The inaugural Black Restaurant Week is debuting in Alabama December 11. The 10-day event is designed to celebrate the flavors of African-American, African, and Caribbean cuisine nationwide. Patrons are encouraged to support Black-owned restaurants in their area by dining out or ordering food to go.
Founded in 2016, Black Restaurant Week aims to introduce businesses and professionals to the community through events, culinary initiatives, and promotional campaigns. There are 11 states/areas/regions participating in the national celebration. This year is Alabama’s first year participating. Each area has a different week, with the first event kicking off in June in Houston. Alabama’s event concludes the year, running December 11–20.
Participating Alabama restaurants include Eugene’s Hot Chicken, Bitty’s Living Kitchen, Nawlins Style Po’Boys, Kuntri Kitchen, and Good Health To Be Hail. In addition to restaurants, the event will also spotlight food trucks, bakeries, caterers, and other culinary professionals.
If you are unable to make it to a restaurant, there are other ways you can support Black-owned restaurants during and after Black Restaurant Week. Ways to do so include following their social media sites, liking their posts, and sharing photos. It’s also encouraged to leave a positive review on the BRW website, Google, or Yelp. You can also support restaurants by ordering takeout through delivery services, purchasing gift cards, or booking catering services.
The event is presented by Pepsi and Maker’s Mark. This year, Black Restaurant Week also includes fun activities like giveaways of gift cards, cash prizes, and more. You can download a BRW bingo card from the website and see if you can complete a row to get bingo and be entered to win a prize. Squares on the bingo card include eating at a food truck, trying a Caribbean meal, and dining out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Find more info on Alabama’s Black Restaurant Week via the website and the event’s Facebook page.
Julia Sayers Gokhale is a writer and editor who has been working in the lifestyle journalism industry since 2012. She was Editor in Chief of Birmingham Magazine for five years and is now leading Yellowhammer News’ lifestyle content. Find her on Instagram at @juliasayers or email her at julia@new-yhn.local.
