Here at Tend we believe in empowering people who pave their own way in life and overcome the odds to create their dreams. We would like to take some time to highlight Black-owned businesses on the way to and from our events and venues.
In Los Angeles, some of the best eateries and cuisines are run by Black business owners and restaurateurs. Here’s a rundown of some of the tastier treats.
Comfort LA – What began as a late-night pop up restaurant has expanded into two locations in Inglewood and Downtown LA. ComfortLA is serving up boxes of chicken wings, mean greens, candied yams, and cornbread to create an atmosphere that’s “like having a meal at your favorite aunt and uncle’s house” according to chefs Jeremy McBryde & Mark E. Walker.
Post and Beam – With jerked catfish, buttermilk pancakes, steak & eggs, shrimp n’ grits and more, Post & Beam is ripe with authentic Black culinary choices. The restaurant is making a case for more South LA restaurants to join Los Angeles’ ranks as must-have eats.
Fixins Soul Kitchen – Started by the former mayor of Sacramento and NBA-All Star Kevin Johnson, Fixin was born out of his love for Black culture and his wife Michelle’s love for great food. From chicken and waffles to fried catfish this soul food will leave you feeling enriched and loved.
Wi Jammin’ – Open for nearly a quarter of a century, Wi Jammin’ has been serving up authentic Caribbean cuisine. Known for their red beans and rice, jerk chicken and oxtail, the Mid-Wilshire location is sure to fill the hearts and stomachs of patrons from far and near.
Hawkins House of Burgers – Hawkins is a family-owned restaurant in the heart of Watts in southeast LA. The burger spot has been a Watts staple since 1982 where it opened its storefront after being a market location operated by James Henry Hawkins. Now his daughter Cynthia and her two daughters Dawn and Danielle help run the restaurant where they throw just about everything but the kitchen sink onto their heaping burgers.
The Memphis Grill – Located in North Hollywood Memphis Grill is currently offering takeout of its Memphis style BBQ all made from scratch. Born of the pandemic, the BBQ joint is still working on offering dine-in options but the reviews speak of flavors not often found in LA with a combination of juicy savory meat, and lick your lips spices.
Honey’s Kettle – Precisely what it sounds like, Honey’s Kettle prepares fried chicken in a kettle. Their founder, affectionately referred to as Chef Vinny has been cooking this way for over fifty years and has struck a chord with the foodie community by pairing freshness with flavor.
Baba’s Vegan Cafe – With food hailing from the African Diaspora, Baba’s Vegan Cafe is a Black family-owned health food company in Crenshaw. Baba’s is looking to serve healthy food in South LA where the restaurant industry is over-saturated with fast food. Head on down to Baba’s to get your fix for a health conscious meal.
At Tend, we implore you to check out these Black-owned businesses on your way to and from events to add a little flavor and a lot of love to your life.
