Chicago Black Restaurant Week returns Sunday for its fourth time in a row—creating a platform for African-American owned eateries in the area to be recognized and patronized, according to their site.
A small historical blurb on the CBRW site's home page explains the significance of having the annual event commence the second week of February—also known as Black History Month since its establishment in 1976.
“In 1926, Dr Carter G. Woodson founded ’Negro History Week,’ which fell on the second week of February,” the page says. "While our Designer was busy creating Chicago Black Restaurant Week, she decided to honor Dr. Woodson's initial legacy by placing CBRW during the second week of Black History Month...and it will be during the second week of Black History Month for years to come!”
Owner and Designer Lauran Smith’s goal was to “expose these amazing establishments to everyone” in the Chicagoland area and surrounding suburbs, the site says.
The CBRW site goes on to express that "there are quite a few hidden gems owned by African Americans, and we would love for you to get to know just who they are!”
Smith was concerned that black-owned eateries were not very much supported and decided to shed light on some noteworthy places Chicagoans have to check out.
Chicago Black Restaurant Week shortly follows the broader Chicago Restaurant Week, which features hundreds of restaurants.
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In 2018, a total of 26 restaurants participated and that number rose to 37 for this year’s event.
The following are some of the 2019 participating venues:
1. Tastee Cafe
2. Drink Coffee Pops
3. Designs By A Ashley
4. Docks Fish 167th
5. Juiced By Shic
6. Flammin’ Restaurant
7. Brows N Berries
8. Luella’s Gospel
9. Luella’s Southern Kitchen
10. Kimbark Beverage Shoppe
11. Litehouse South Loop
12. Litehouse Hyde Park
The event is scheduled to run until Feb. 17.
To view the full, updated 2019 lineup of participants and pricing, click here.
