Across the country, restaurants are trying to rebound from financial hardships caused by COVID-19.
With dining rooms closed, many stores shifted focus to online ordering while dealing with supply issues, price increases, and labor shortages.
The pandemic hit Black-owned restaurants particularly hard, disproportionally impacting their ability to recover, and relief programs have not always lived up to expectations.
Administrators of the Small Business Association have acknowledged that flaws in the design of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) have prevented funds from reaching Black business owners.
However, customers have the power to make a big impact on restaurants that are working hard to bounce back.
Customers should consider dining in or ordering online from minority-operated diners, food trucks, and restaurants. Not only will this support struggling businesses, but it's an investment in your local community!
Black-Owned Restaurants
This month, Menufy is honoring the Black community's culinary influences by featuring some of our Black-owned and -operated restaurant partners across America.
Palm Beach, FL
With over 100 locations across the country, customers line up for their famous jerk chicken, which is marinated in Golden Krust's proprietary Jamaican jerk seasoning.
Instagram: @GoldenKrust
Website: https://www.goldenkrustpalmbeach.com
Overland Park, KS
KC's Daiquiri Shop is a New Orleans-style eatery featuring shrimp and grits, po'boys, and of course, frozen daiquiris!
Instagram: @kc_daiquiri_shop
Website: https://www.opkcdaiquirishop.com
Seattle, WA
Simply Soulful's cottage café creates pies, biscuits, and savory meals using simple, flavorful ingredients!
Instagram: @SimplySoulfulCafe
Website: https://www.simplysoulfulseattle.com
Las Vegas, NV
Buldogis combines America's favorite backyard dish with an Asian influence for an innovative culinary twist. Their inventive menu features gourmet hotdogs, chicken wings, and house-made kimchi!
Instagram: @Buldogis
Website: https://order.buldogis.com
Cleveland, OH
Bite Creole Kitchen provides Cleveland with a modern, hip atmosphere with flavorful foods such as fried seafood platters and peach cobbler stuffed cheesecake.
Instagram: @BiteCreoleKitchen
Website: https://www.bitecreolekitchen.com
Bankhead Mississippi Style Cooking: Spring Valley, CA
The Bankhead family is proud of their authentic Mississippi recipes, mixing old-fashion tastes with modern, healthier options.
Instagram: @BankheadMississippiStyle
Website: https://www.bankheadmsstyle.com
Kookie Haven: Dallas, TX
Kookie Haven is a family-owned and -operated bakery that uses their mom's cookie recipes to satisfy Dallas's sweet tooth.
Instagram: @KookieHaven
Website: https://www.orderkookiehaven.com
Atlanta, GA
Mr. Everything Cafe has multiple locations sprinkled around the Atlanta area and serves up their infamous grilled chicken over yellow rice.
Instagram: @MrEverythingCafe
Website: https://mreverythinggreenbriar.menufy.com
JERK'D: Hackensack, NJ
Marva Layne's made-from-scratch dishes are packed with modern Caribbean flavors such as pimento and scotch bonnet peppers.
Instagram: @JerkdKitchen
Website: https://www.orderjerkdkitchen.com
Fannie's West African Cuisine: Kansas City, MO
Frannie's goal is to have people from all walks of life in the Kansas City area enjoy amazing African cooking and flavors.
Instagram: @fannies_west_african_cuisine_
Website: https://www.fanniescuisinetogo.com
Robinson's Bar and Grill: Oak Park, IL
The continuing demand for Charlie Robinson's 200-year-old ribs recipe led to the opening of his Chicago-area restaurant.
Instagram: @Robinsons1RibsUnionStation
Website: https://robinsonsbarandgrill.menufy.com
Clay's Smoked Tuna: Memphis, TN
Clay's smokes their wings and fresh-caught tuna for hours before delivering delicious dishes to their loyal customers.
Instagram: @ClaysSmokedTuna
Website: https://www.clayssmokedtuna.com
Last Bite
With more and more Black restaurateurs breaking into local culinary scenes across the country, it's important for customers to show support all year round. But with so many delicious dishes and talented chefs, it's easy for diners to become regulars!
To find more Black-owned restaurants in your neighborhood, visit Black Restaurant Week's national directory.
Hungry for more? Order takeout or delivery by visiting www.menufy.com or by downloading our mobile app (Android or iOS).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melissa Dimmitt, Marketing Communications Coordinator
Melissa began her digital marketing career nearly a decade ago at a restaurant group. She worked with restaurant managers and executive chefs while coordinating seasonal menu releases, executing photoshoots, and creating fresh digital content.