Enticing foodies across the nation with the soulful flavors and tantalizing aromas of Pan-African cuisine, Black Restaurant Week LLC will kick-off its fourth year in April with an eight-city U.S. tour. With a mission to support the entire culinary industry, including restauranteurs, chefs, caterers, food trucks, bartenders and farmers, the cultural movement has expanded to include a special stop in Indianapolis to partner with the National Urban League’s annual conference.
“Black Restaurant Week started with a dream to champion and support the black culinary community,” founder Warren Luckett said. “In 2016, we set out to make that dream a reality and the response we’ve received over the years in each city is incredible. To bring that level of patronage and resources to a community so often overlooked is a privilege.”
Black Restaurant Week partners with local, black-owned restaurants and food trucks in each city to offer prix fixe menus showcasing each business’ unique culinary fare. In addition to menu features, Black Restaurant Week hosts a selection of culinary experiences, including pop-up dinners, as well as informational and expo-style events designed to expand awareness and increase support for black culinary professionals. This year, Black Restaurant Week will touch down in the following cities:
| Houston (April 14-28) | Los Angeles (Aug. 11-18) |
| Philadelphia (June 9- 23) | Atlanta (Sept. 1-15) |
| New Orleans (June 28-July 7) | Oakland (Sept. 29-Oct. 6) |
| Indianapolis (July 21- 28) | Dallas (Oct. 13-27) |
The vibrant celebration of food and culture has an impact that extends far beyond the palate. This year, proceeds from Black Restaurant Week will benefit the heartland of the black culinary community— the farmers who supply the industry’s ingredients. The organization will donate vital funds to Family Agriculture Resource Management Services(F.A.R.M.S.) in support of its efforts to provide legal and technical services to farmers of color.
“Supporting the entire culinary industry, from farm to table, is necessary for providing more opportunities for the whole community to thrive,” Luckett said. “From the increased exposure for black-owned restaurants to the professional business guidance gained from the educational events, Black Restaurant Week helps businesses expand its customer base and receive resources for ongoing success.”
Black Restaurant Week was founded in 2016 in Houston and has expanded to 8 U.S. cities. The movement currently supports more than 500 minority businesses nationwide and has generated an economic impact of approximately $1.5 million.
For more information about Black Restaurant Week, its events and participating restaurants, please visit: linktr.ee/blackrestaurantweek. Black Restaurant Week proudly partners with local and nationwide sponsors in each city, including Verizon, Jack Daniel’s, Branwar Wine Distributing Co., Visit Philadelphia, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, Visit Houston, Houston First, ChefWear, Fade Media, National Urban League and African-American Mayors Association.
