Celebrating Black History Month in Your Restaurant: Honoring Culture, Community, and Cuisine - By Heather Apse

Black History Month is an opportunity for restaurant owners and managers to celebrate Black culture, honor contributions to the culinary world, and foster a sense of community. Whether through special menu items, partnerships, or events, your restaurant can actively participate in meaningful ways. But as a restaurant owner or manager, you might not be sure how you can honor this cultural holiday. Here’s how:

1. Feature Black-Owned Suppliers and Ingredients

Many Black farmers, winemakers, and artisans produce high-quality ingredients and products that can add depth and authenticity to your menu. Consider sourcing from Black-owned businesses and highlighting these collaborations on your menu and social media. Emphasize their stories and the quality of their products on your menu and social media. Authentic storytelling builds connection and demonstrates genuine support.

Here’s an authentic list of ingredients used in Southern cooking, categorized for clarity:

Produce:

• Corn: Hominy, grits, cornmeal, cornbread, succotash
• Greens: Collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, kale
• Okra: Stewed, fried, pickled
• Sweet Potatoes: Candied, baked, in pies
• Tomatoes: Stewed, fried green, in sauces
• Peas: Black-eyed peas, field peas, crowder peas
• Beans: Lima beans, butter beans, snap beans
• Rice: Long grain, Carolina Gold
• Peanuts: Boiled, roasted, in brittle
• Pecans: In pies, pralines, as toppings
• Watermelon: Fresh, pickled rind
• Peaches: Fresh, in cobblers, preserves

Meats:

• Pork: Bacon, ham, ham hocks, pork shoulder, lard, cracklings
• Chicken: Fried, baked, stewed
• Beef: Brisket, ribs
• Seafood: Shrimp, crawfish, catfish, oysters, crabs

Dairy:

• Buttermilk: In biscuits, cornbread, fried chicken batter
• Butter: In baking, cooking
• Milk: In baking, sauces
• Eggs: In baking, cooking

Fats:

• Lard: For frying, baking
• Vegetable Oil: For frying
• Butter: For baking, cooking

Seasonings:

• Salt: Essential for flavor
• Black Pepper: Ground, cracked
• Red Pepper: Crushed, hot sauce
• Garlic Powder: For flavor
• Onion Powder: For flavor
• Paprika: Sweet, smoked
• Cajun/Creole Seasoning: Blends of spices
• Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, bay leaf

Other:

• Flour: All-purpose, for baking, thickening sauces
• Sugar: Granulated, brown
• Molasses: For flavor, sweetness
• Vinegar: Cider, white, for pickling, sauces
• Hot Sauce: Various types, for heat and flavor
• Broth: Chicken, vegetable, for soups, stews

Regional Variations:

• Lowcountry (South Carolina, Georgia): Rice, shrimp, grits, okra, benne seeds
• Appalachian: Beans, cornbread, wild game, foraged foods
• Creole/Cajun (Louisiana): Seafood, rice, spices, okra, gumbo, jambalaya
• Floribbean (Florida): Seafood, tropical fruits, citrus, Latin influences

Note: This list is not exhaustive, but it covers many of the most common and iconic ingredients used in Southern cooking.

2. Create a Special Black History Month Menu

Go beyond a simple “special menu.” Develop a thoughtfully curated selection of dishes that celebrate the rich diversity of African, Caribbean, and Southern cuisine. Share the history and cultural significance of each dish, enriching the dining experience for your guests.

3. Host a Community Event or Panel Discussion

Host an event that fosters conversation and understanding. Invite Black chefs, historians, and community leaders to share their perspectives on Black culinary traditions and their influence on the industry. This demonstrates respect and creates a meaningful experience for your guests.

4. Support Black-Owned Businesses and Organizations

Consider donating a portion of your February sales to organizations that support Black entrepreneurship in the food and beverage industry. Alternatively, collaborate with local Black-owned restaurants for a joint event or pop-up experience.

Check out one of many favorite Tripleseat customers, Lucille’s, which is black-owned and features fine southern cuisine and international techniques. Read more about Lucille Elizabeth Bishop Smith, African-American entrepreneur, chef, educator, inventor, and food corporation founder and president.

5. Showcase Black Artists and Musicians

Create an ambiance that celebrates Black artistry by featuring work from local Black artists, playing music from Black musicians, or even hosting live performances. This can create a culturally rich dining experience for your guests.

6. Highlight Black Culinary Innovators

Use your restaurant’s social media or website to share stories about Black chefs, restaurateurs, and innovators who have shaped the food industry. Engage your audience with inspiring narratives and historical insights.

7. Involve Your Team in Black History Month in your Restaurant

Encourage your staff to participate in Black History Month initiatives, whether by helping to create themed specials, learning about Black culinary traditions, or supporting Black-owned businesses in their own way.

Final Thoughts

Celebrating Black History Month in your restaurant is more than a marketing effort—it’s an opportunity to build connections, educate your team and guests, and honor the legacy of Black culinary contributions. By thoughtfully incorporating these ideas, your restaurant can create a meaningful and memorable experience for both your team and customers.

Heather Apse

As a content writer for Tripleseat, Heather channels her industry expertise into crafting insightful, actionable resources for hospitality professionals. Her background in hospitality includes hands-on experience as a hostess, busser, and waitress during her college years and she holds a deep appreciation for the nuances of restaurant and venue event operations. When she's not immersed in research or writing, Heather is adventuring outdoors with her three energetic sons and their lively, larger-than-life dog. Connect with Heather on LinkedIn.