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EatOkra and Black Foodie Finder: Two Platforms Promoting Black-Owned Restaurants

When Anthony Edwards Jr. and his then-girlfriend, Janique, first moved to Brooklyn in 2016, they struggled to find food that was comfortable and familiar to them. They explored their neighborhood, Edwards said, but had a hard time finding Black-owned restaurants nearby. There were few resources for doing so besides group chats and informal lists. So, with the encouragement of Janique, now his wife, he used his computer science degree to create a platform for users to find Black-owned eateries.

EatOkra looks to uplift independent restaurants

EatOkra co-founders Janique and Anthony Edwards.

EatOkra users can search for Black-owned restaurants, caterers, and food trucks based on keywords or proximity. About 20,000 businesses across the U.S. are available to browse in its database, including their locations, user reviews, contact information, and online ordering options. EatOkra, named after the plant used in African diasporic dishes, also lists Black-owned food products in its marketplace.

The platform offers two tiers for businesses seeking to join the database: a free Lite option and a paid Plus subscription that offers additional features, online business courses, and more space on the app for $9.99 a month. Edwards said the Plus membership serves as EatOkra’s primary business model.

Black Foodie Finder fosters a food-loving network

Brax Rich was seeking a way to support Black-owned restaurants amid the Covid-19 pandemic. He launched Black Foodie Finder, originally as a social media space to highlight eateries. Now, Black Foodie Finder has 1.3 million Instagram followers and spotlights restaurants, chefs, and recipes in its app.

"I think our impact has been really big," Rich, CEO of Black Foodie Finder, told CNBC. "We would highlight a restaurant, and the next thing I know, the owner’s posting on social media, ‘Hey, where did all you new guys come from?’"

Conclusion

EatOkra and Black Foodie Finder are two platforms that have made a significant impact in promoting Black-owned restaurants and Black food professionals. With their user-friendly interfaces and innovative features, they have created a community for users to discover and support Black-owned eateries. As the demand for diversity and representation in the food industry continues to grow, these platforms will play a vital role in uplifting Black-owned businesses and fostering a more inclusive food landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is EatOkra?
A: EatOkra is a platform that lists Black-owned restaurants, caterers, and food trucks across the U.S., allowing users to search for and support these businesses.

Q: What is Black Foodie Finder?
A: Black Foodie Finder is a platform that spotlights Black-owned restaurants, chefs, and recipes, as well as hosts food festivals and events to promote Black food culture.

Q: How do I use EatOkra?
A: Users can search for Black-owned restaurants, caterers, and food trucks on the EatOkra app, which offers features such as user reviews, contact information, and online ordering options.

Q: How do I use Black Foodie Finder?
A: Users can search for Black-owned restaurants, chefs, and recipes on the Black Foodie Finder app, which also hosts food festivals and events to promote Black food culture.