Today kicks off Black Restaurant Week in Richmond. The city’s Office of Minority Business Development is encouraging the public to support the event, which promotes Richmond tourism and the city’s diverse food culture.
Throughout the week Black-owned restaurants in Richmond will be offering dining deals to bring in new customers and raise awareness. Twenty restaurants around the city are participating in the city’s inaugural Black Restaurant Week.
Ajay Brewer owns Brewer’s Cafe, what he describes as a third-wave gourmet coffee house.
“We’re a cool little spot to kinda post up and get some work done or kinda hang out and meet some new friends.”
Brewer says Black Restaurant Week is a way for Richmonders to support their neighbors.
“A lot of these restaurants get a lot of recognition that they would not normally get, and that’s the benefit of having a major restaurant week.”
Shelley Burnett manages Croaker’s Spot. The restaurant started in Jackson Ward, a neighborhood once known as “Black Wall Street.” Croaker’s serves mostly seafood, and they’re known for their “fish boats.”
“Our fish boat is fish, potatoes, the peppers and onion and the cornbread. We’re called a soul food restaurant, but we like to say food for the soul. Because it’s like you get good music, good people, and good eating.”
Black Restaurant Week runs March 6th through 12th. Participants include:
