”
Get Involved
For more information about Black Restaurant Week, its events and participating restaurants, please visit: blackrestaurantweeks.com
Conclusion
Black Restaurant Week is an annual, multi-city culinary movement celebrating the flavors of African American, African, and Caribbean cuisine nationwide. The organization’s commitment to supporting the black culinary community is more important than ever, as the industry faces unprecedented challenges. By attending events and participating in the campaign, you can help drive awareness and support for black-owned culinary businesses.
FAQs
Q: What is Black Restaurant Week?
A: Black Restaurant Week is an annual, multi-city culinary movement celebrating the flavors of African American, African, and Caribbean cuisine nationwide.
Q: What is the mission of Black Restaurant Week?
A: The mission is to celebrate African American, African, and Caribbean influences in the culinary industry, educate consumers on the abundance of cultural cuisines, and support restauranteurs, bartenders, chefs, caterers, and food trucks.
Q: What are the 2022 campaign initiatives and events?
A: The 2022 campaign initiatives and events include free entry-level business registration, online culinary marketplace, NOSH Culinary Showcase, Soundbites Food Truck Parks, and Small Business Grants and Business Development training.
Q: How can I get involved?
A: You can get involved by visiting the Black Restaurant Week website, attending events, and participating in the campaign to drive awareness and support for black-owned culinary businesses.
