Black Restaurant Week Celebrates 5 Years of Serving up Heritage

National culinary event continues to feed and fuel cultural famine with new market expansion in 2020

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 15, 2020) Black Restaurant Week LLC, the organization responsible for celebrating the flavors of African American, African and Caribbean cuisine nationwide with a series of regional cultural events, celebrates five years of service. With an inclusive mission to support the culinary industry, including restaurateurs, chefs, caterers, food trucks, bartenders and farmers, Black Restaurant Week welcomes four new markets for their 2020 tour including Birmingham, AL; New York, NY; the Midwest Region including a return to Indianapolis, and the Central Florida region including Orlando/Tampa, FL.

Founded in 2016 by three visionaries: Warren Luckett, Falayn Ferrell and Derek Robinson, Black Restaurant Week began with a one-city food experience in Houston, Texas. The mission: celebrate African Americans, Africans and Caribbeans in the culinary industry, educate consumers on the abundance of cultural cuisines and dispel ethnic untruths. To date, the culinary experience has expanded to eight cities with involvement from 270 minority businesses and professionals nationwide.

National campaign impact highlights include, but are not limited to:

• Domestic economic impact of $1.5 million in support of a variety of culinary and small businesses
• Participating restaurants average a 20% increase in sales
• Supported Family Agriculture Resource Management Services (F.A.R.M.S.); a non-profit organization, efforts to assist rural African-American farmers. To date, the partnership has provided legal aid assistance to farmers to reclaim their land and purchase over 7,500 lbs of produce which were donated to communities in need.

“Black Restaurant Week started with a dream to champion and support the black culinary community,” founder Warren Luckett said. “In 2016, our objective included making 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 in each city to offer prix fixe menus showcasing each business’ distinctive fare. In addition to menu features, Black Restaurant Week hosts a selection of culinary experiences, including business panel discussions, culinary and cocktail competitions, and food truck festivals designed to expand awareness and increase support for black culinary professionals. 

2020 Calendar

This year, Black Restaurant Week will host experiences in the following cities:

• Houston, TX (May 17-31)
• Philadelphia, PA (June 7-21)
• New York, NY (July 3-12)
• Midwest Region (July 19-26)
• Los Angeles, CA (August 2-9)
• Bay Area, CA (August 16-23)
• Atlanta, GA (August 30-September 13)
• Alabama (September 20-27)
• New Orleans, LA (October 2-11)
• Orlando/Tampa, FL (November 13-22)

“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 on our new national website 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.”