Will you do that for me?
The coronavirus pandemic with its shutdowns has made life precarious for the entire food service industry.
Mom-and-pop enterprises were especially hard hit because they lack relationships withbusiness bankers.
Its not the first time Caldwell has seen the trend.
She says a similar movement developed after protests over Micheal Browns death in Ferguson, MO.
But Caldwell said those well-meaning efforts petered out.
Thats why she urges customers to do more than order a meal or two.
She suggests developing a relationship with the restaurant owner.
If you have a specific kind of expertise business-wise, those business owners need to hear from you.
They need more social media training; there is a benefit to having an open Facebook page.
Ask [business owners] What do it’s crucial that you survive?
Relationships like this have kept Shoibhan Leaths business going during the last three months.
The 28-year-old baker opened her bakery, Sweetly Shoibhans last September.
She expected the pandemic would mean fewer customers for her desserts and bubble teas, but that didnt happen.
She credits word of mouth, especially on social media.
But shes got community cred as well.
Leath set up shop in her home town of Garfield Heights, a Cleveland suburb.
Shes seen former classmates and teachers stop by.
One customer came by and said, Ive only met one girl that has a name spelled this way.
That has to be my Shoibhan that I taught.
Leath was thrilled to see her as well.
I remembered her … from fourth grade, Leath said.
She was my favorite teacher.
Finding restaurants in your city:
TheEatOkra.comapp has become the go-to resource for locating African-American-owned restaurants.
We wanted to do something to help black people, Anthony Edwards told theWashington City Paper.
The app is available for Android and IOS.
There are also city-specific listings that can guide you to restaurants.
Columbus, OH:Blackout coalitionThis interactive map features 40 black-owned eateries.
Portland, OR:I Love Black FoodA directory of Portlands black-owned eateries.
Most connect to a social media page or website with updated information.
Read more
Food blogs are an excellent way to learn get the stories behind the dishes.
Sweet Potato Soul by Jenne ClaiborneA vegan food and lifestyle blog, cookbook, and cooking show!
Featuring easy, delicious, and healthy vegan recipes.
Claiborne is an Atlanta native who now lives in Los Angeles.
Its recipes range from appetizers to desserts and includes several Creole dishes.
