Kansas City Celebrates First Black Feast Week to Support Local Black-Owned Restaurants

Kansas City Kicks Off First Black Feast Week

Ah, Kansas City! Known for its fantastic barbecue, jazz music, and now, a brand new culinary celebration specifically designed to support our local community. This week marks the kickoff of the city’s first-ever Black Feast Week, a delightful two-week endeavor that highlights and encourages us to indulge in the rich offerings of Black-owned eateries throughout the area.

Why Black Feast Week Matters

From now until October 14, more than a dozen Black-owned restaurants are banding together for this special occasion not just to tempt our taste buds, but also to shine a light on the importance of supporting local businesses. This year, the spotlight is on Willa’s Books and Vinyl, Kansas City’s longest-standing Black-owned bookstore, which needs our help to thrive. Independent bookstores are the heart and soul of our community and without them, we lose not just books, but a piece of our culture.

What’s Cooking?

If you’re wondering what delicious options await you, let me tell you—there’s a smorgasbord! With a total of sixteen participating restaurants, the variety is astounding. Whether you’re craving delectable vegan dishes, mouthwatering fried foods, or even a taste of Ethiopian or soul food, there’s something for everyone! Everyone is raving about the unique loaded baked potatoes from TC’s Fully Loaded food truck. And let’s not forget about Vine Street Brewing Co., Kansas City’s first Black-owned brewery, serving up tasty beer flights along with all that good food!

Let’s Talk Community Spirit

It’s not all about the food, though. Black Feast Week was set into motion by a local nonprofit that understands the urgency we’re facing. After all, in just the last three months, we’ve seen too many beloved Black restaurants close their doors, signaling a disturbing trend that can’t be ignored. Think about it—three favorites: Southern-inspired The Soiree, The Krave KC in Raytown, and Privee Restaurant and Lounge have shut down, leaving a gap in our community that these establishments filled.

This is where the Kansas City Defender and its passionate team step in, thanks to the initiative of reporter Lynnie Holl who recognized the need to spotlight these restaurants. Their goal? To not only celebrate culinary diversity but to boost foot traffic in these establishments and help them thrive again.

A Night to Remember

To set the tone for this incredible week, an event called the People’s Food Buyout took place at the District Fish & Pasta House. Imagine the wonderful smell of fried catfish wafting through the air; it was absolutely mouthwatering! Thanks to the Defender and District Fish & Pasta, the first 100 Black mothers and their families enjoyed a meal on the house. Many families came in, eagerly anticipating the food that would take one of their evening stressors off the table.

One mother, Kiesha Martin, shared her thoughts, commenting, “It gives moms a break and takes some of that stress off. We don’t have to worry about dinner tonight. That’s taken care of.” Her joy echoed through the restaurant, and that’s exactly what this week is all about.

Join the Celebration

As we dive deeper into this food fest that is Black Feast Week, I’m personally excited to explore as many of these amazing restaurants as I can. No need for indecision—I’ll definitely be heading back to try that fish or shrimp combo with sides of creamy mac and cheese and collard greens. Who’s with me? Let’s make a plan to support our local Black-owned spots together, all while celebrating the rich flavors they bring to our tables!

So, whether you’re a foodie looking for something new or someone who simply wants to contribute to the community, Black Feast Week is the perfect excuse to treat yourself—and the cause is just as delightful as the food!