Black Restaurant Week returns to D.C. and Baltimore area for fifth year

By Aria BrentAFRO Staff Writerabrent@afro.com Black Restaurant Week is returning to Washington D.C. and Baltimore for its fifth year July 16-30. The two week event& focuses on stimulating the economy of the Black community in Charm City and the District. Each year, Black-owned culinary businesses and professionals who cannot afford marketing campaigns are celebrated and promoted to the public. With a variety of cuisines, businesses and culinary artists being highlighted during the 2024 campaign, the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area is in for a treat.& Black Restaurant Week, after nine years, still supports Black culinary businesses across the nation. Shown here, managing partners Derek Robinson (left) and Falayn Ferrell, along with founder Warren Luckett. (Image courtesy of Black Restaurant Week) According to the James Beard Foundation’s 2023 Industry Report, 53 percent of culinary business owners garnered lower profits last year due to the constant rise in food and labor costs. The costly changes have impacted menu prices and profits significantly since 2022.“Black Restaurant Week is not only making people aware of amazing restaurants, but it is also increasing foot traffic for these businesses,” said Derek Robinson, a managing partner for Black Restaurant Week. “Black Restaurant Week is giving folks a...