Black Restaurant Week Brings 4th Annual Campaign to the Northeast

Discover Black-Owned Culinary Treasures in Philadelphia, Boston, and Beyond

The highly anticipated Black Restaurant Week is returning to the Northeast region for its fourth annual campaign, shining a spotlight on black-owned restaurants, food trucks, sweet shops, and more. The event ran from May 31 to June 9, 2024, in the Philadelphia area and will continue from June 16 to June 30 in New Jersey, including Atlantic County. This culinary celebration aims to highlight the rich diversity and creativity within the Black culinary community.

Celebrating Black Culinary Excellence

Black Restaurant Week is an experiential and creative marketing agency dedicated to creating awareness for black-owned culinary businesses. By collaborating with corporations and community partners, Black Restaurant Week organizes culinary events and marketing campaigns to help small culinary businesses overcome the challenges of limited promotional funds and resources.

In response to the systemic challenges faced by marginalized culinary businesses, Black Restaurant Weeks LLC established Feed the Soul Foundation in 2020, amidst the global pandemic. The foundation aims to expand the mission of Black Restaurant Week by providing vital resources to culinary entrepreneurs across the United States, including those from Black, LatinX, Indigenous, disabled, formerly incarcerated, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized communities.

Supporting Marginalized Culinary Entrepreneurs

Feed the Soul Foundation is led by Co-Executive Directors Jonathan Howard and Dr. Asheli S. Atkins. Unlike many emerging non-profit organizations, Feed the Soul quickly garnered significant support, notably from Maker’s Mark, a global leader in the beverage industry. Maker’s Mark's investment facilitated the launch of the Restaurant Business Development Fund (RBDF), a program designed to support culinary businesses. This initiative has since attracted support from other major corporations, including Grubhub and Kendra Scott, reinforcing the foundation’s mission to level the playing field and close the gaps in the culinary industry.

A Comprehensive Culinary Showcase

The unique model of Black Restaurant Week goes beyond traditional dine-in establishments, showcasing a diverse array of culinary offerings such as catering services, food trucks, and culinary products. This inclusive approach not only stimulates the local economy but also highlights the richness of the Black culinary scene, an integral part of American culture.

Advancing Culinary Businesses and Education

Feed the Soul Foundation is committed to helping culinary businesses in marginalized communities thrive. Through business development, education, grants, and scholarships, the foundation provides a pathway to growth and sustainability for culinary entrepreneurs and students. Their initiatives are designed to support underrepresented small culinary businesses, equipping them with the tools needed for success and advocating for their economic sustainability and progress within their communities.

Industry Challenges and Resilience

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the restaurant industry, with approximately 90,000 restaurants and bars closing and an estimated loss of over $280 billion in sales, according to the Independent Restaurant Coalition. In this challenging landscape, the efforts of Black Restaurant Week and Feed the Soul Foundation are more crucial than ever, providing much-needed support to keep these businesses thriving.

For more information about Black Restaurant Week and Feed the Soul Foundation, visit blackrestaurantweeks.com. Join in celebrating and supporting the incredible culinary talent within the Black community.

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