Black Restaurant Week, established in 2016 by Warren Luckett, Falayn Ferrell, and Derek Robinson, is an annual celebration dedicated to honouring the rich flavors and culinary traditions of African-American, African, and Caribbean cuisines on a national scale. This initiative plays a pivotal role in fostering community engagement by organizing a series of events and promotional campaigns aimed at spotlighting and supporting culinary businesses and professionals from these diverse cultural backgrounds. By providing a platform for exposure and recognition, Black Restaurant Week serves as a catalyst for elevating these vibrant culinary traditions and fostering a greater appreciation for the diverse culinary heritage within the African diaspora.
In 2o22, Black Restaurant Week highlighted the talent of 1,250 Black-owned culinary establishments throughout North America, with Canadian cities including Toronto and Vancouver amongst them. Â As a result of this exposure and support, these businesses experienced and average sales increase of 15 per cent.
This year the event runs from from July 7 to July 16, and along with restaurants, you can also explore delicious  food trucks, bakeries  and more!  Here are the 19 Toronto establishments participating in Black Restaurant Week.