Black Restaurant Week returns for second year

This event is not really just about food, but it’s also about celebrating our culture.”

Bryant Postell Co-Founder of the Black Restaurant Coalition

The Black Restaurant Coalition announces the kickoff of its highly anticipated 2nd Annual Black Restaurant Week, coinciding with the celebration of Black History Month.

This empowering initiative aims to spotlight the rich culinary heritage and exceptional contributions of about 50 black-owned restaurants across NYC and Long Island. From Feb. 19 to Feb. 25, food enthusiasts and cultural aficionados are invited to indulge in a journey of a diverse array of flavors, traditions, and stories at participating black-owned eateries. With each dish, patrons will savor the essence of resilience, creativity, and community that define the Black culinary experience.

“This event is not really just about food, but it’s also about celebrating our culture,” Bryant Postell, Co-Founder of the Black Restaurant Coalition and owner of Prime 39 in Lynbrook, said. “The focus is promoting economic empowerment and diversity abd being able to foster relationships and network among minority and small businesses.”

This event aims to provide people with a cultural dining experience.

“The 2nd Annual Black Restaurant Week serves as a platform to amplify the voices and talents of Black restaurateurs, chefs, and entrepreneurs,” Postell said. “It’s not just about food; it’s about celebrating our heritage, promoting economic empowerment, and fostering connections within our communities.”

Black Restaurant Week started last year during the coalition’s anniversary. About 50 restaurants participated in the event. Postell explained that restaurants saw an uptick in sales and reservations, which is his goal with black-owned restaurants across the area.

“Usually you see a slowdown in visits and attendance in restaurants the week after Valentines week because everyone splurged on the bill with their loved ones the week before,” Postell said. “Coming off of Valentines week, we give people an opportunity to enjoy meals at a discounted price.”

Throughout this year’s weeklong celebration, diners can expect tantalizing menus, special promotions, and immersive dining experiences that reflect the vibrant tapestry of African American cuisine. From soul food staples and Afro-Caribbean delights to contemporary twists on classic dishes, participating restaurants promise a culinary adventure like no other.

“People will be able to try certain Caribbean cuisines such as oxtails, curried goat, or event at Prime 39, they can try southern fried chicken with a delectable cornbread and our take on a collard green,” Postell said.

In addition to showcasing culinary excellence, Black Restaurant Week aims to raise awareness about the challenges and triumphs faced by black-owned restaurants. Postell hopes to give various small businesses exposure during this week.

“I’ve been in business at Prime 39 for three years and it’s still great to hear people say, ‘I just heard about you guys. This is an amazing restaurant’,” Postell said. “As a black-owned restaurant, we continue to bring exposure to some of the small businesses participating in this event.”

Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, the BRC continues to champion equity, inclusivity, and sustainability within the restaurant industry.

“We believe in the power of food to unite, inspire, and uplift,” Postell said. “By supporting Black-owned restaurants, patrons not only savor exceptional cuisine but also contribute to the economic prosperity and cultural vibrancy of our communities.”

BRC is dedicated to advocating for the success and sustainability of black-owned restaurants across the United States. Through collaboration, education, and empowerment, the coalition strives to create a more equitable and inclusive culinary landscape where black restaurateurs thrive.

For more information on BRC, including a list of participating restaurants and events during this weeklong event, visit BlackRestaurantCoalition.org.