The vibrant restaurant scene in Los Angeles, California has drawn crowds for decades: promising a taste of the world from renowned chefs across the globe. But the big names aren’t the only intrigue, as Los Angeles is home to a wildly eclectic community of small bakeshops, bars, food trucks, and family-run restaurants.
As we continue marching forward in what can easily be considered the most significant civil rights movement in the last 50 years, you can help support causes of racial equality with how you choose to dine. Below, you will find but a small handful of Los Angeles enterprises owned and operated by Black chefs and entrepreneurs.
Poppy + Rose
“We have been overwhelmed with the love we have received in the past few weeks, and are tremendously humbled. Supporting Black-owned businesses is a great way to help revitalize and mend the trauma placed upon the black community. Regardless, we still have a lot of work to do and we cannot lose our momentum now.
We stand with the black community: we stand with small business owners, and with anyone who is fighting for equality.
Poppy + Rose will do its part to make sure the issues which plague our world are always brought to light. We encourage everyone to be bold, be brave, and be kind!”
-Chef & Co-Owner Kwini Reed
Soul Food Kitchen
“Over the last 40+ years, Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen and our previous restaurants have hired over 2,000 people from our community. Owning and supporting our small businesses of all types is vitally important to South Los Angeles.
As we continue on the long journey to bend the arc towards justice, we must also plan for economic sustainability.
Thank you to all our customers that have continued to support us during these difficult times. Please keep yourself and your family safe.”
-Chef & Owner Terry Dulan
The Serving Spoon
Harold E. Sparks moved across the country to Los Angeles in order to fulfill his dream of opening a soul food restaurant. Harold’s daughter and son-in-law now own and operate the family business, and are developing in key markets across the United States.
“We want to thank our community that has supported us for over 36 years. Simply put: We love our Spooners.
We will continue to do our part by investing, nourishing, and standing by you. Without y’all, there is no us.”
-Owners JC & Angela Johnson
Comfort LA
“Comfort LA started as a late-night pop-up, and now has two locations in DTLA and Inglewood. With a menu inspired by family members,
Comfort LA hopes the food makes everyone feel like they are at their favorite aunt or uncle’s house.
Menu items include Not Your Average Organic Fried Chicken Wings, Clean Mean Greens (vegan), Cousin Kina’s Mac and Cheese, and our Original Down Home Cornbread.”
-Chef Jeremy McBride & Co-Owner Mark Walker
Mel’s Fish Shack
“I am Georgette Powell, second-generation owner of Mel’s Fish. Our father, Mel Powell founded Mel’s Fish Market among other businesses starting in the late ’70s with a vision to promote economic development for the residents of the Crenshaw District.
We’ve fed generations of families over the years. We are fishers of men.
We stand locked armed with the community holding our ground for truth and what’s right on all fronts. We won’t be moved.”
-Owner & Chef Georgette Powell
Harold & Belle’s
“Community participation is a top priority for Harold & Belle’s Restaurant. During COVID, we were presented with an amazing opportunity to prepare meals and deliver them to seniors in our community.
It has been an honor taking care of those who have taken care of us for the past 51 years.
As we prepare to reopen, we will continue to support our guests by maintaining a safe and healthy environment and we’ll continue to bring the same flavor of New Orleans that everyone loves.”
-Koriel Jones, Assistant GM
Little Kingston Jamaican Restaurant
“Little Kingston Jamaican Restaurant has evolved from a fundraiser for our daughter’s trip to China, to a food delivery service, Jamaica on the go, and currently a brick and mortar store. Located at 4716 W Slauson Ave, Windsor Hills, CA 90056. And coming this Fall we’ve expanded our restaurant to the Baldwin Hills area. Behind the old Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall.”
-Owners Tanya & Noel Senior
Bludso’s Bar & Cue
Founder and Chef Kevin Bludso had his first introduction to barbecue in Corsicana, Texas. He eventually found a passion in the smoky spreads that his Granny had taught him to prepare.
“You’ve gotta use discrimination as fuel. You can’t judge everybody – first of all, that’s them. And if it wasn’t for discrimination, I wouldn’t be where I’m at.
I mean look at my customer base. My restaurant wouldn’t be where it was without it. That’s the path I had to take.”
-Owner & Chef Kevin Bludso
Sky’s Gourmet Tacos
“Sky‘s Gourmet Tacos was born in 1992 in the mid-city area of Los Angeles, one intrepid woman’s dream.
Barbara “Sky” Burrell’s vision of the ubiquitous Taco, a celebration of Mexican, with a Splash of Soul.
28 years later, that vision has captured the hearts of So Cal and spawned three new locations and greater involvement in the diverse communities they serve.”
-Owner and Entrepreneur, Barbara Burrell
We would like to thank our community of restaurants for continuing to provide our neighborhoods with delicious food and rich history. If you’re looking for other ways to support the Black community, consider donating to one of these organizations, and join the movement for change.
Hungry for something else? Discover other delicious eats in your area, ready to be ordered.
Order in without taking restaurants down. Learn how your order can make an impact. #OrderBetter
Looking for more content? Read up on our Celebrating Diversity Series with Kevin Bludso!
