Rising Black Restaurantpreneurs Transforming the Face of Soul Food

For centuries, people around the world have enjoyed soul food’s comforting qualities and deeply-rooted history. Not only have left their mark on the hospitality industry, but new restaurants are emerging and putting a spin on the traditional soul food that we’ve come to love. Here are a few black restaurantpreneurs who are transforming the way we enjoy this comforting cuisine and also a few who have stood the test of time:

Anthony Caldwell, 50Kitchen (Boston) globe

Chef and owner Anthony Caldwell has put a soul-Asian fusion spin on a few soul food classics. A few must-try items from the 50Kitchen menu include shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and St. Louis ribs. You can also try out a variety of sandwiches, wings, sliders, and fusion bowls from this Boston-based restaurant.

Tanya Holland, Brown Sugar Kitchen (Oakland) globe

Chef and owner Tanya Holland studied French cuisine in Burgundy and has taken her talents to creating delicious soul food in the Oakland area. Using organic ingredients, Brown Sugar Kitchen has put a spin on traditional dishes including buttermilk fried chicken, gumbo, collards, and biscuits.

Charles Gabriel, Charles’ Country Pan-Fried Chicken (New York City)

Along with his popular pan-fried chicken, Charles Gabriel also serves up delicious dishes including BBQ ribs, turkey, and pork chops at this New York City restaurant. His southern cooking definitely brings down-home comfort to the Big Apple.

Leah Chase, Dooky Chase (New Orleans) globe

Civil rights icon Leah Chase has undoubtedly left her mark on New Orleans and comfort cooking as a whole. As civil rights activist and businesswoman, she served classic Cajun comfort food for over 65 years that you can still get a taste of when you visit her restaurant today.

Nigel Drayton, Nigel’s Good Food (Charleston) globe

Owner Nigel Drayton has made Nigel’s Good Food a staple among Charleston residents. Drayton’s soul food classics, including fried chicken wings, fried-green tomatoes and chicken and waffles should definitely be on your travel itinerary the next time you’re in the Carolinas.

Virginia Ali, Ben’s Chili Bowl (Washington, D.C) globe

Not only does Ben’s Chili Bowl serve up some of the best chili in the Washington D.C. area, but it also comes with a deep history. The matriarch of the restaurant, Virginia Ali, kept the restaurant’s doors open to protesters during the 1968 riots and also during the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement. The restaurant has also gotten the stamp of approval by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Barack Obama. Visit this spot to try one their most popular dishes: a half-smoke ( a pork and beef sausage topped with smoky chili, chopped onions, and tangy yellow mustard).

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