A Decade of Flavor, Community, and Economic Power

Ten years ago, a simple idea was born in Houston: create a dedicated moment for the world to show up for Black-owned restaurants, food trucks, caterers, and culinary professionals. A decade later, that idea has become a national movement — and Atlanta is at its beating heart.

Atlanta's Black Restaurant Week returned on August 2, 2026, for its 10th anniversary edition, running through August 16 and spotlighting the city's richest culinary talent across the metro area.

Ten Years, Thousands of Chefs, Millions in Impact

Founded in 2016 by Warren Luckett — now an Atlanta resident — alongside partners Falayn Ferrell and Derek Robinson, Black Restaurant Week has grown from a single-city dining event into a national campaign spanning 17 regions across the U.S. and Canada.

Over that decade, the initiative has supported more than 5,000 culinary professionals and generated millions of dollars in economic impact for businesses that have historically lacked access to traditional marketing and advertising budgets. This year's milestone is not just a celebration — it is a testament to what happens when a community invests in itself.

Where to Eat Right Now in Atlanta

The 2026 Atlanta edition features participating restaurants across the city and surrounding metro areas. Among the headliners:

• Marcus Bar & Grille — Chef Gary Caldwell's Edgewood Avenue hotspot, known for the Gary & Friends collaborative dinner series. He kicked off the week with a special menu alongside Chef Robert Butts of Auburn Angel.
• Oreatha's at the Point — A staple of Atlanta's vibrant Black culinary scene.
• Pepper's Hotdogs — A community favorite bringing bold flavors to the celebration.
• Perfect Seasoning Jamaican Cuisine — Bringing Caribbean culture to Atlanta's dining table.

The full list of participating businesses spans Atlanta proper and surrounding cities including Marietta, Decatur, Stone Mountain, Conyers, and more. Most establishments are offering special menus, events, and promotions throughout the two-week run.

Giving Back Through Food

The 2026 edition also introduced a meaningful philanthropic layer through the Feed the Soul Foundation, Black Restaurant Week's nonprofit arm. The foundation has awarded $85,000 in scholarships to students at HBCUs and Hispanic-Serving Institutions pursuing careers in hospitality, culinary arts, and business. This year's programming includes the inaugural Bites & Birdies Golf Tournament, sponsored by Stella Artois.

Why Your Presence Matters

Black-owned restaurants have historically faced limited access to capital, marketing resources, and visibility. Black Restaurant Week addresses that visibility gap directly — one two-week window at a time. When you dine at a participating restaurant, you are not just enjoying a meal. You are circulating dollars within a community that has been systematically excluded from mainstream economic investment.

Black Restaurant Week runs through August 16. Atlanta, this is your moment. Eat well. Eat Black. And bring your people with you.

Sources: Atlanta Wire; Atlanta News First; The Atlanta Voice; Discover Atlanta