A whopping 28 African-American-owned eateries are gearing up to share their culinary delights with customers during Memphis Black Restaurant Week (MBRW) 2022, which is set to from March 6 through March 12.
Heightened anticipation looms in association with the return to unrestricted – or nearly – dining.
Cynthia Daniels, the creator of the annual affair, is thrilled about 2022.
“It’s like we’ve been shut up during a long, dark night,” Daniels said. “These past two years seemed like they would never end. Wave after wave of the virus surged, limiting our movement.
“This is year seven for Memphis Black Restaurant Week, and patrons can go out and enjoy eating with friends and families. Of course, the pick-up and delivery app options are still available. I’m pretty stoked.”
In 2019, there were 14 participating businesses. In 2020, in the throes of the virus and before vaccinations, nine restaurants served patrons with mostly delivery and pick-up meals. This year, some old favorites will be joined by some eager newbies.
“Some of our businesses had to close their doors permanently as the virus created a financial stranglehold,” said Daniels. “The fact that so many were unable to re-open after the extended shut-down really emphasizes the need for us to be intentional about patronizing Black businesses. We have the power to create wealth in our own community.”
Participating owners are looking forward to the seven-day event.
“Memphis Black Restaurant Week is what we also call the ‘Best Week Ever,’” said Charles Nwankwo, proprietor of Sage Restaurant.
“It is because the community really comes out and supports black businesses in the restaurant industry. The community’s response is massive. It is the busiest and most profitable week of the year for us. And every year, we are introduced to new regulars.”
Trap Fusion Restaurant’s Jason Gardner expressed appreciation for the week’s massive financial benefit.
“We always enjoy when Memphis Black Restaurant Week comes around,” Gardner said. “It’s always a great revenue generator, and it certainly helps the small, Black businesses in the area, especially in these times. We enjoy seeing new faces, and we always make returning customers out of first-time patrons.”
Daniels said 2022 is a critical year for restaurants struggling to stay afloat over the past two years, unable much of the time to operate at full capacity.
“It’s important to support Black businesses all year round,” said Daniels. “But especially now that business owners are trying to regain some of what they lost. We should be partners together with them. Supporting our own community means building wealth for future generations.”
For a complete list of participating restaurants, go to the Memphis Black Restaurant Week 2022 page on Facebook.
