The past days have been a rollercoaster.
I can’t speak for everyone, but there’s a good chance that the previous sentence may feel applicable to you too. Whether you’ve been sad, angry, numb, or trying your best to simply keep it all together, the recent news of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd has been devasting. In this time I’ve seen a handful of people across social media and in person standing up against the injustice happening to black people. It is incredible to see people of all races come together to have difficult conversations, provide support, or share information.
One thing that I know for sure is that when this is all over, the world will return to whatever is the new normal. When that day finally comes, I want to make sure to support all restaurants that supported the rights of black people during this injustice. Whether they’re black owned or not, I want to thank those who said something. So many people and businesses sit on the fence during instances like the one we are in now and that is disappointing. For those who take a position and align themselves with black people and lean away from being silent, I appreciate you so much. Below is a list of restaurants, bars, and PR agencies in Los Angeles who support Black Lives Matter in whatever ways they can. From talking about it to donating proceeds to black organizations, they are doing their part. I know from my end, being in the food industry through this website I can do my part and share who is taking a stand. And when this has calmed down I’ll make every effort to visit them (maybe not the bars because I barely drink, but we’ll see).
Take a look over the list and maybe you’ll see your favorite restaurant or a few that surprise you. Did I miss anyone? Let me know by commenting below or email them my way.
For great lists of black restaurants you can support now (and forever to be honest), see here: LA Times, Eater LA, Time Out LA, and Kat Hong’s Google Doc.
Follow My Gut is a restaurant discovery blog created to help people find restaurants and indulge in food. There's great food in restaurants and those finds should be shared! If you feel the same way and want to join in new and forgotten discoveries, all you have to do is Follow My Gut by subscribing. You can also stay up to date on all food finds on Facebook and Instagram at @FollowMyGut!