04/14/2023
Didn’t even need a explanation but there you go!
Allow me a brief moment to explain why highlighting only Black-owned restaurants is my mission.
Black-owned businesses are under capitalized. They’re also underperforming when juxtaposed against their White counterparts. In fact, it’s a proven fact that White-owned restaurants generate, on average, 43% more revenue than Black-owned restaurants. This means that White-owned restaurants can do something most Black-owned restaurants can’t - invest.
With the scale tipped against the fabric of the African-American owned restaurants, they’re already at a disadvantage. Owners can’t invest infrastructure. Owners can’t invest in systems. Owners can’t invest in acute retention of key talent. Owners can’t control critical operational points within their business. What else suffers? Typically, the aesthetic, the overall morale, and the boosted confidence that allows a properly staffed and funded company to exist, scale, and grow into seeing the same profits White-owned establishments see.
When the pandemic hit, the restaurant industry took a hit. Moreover, BLACK-owned restaurants, took an alarming hit - more so because this is typically their primary source of income. Imagine having a dream of owning your own restaurant and you’re Black. Do you even know what you’re up against? There’s surmounting pressure from every side.
White-owned restaurants get a pass. Service sucks? People still go back. Food sucks? We give them another chance. Staffing is an issue? No worries, we’re very accommodating. And the one thing you’ve never heard, “See, this is why I don’t support White-owned businesses!”
I understand that sometimes whiteness is blinding. I’ve spent almost 42 years uncovering that reality. Meanwhile, my people have been fighting the battle since the 16th century. And if you think the battle is over, it isn’t. Having to celebrate the reinstatement of two BLACK lawmakers after being unjustly removed from their seats (that the people they REPRESENT put them in) in front of the Lorraine Motel simply proves the fight is far from over. Doesn’t make too much sense, does it?
This is why I choose to celebrate Black-owned restaurants. Having owned and operated three successful restaurants, I know first hand the struggle. Imagine not having a few million followers and trying to break through to live the dream! I’m an influencer. My community is a ministry. If me celebrating the successes of my people is a crime, lock me up. I’ll gladly go. But, for the rest of my time on terra firma, I will gladly highlight Black-owned restaurants. This is my assignment. This is my ministry.
Besides, we already have White-owned everything else. It’s called America. She boldly displays her whiteness day after day.
I hope this helps you see the light. But, knowing how some people love to look the other way at the most appropriate times - it probably wont.
I’m here if you have any additional questions.
PS: Pro-Black doesn’t mean anti-White.