Eat Black food…Be intentional; ByBlacks Restaurant Week 2023 Spring Edition

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

He envisioned this Restaurant Week back in 2016, but the timing was never right to launch it. With all the challenges Black Canadian restaurateurs were experiencing during the pandemic, Roger Dundas and the team at ByBlacks were only able to offer takeout and delivery options, but the situation presented an incredible opportunity to increase traffic to (Black-owned) restaurants across Canada.

In 2021, his vision came to fruition…

Anyone who has decided to go on this entrepreneurial journey will tell you that opening a restaurant can be a challenging task. There are many factors to consider, including: finding a suitable location, creating a menu, hiring staff, obtaining permits and licenses, marketing the business, and managing finances.

One of the biggest challenges is creating a unique concept and menu that will attract customers and stand out from the competition. This requires a lot of research and planning, as well as creativity and innovation.

Then of course there is managing the finances of the restaurant, which includes: budgeting for start-up costs and ongoing expenses, as well as pricing menu items to ensure profitability.

Hiring and training staff can also be a challenge, as finding the right employees with the necessary skills and experience can be difficult, and properly training them to provide excellent customer service is crucial.

Now, throw in a pandemic, and you have all the ingredients for a hair pulling, tremendously difficult task.

Luckily, there is a team of people who took into consideration all of these difficulties and have found a way to provide support to Black restaurateurs. Get excited Canada! It’s time to celebrate Black cuisine with ByBlacks Restaurant Week 2023 Spring Edition, sponsored by The Black Opportunity Fund!

The ByBlacks Restaurant Week (BRW) series is a highly curated chance to experience Canada’s Black-owned dining establishments. The week promises the very best of delectable and diverse African, Caribbean, and Fusion cuisine.

Black-owned Canadian restaurants will offer a Prix Fixe (special) menu option for dining in, takeout, and delivery, priced at $16 plus applicable provincial sales taxes or more.

Canadians across the nation will have a chance to sample food from different Black-owned restaurants. It is an exciting opportunity to try out new dishes and cuisines. For those who have not had an opportunity to try out African, or Caribbean food, ByBlacks Restaurant Week allows you to broaden your culinary horizons and experience different flavors and cooking styles.

Sampling food from different restaurants is an enjoyable way to socialize and spend time with friends and family. You can make it into a fun activity by organizing a food tour, where you visit the different restaurants involved with ByBlacks Restaurant Week and try out their signature dishes.

It’s important to remember that trying out new foods also means being mindful of your dietary restrictions and preferences. It’s always a good idea to research the restaurants beforehand and check their menus to ensure that they offer options that suit your needs.

Canada, from May 15^th, to May 21^st, you are in for a week-long celebration of delicious food, vibrant culture, and community where you’ll get to experience the rich diversity of Black-Canadian cuisine and highlight the exceptional culinary talent of Black chefs across Canada.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support Black-owned restaurants and experience the best of what your city has to offer.