Flyer created by Black Restaurant Week to promote the 10th anniversary and the 5th anniversary of Black Restaurant Week Northeast. (Credit: blackrestaurantweeks.com)
Beginning today, May 30, running through June 8, Philadelphia is participating in the 5th annual Northeastern campaign of Black Restaurant Week. The campaign also includes Pittsburgh, Boston, and additional surrounding metropolitan areas.
The overall campaign was created a decade ago to help put black-owned restaurants, food trucks, and sweets on the radar.
“Through collaborations with corporations and community partners, we organize culinary events and marketing campaigns, shedding light on small culinary businesses that often struggle with limited funds and resources for their own promotional efforts,” as stated on blackrestaurantweeks.com. “This comprehensive approach not only boosts the local economy but also provides broader exposure to the richness of the Black culinary scene, an integral component of American culture.”
I talked to Kindle Burrows, who created black and female-owned Pleasure Plates in Philadelphia six years ago. Burrows emphasized the importance of this week and its message.
“Black-owned restaurants are in the minority compared to other-owned restaurants,” she said. “Black Restaurant Week is really important because we are so behind, and this gives us a leg up to get exposure.”
“Try to support small black restaurants,” she said. “Make a conscious effort at it because we are always in the minority.”
This year, thus far, Philadelphia has five registered restaurants that you should visit.
6902 N Broad St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pleasure Platters, started and owned by Kindle Burrows, has been open for six years and has participated in Black Restaurant Week for three years. Burrows was raised in North Philadelphia, where she learned the power of food and culture. She launched Pleasure Platters, which serves seafood, when she lost her job in 2017, and ever since, she has become a taste of home, comfort, and warmth in her community. Nothing hits the spot like a home-cooked meal.
Satisfied customers posing with their takeaway meals. (Credit: Pleasure Platters)
5178 Parkside Ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Created by Celebrity Chef Darlene Jones, Star Fusion Express is a black and female-owned restaurant. Star Fusion Express is notably known for its 17 types of chicken wings and seven types of spring rolls, and seafood mac and cheese. Who wouldn't want to try this?
Darlene Jones posing in the kitchen. (Credit: Philadelphia Business Journal)
605 S. 3rd St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
For more than 20 years, Reef Restaurant and Lounge has been a part of the community in South Philadelphia. Reef is a Jamaican bar and grille restaurant that is black-family owned and operated. Their food blends Caribbean flavors and American comfort to create the perfect meal. If you are looking for a flavorful and fun experience, Reef Restaurant and Lounge is the perfect place to go.
Chef preparing a meal in the Reef Restaurant and Lounge kitchen. (Credit: Reef Restaurant and Lounge)
310 S 48th St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Catering by Carl Lewis, LLC is a Philadelphia-based black-owned company that focuses on gourmet cuisines and has been operating since 2014. Lewis has prepared meals for Philadelphia’s city government and for The Enterprise Center.
Chef Carl Lewis posing in the kitchen. (Credit: 48th Street Grille)
310 S 48th St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Located in the heart of West Philadelphia, 48th Street Grille is a black owned restaurant and catering business. The restaurant was opened by Chef Carl Lewis - yes, the same chef who owns Catering by Carl Lewis, LLC - as a part of his lifelong dream of opening and operating a restaurant. 48th Street Grille is a neighborhood restaurant that prepares modern American-Caribbean cuisine.
"We embrace the community," Chef Carl said. "We try to hire as many people within the community as we can."
Looking for a relaxed yet sophisticated dining experience? 48th Street Grille is calling your name.
Interior of 48th Street Grille. (Credit: The Infatuation)
