Reviewed by: Gabby Gervais
7 Black-owned businesses to support during Black Restaurant Week, Oct. 14-23
Birmingham, it’s time to support our local Black-owned businesses during Black Restaurant Week. From October 14-23, come hungry to these seven Birmingham restaurants participating in our city’s efforts to support minority-owned businesses and their culinary influences.
Black Restaurant Week kicks off on October 14
Black Restaurant Week—also known as More Than Just a Week—is all about helping the community discover Black-owned businesses to support. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, less than 20% of employer businesses are minority-owned in the US. So, this week is bringing awareness to these businesses in town by gathering the community around them. The goal is to celebrate and educate people about African American, African and Caribbean culinary influences.
- When: Friday, October 14-Sunday, October 23
- Where: 7 participating locations
“More Than Just a Week speaks to our commitment to support the black culinary community throughout the entire year. More than 90,000 restaurants and bars closed nationwide since 2020, it is essential that we create a platform that drives awareness to black-owned culinary businesses outside of our culinary tour.”
Falayn Ferrell, Operations Managing Partner, Black Restaurant Week, LLC
Excited to support Black-owned businesses in The Magic City? Grab a bite at these seven local restaurants during Birmingham’s Black Restaurant Week:
1. Deb’s Italian Ices
Sure, it may be fall, but we know the Alabama heat isn’t stopping anytime soon. Cool off with a sweet treat from Deb’s Italian Ices. Personally, I’ll be going for the mango Italian ice. They’re available for events and special occasions, so keep them in mind next time you have the crew over for a party.
- Contact: 205-772-1729
- Website
2. Frozen Rooster
Family-owned and operated, it’s like eating at home while you’re at Frozen Rooster. Their menu is jam-packed with American classics like boneless and traditional wings, fries and ice cream.
- Location: 6200 Grand River Blvd E Suite 354, Leeds, AL 35094
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 11AM-7PM | Sunday Noon-6PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Ivory LeShore’s Gourmet Bread Pudding & Cheesecakes
Okay, hear me out—bread pudding is so underrated. Ivory Leshore’s white chocolate bread pudding is changing the Birmingham community’s opinion about this dessert. Even better, he also sells cheesecakes—perhaps my all-time favorite dessert.
Ivory’s name may ring a bell. You can find him selling at markets around town, including The Market at Pepper Place. You can also place an order online for a sweet treat on the go.
4. Kuntri Kitchen
This food truck has some of the most mouth-watering ribs ever. We love good barbeque in the South and owner Demarcus Rodgers is serving some of the best. Kuntri Kitchen’s motto is “Taste Like Good” and they’re not kidding.
Locations and hours vary depending on the day, so be sure to follow them on social media to see where they’re parking next.
5. Michael’s Restaurant
Fine dining with breathtaking views of Birmingham? Michael’s Restaurant is crushing the game. I’m a BIG seafood eater and this restaurant has some of the best seafood dishes in town. I’m talking about shrimp and grits, lobster tail bites and calamari, just to name a few.
If you’re not a seafood lover, no worries! There’s a bone-in ribeye on the menu that’s calling your name.
- Location: 1525 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 5-8:30PM | Friday-Saturday 5-9PM | Sunday Noon-3PM
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
6. Terrific Treatz LLC
You’re never too old to have a sweet tooth. With different flavored lemonades, candied fruit, cheesecake bites and more, you’ll be more than excited to have a sugar rush. We got to try their blue raspberry-flavored candied grapes and were not disappointed.
Be sure to follow them on social media to find out where this food truck will be around The Magic City.
7. Urban Smoke Bar & Grill
My stomach is grumbling looking at this menu—there are wings, sandwiches, burgers and seafood—YUM. I may have to go with the smoke fries, covered in gooey cheese, steak or chicken, peppers, onions and a smoke sauce.
In a rush? You can also order online or swing by Urban Smoke Bar & Grill’s drive-thru.
- Location: 7100 Aaron Aronov Dr, Fairfield, AL 35064
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday Noon-10PM | Friday-Saturday Noon-Midnight
- Website | Facebook
Looking for more Black-owned businesses to support in Bham? Here are 25 Black-owned restaurants in Birmingham for tasty meals.
What’s your go-to Black-owned restaurant in the Magic City? Tag us @BhamNow to let us know!
