Black Restaurant Week Serves Up Scrumptiousness & Support

From left: Derek Robinson, Falayn Ferrell and Warren Luckett. Image courtesy: Black Restaurant Week

Black Restaurant Week – Greater Washington D.C. is coming to DC for the first time from Friday, September 18 until Sunday, September 27.

Its mission is to “feed and fuel the cultural famine – especially with an emphasis on reviving and saving the black restaurant industry during the COVID-19 pandemic – and educate consumers on the abundance of cultural cuisines and dispel ethnic untruths.” In other words: scrumptiousness and support.

Founded in 2016 by Warren Luckett, Falayn Ferrell, and Derek Robinson, Black Restaurant Week began with a one-city food experience in Houston, Texas. Four years later, the culinary experience has expanded to eight cities, including Houston, Los Angeles, Oakland, Chicago, Atlanta… and now DC.

“Supporting the entire culinary industry, from farm to table, is necessary for providing more opportunities for the whole community to thrive,” said Luckett. “…Black Restaurant Week helps businesses expand [their] customer base and receive resources for ongoing success.”

During Black Restaurant Week, diners will enjoy prix fixe brunch, lunch, and dinner menus at participating restaurants starting at just $10.  Current participating eateries include Matchbox, The Kitchen Jerk, Halfsmoke DC, Hen Quarter, The Rub, Big Buns, and Austin Grill.

While some restaurants are offering dine-in menus, the emphasis on this year is on takeout and delivery.

In addition to supporting black-owned restaurants, chefs, caterers, and food trucks celebrating the flavors of African, African-American, and Caribbean cuisine, Black Restaurant Week also engages the community to vote on their favorite participating restaurants during its upcoming Black Plate Awards. And keep those receipts! Prizes are possible for patronizing multiple restaurants during BRW’s Bingo Game.