Kansas City Kicks Off Black Feast Week to Celebrate Local Black-Owned Restaurants
In Kansas City, a vibrant new initiative is taking flight to honor and shine a spotlight on the city’s rich culinary scene, especially its incredible Black-owned restaurants. With the recent closures of beloved spots like Soiree, The Krave, and Privee, there’s an evident void in the community that can’t be overlooked. This inspired the launch of the KC Black Feast Week, an event that runs from October 1-14, designed to celebrate and uplift these essential dining establishments.
Starting with a Heartfelt Gesture
The festivities kicked off at the District Fish & Pasta House, where 100 Black mothers and families were treated to free meals during the “People’s Food Buyout.” This act not only served delicious food but also fostered a spirit of community and shared experiences, a fitting introduction for the two-week celebration.
A Call to Action for Local Support
Ryan Sorrell, the driving force behind this initiative and founder of a local platform focused on community affairs, highlighted the urging need to support Black restaurants in this current crisis. “A lot of restaurant owners felt that some of the existing initiatives were more nationally-based rather than locally-based, so we wanted to fill that gap,” he shared. This locally centered effort aims to provide more than just a temporary boost for these establishments; it seeks to ensure their **long-term** sustainability.
Community Impact Beyond Restaurants
As part of the event, organizers are also supporting Willa Robinson, a local entrepreneur, in her campaign to save Willa’s Books and Vinyl, Missouri’s oldest Black bookstore, from the pressures of gentrification. Restaurant owners can donate surplus profits to this campaign, creating a ripple effect of community support during the event. “This is more than just a restaurant week,” Sorrell emphasized. “It’s about preserving our culture, our businesses, and our history.”
What to Expect During Black Feast Week
Sorrell and his team have been hard at work for several months coordinating with 16 Black-owned restaurants and engaging with some of Kansas City’s most influential food figures. Their goal? To create lasting visibility and drive traffic to these establishments even after the event concludes. By offering high-quality photography, videos, and stories that highlight the unique offerings of each restaurant, they aim to build an ongoing appreciation for these businesses.
Visitors can expect a diverse lineup of specials throughout the week. Some tantalizing dishes include Mattie’s Foods’ mouthwatering BBQ Bacon Chicken Sandwich, Chef Smokey’s savory gumbo greens with cornbread, and flavorful sampler plates of Egusi and Fufu from Teetasty Foods. Each of these options showcases the incredible diversity and depth of Kansas City’s Black culinary heritage.
A New Tradition in the Making
Looking ahead, Sorrell envisions the Black Feast Week as an annual celebration, growing larger with even more participants each year. The thoughtful selection of restaurants, blending classic favorites with new gems, has been designed to keep the event fresh and enticing. Sorrell explained, “We wanted to keep the list actionable, so we didn’t include every single Black restaurant in the city — which might overwhelm our audience. We also included a great mix of diverse cuisines, as well as historic staples and newer restaurants that just launched this year.”
The Bigger Picture
In a world where many Black-owned restaurants struggle for visibility and resources, Kansas City Black Feast Week is not just an event; it’s a movement. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the rich flavors, unique stories, and cultural significance of Black cuisine in the community. “We have so many delicious Black-owned spots that simply don’t get the visibility or support they deserve,” Sorrell said. “Black Feast Week is about celebrating that.”
As this week unfolds, the hope is not only to draw diners into these restaurants but also to encourage ongoing support that extends well beyond the event, ensuring that Black culinary gems continue to thrive in Kansas City for years to come.
