PepsiCo Foundation, National Urban League, and the Greater Baltimore Urban League Host Culinary Tasting Event to Celebrate Black Owned Restaurants

By National Urban League
Published03 PM EDT, Mon Sep 16, 2024
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Exclusive Event Spotlights Community Success Stories & the Economic Impact of the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program

 

BALTIMORE (Sept. 12, 2023) -- The PepsiCo Foundation, National Urban League, and Greater Baltimore Urban League's first Culinary Tasting Event showcased and highlighted the success stories emerging from their impactful partnership, the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program.

The Black Restaurant Accelerator Program (BRAP), a joint initiative between PepsiCo Foundation, the National Urban League, and Greater Baltimore Urban League (GBUL), aims to provide support and resources to Black-owned restaurants across the country. Recognizing these businesses' critical role in their communities, the GBUL BRAP program empowers entrepreneurs and builds a stronger future for Black-owned restaurants. The accelerated program runs for 8-10 weeks of intense and informative information to educate, enhance, and sustain Black-owned restaurants in Maryland. The cohort consists of a series of workshops in addition to one-to-one personal coaching guidance from our expert consultants to support the growth and scaling of their businesses.

The event was held on September 12th at 6 pm, at the Baltimore World Trade Center. A city rich in culture and history, Baltimore serves as the perfect backdrop to celebrate the resilience and achievements of Black-owned restaurants as the city is home to many successful grantee stories.

The success of this nationwide partnership can be seen in the numbers since the inception of the program in 2021:

  • More than 1,000 business owners across the country have been served by the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program
  • Leading to 26 new restaurant openings

Local Baltimore Success:

  • 24 restaurant owners participated in the Baltimore programming
  • 96 restaurant jobs were created in the Greater Baltimore region

"We are inspired by the impact we are making through our collaboration with the National Urban League to address a fundamental gap and create opportunities for Black business owners to build generational wealth and continue to strengthen their communities," C.D. Glin, President of PepsiCo Foundation, said. "By providing Black-owned restaurants with capital, technical assistance, and access to resources, we believe we can make a measurable impact on their trajectory not just today but for generations to come."

Program grantees shared their inspiring growth, innovation, and community impact stories.

"As a first-generation black woman and entrepreneur, there are many things we are not taught or have access to when building our businesses. The Black Restaurant Accelerator program opened doors that previously seemed impenetrable. The support and feedback from the business coaches have refocused me on the upward trajectory of French Toast Connection. Funding will set the stage for materials and staffing needed to grow as well as expansion," Donvenia "French" Jackson, chef/owner of French Toast Connection, said. "It's no secret that small black businesses don't often reach their full potential due to various systemic barriers. This program is changing that for participants. I am now more equipped to grow French Toast Connection in a strategic and organic way that will positively benefit my family, community, and other food businesses."

The entrepreneurs detailed how the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program has helped them transform their businesses, overcome challenges, and navigate the industry's complexities.

"We are truly thrilled about the transformative partnership between the Greater Baltimore Urban League and the PepsiCo Foundation Black Restaurant Accelerator program. This collaboration represents a remarkable opportunity to empower and uplift Black restaurant owners in our community, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and guidance they need to thrive in the culinary industry," said Tiffany Majors, President & CEO of the Greater Baltimore Urban League. "This group of entrepreneurs has certainly transcended above their peers. They've had the capacity to view the tip of the iceberg in creating generational wealth for their families. This event serves as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and dedication of these entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of our local Baltimore food scene."

National Urban League President Marc H. Morial said, "Entrepreneurship is at the heart of the Urban League mission, and Black–owned restaurants, in particular, hold a special place in the history of the civil rights movement. The impact of the Black Restaurant Accelerator program lies in breaking down barriers to business creation and expansion and in infusing strength and resiliency into our communities. We're proud to showcase the success of this incredible partnership."