Feast or Famine: The Untold Struggle of Black-Owned Restaurants and How We Can Help


You know, after sifting through a good pile of think pieces about Black-owned restaurants, not just in Atlanta but across the board, I felt a need to add my two cents. So let's dive in, shall we?

The Feast or Famine Phenomenon

First off, I wanna talk about this pattern I'm sure y'all have noticed, the weekend craze. It seems like a lot of our beloved Black-owned restaurants turn into bona fide party spots on Friday and Saturday nights, not to mention those poppin' weekend brunches. But what about Tuesday lunch or Wednesday dinner? Cricket sounds, my friends, cricket sounds.

This isn't just a random observation, it's an issue affecting the heart and soul of these establishments. It's hard to maintain a consistent level of service, quality, and vibe if you're operating like a weekend-only business. Imagine your staff and kitchen going from dormant to overwhelmed within a matter of hours. It's tough y'all, and it's not sustainable.

The Domino Effect of Inconsistency

Now, I've been on both sides of the counter, so hear me out. Inconsistent foot traffic leads to inconsistent service, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Staff struggle to adapt to the sudden influx, which can result in slower service or errors. The kitchen, too, can be thrown into chaos, rushing to pump out orders they didn't have just days before. This instability can even lead to a high staff turnover rate because, let's face it, nobody likes to work in a hectic environment with no predictability.

A Call to Action—For Us!

Here's where we come in. We love these spots for a reason, right? The mouthwatering food, the soulful ambiance, and that sense of community you feel as soon as you walk through the door. So, let's give them a reason to keep those doors open all week long.

Spread the love and your dollars throughout the week. If you're thinking of dining out or grabbing takeout, why not make it a Tuesday affair instead of waiting for the weekend? It might not seem like a big deal, but these little changes can go a long way in creating a stable environment for these businesses to thrive.

So, What's the Word?

Now, I wanna pass the mic to y'all. What have your experiences been like at Black-owned restaurants? Do you notice a difference between weekday service from the weekend? The good, the bad, and the downright delicious—I wanna hear it all. Share your thoughts and let's keep this conversation going. Together, we can help these treasured spots overcome the feast-or-famine cycle and continue to serve up the flavors we all know and love.

- Uncle Dibbz

Leave a comment