Written by JR Robinson

Memphis Black Restaurant Week, orchestrated by the visionary Cynthia Daniels, has become a beacon of community unity and economic empowerment in Memphis. This annual event not only tantalizes taste buds with an array of culinary delights but also serves as a critical platform for promoting Black-owned businesses, fostering a culture of inclusivity, and driving socio-economic progress throughout the city.

The Culinary Maestro Behind the Movement: Cynthia Daniels

Cynthia Daniels, a name synonymous with community upliftment and entrepreneurial spirit, is the driving force behind Memphis Black Restaurant Week (MBRW). With a passion for showcasing the rich tapestry of Black culinary talent, Daniels has successfully turned MBRW into a city-wide celebration that not only boosts the local economy but also strengthens the bonds within the community. Since its inception, the event has featured 125 restaurants, generating approximately $2.5 million in sales, and has become a much-anticipated annual event.

A Taste of Memphis: The Participating Restaurants

Memphis Black Restaurant Week shines a spotlight on the diversity and creativity of the city's Black-owned restaurants. While the specific list of participating establishments changes annually, the event consistently features a wide range of culinary options, from traditional Southern fare to innovative fusion cuisine. Each restaurant offers special deals and menus, inviting locals and visitors alike to explore new flavors and revisit old favorites.

Below is a list of all the restaurants involved in Memphis Black Restaurant Week, including their names, locations, and details with links to their websites or contact information for placing orders:

• EGGXACTLY BREAKFAST & DELI - 1248 Marlin Rd. Memphis, TN 38116 - Pick Up Order: (901)729-7598
• SAGE - Pick Up Order: (901)672-7902
• CHEF TAM'S UNDERGROUND CAFE - Pick Up Order: (901)207-2598
• SLIM & HUSKY'S PIZZA - 634 Union Ave. Memphis, TN 38103
• BALL HOGGERZ BBQ - 1404 Airways Blvd. Memphis, TN 38114 - Pick Up Order: (901) 279-1758
• ART HOUSE CAFE - 1023 Mississippi Blvd. 38126 - Pick Up Order: (901) 480-8380
• THE FOUR WAY - 998 Mississippi Blvd. Memphis, TN 38126 - Call (901)507-1519 or (901)305-4488
• BALA'S BISTRO AFRICAN & AMERICAN CUISINE - 4571 Elvis Presley Blvd. Memphis, TN 38116
• SUGASHACK - Pick Up Order: (901)666-1961
• THE GENRE MEMPHIS - 200 Poplar Ave., Suite 105 Memphis, TN 38103
• SUN OF A VEGAN
• EVELYN & OLIVE JAMAICAN CUISINE
• BONES AND YAMS - 6479 Winchester Rd. Memphis, TN 38115
• 350 BAKED - 18 N 2nd. St. Ste 1 Memphis, TN 38103
• BISCUITS & JAMS
• SHROOMLICIOUS MEALS - 1249 Heistan Place Memphis, TN 38104
• XQUISITE DINING - 2488 Winchester Rd. Memphis, TN 38116
• Arnold's BBQ & Grill
• ASHTAR GARDEN - 898 Cooper St. Memphis, TN 38104
• MAHOGANY MEMPHIS
• MEALS FOR YOU - Pick Up Order: (901)283-0872
• FABULOUS FLAVORS & FRIENDS - 2063 East Brooks Rd. Memphis, TN 38116
• POP'S KERNEL GOURMET POPCORN
• KAYE'S PINTS & SCOOPS - 2089 Winchester Rd. 38116
• CXFFEE BLACK - 761 National St. Memphis, TN 38122
• QUINTESSENTIAL SWEETS - 2811 Bartlett Blvd. Memphis, TN 38134
• 97 N. Main St. Memphis, TN 38103
• BUTTERIFFIC BAKERY & CAFE - 488 S 2nd St. Memphis, TN 38103 - Pick Up Order: (901)207-4618

The Impact: Why Supporting Black Business Matters

Supporting Black-owned businesses through events like MBRW is not just about enjoying a good meal; it's about contributing to the economic vitality and resilience of the community. Black entrepreneurs in Memphis, like those in many cities, face unique challenges, including access to capital and resources. By patronizing these businesses, customers help to create jobs, foster innovation, and promote a more equitable economic landscape. Moreover, the success of Black-owned businesses contributes to the creation of generational wealth and the overall prosperity of the city.

A Call to Action: Why Everyone Should Participate

Memphis Black Restaurant Week is more than a culinary event; it's a movement towards a more inclusive and prosperous Memphis. It's an invitation to all Memphians, regardless of race, to come together in support of Black-owned businesses. By participating, you're not just enjoying delicious food; you're making a statement about the kind of community you want to live in—one that values diversity, supports economic equity, and celebrates the contributions of all its members.

Memphis Black Restaurant Week is a testament to the power of food to bring people together and drive positive change. Under the leadership of Cynthia Daniels, this event has grown into a city-wide celebration of Black culinary excellence and entrepreneurship. By supporting MBRW, Memphians of all backgrounds have the opportunity to contribute to the city's economic growth, support racial equity, and enjoy some of the best food the city has to offer. Let's come together to feast for progress and show the world the strength and diversity of Memphis's culinary scene.