Shreveport, October 21, 2025
News Summary
Shreveport’s Black Restaurant Week kicked off on October 19, celebrating its fifth anniversary. The event, organized by the SBAACC, promotes over 25 local Black-owned restaurants. Attendees can enjoy special dining experiences, diverse cuisines, and community engagement, enhancing support for local businesses as the holiday season approaches.
Shreveport
Shreveport’s Black Restaurant Week officially launched on October 19, marking its fifth anniversary of promoting local Black-owned culinary businesses. The kickoff event took place at the MS KICK Commercial Kitchen, where attendees had the opportunity to learn from executive chefs representing well-known local establishments such as The Smoking Oyster and The Saucy Caterer.
The event is organized by the Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce (SBAACC) and is designed to foster community engagement and encourage support for Black-owned dining establishments as the holiday season approaches. Black Restaurant Week will continue until Saturday, featuring a variety of dining options with over 25 participating restaurants offering lunch and dinner specials at value prices.
One of the standout aspects of this year’s event is its effort to highlight a diverse range of cuisines that extend beyond traditional soul food or barbecue. This initiative aims to provide greater visibility and economic opportunities for African American-owned restaurants, helping to combat systemic disparities faced by these businesses.
Key Events Scheduled for the Week
Throughout the week, various special dining experiences are planned to engage the community, including:
- Cooking with the Commissioner — an interactive cooking class hosted by Caddo Commissioner Victor L. Thomas.
- Black Food Truck Night at Louisiana Daiquiri Café featuring top food trucks, a live DJ, and giveaways.
- Signed, Seared & Served — an intimate dinner event that blends food with creativity and conversation.
- Foodie Fest at MS KICK, a family-friendly festival providing food trucks, chef demos, and activities for kids.
- Midnight Brunch showcasing the work of local food vendors in a late-night dining experience.
Community Impact
Billy Anderson, the SBAACC Chair for Black Restaurant Week, emphasized the cultural impact of the event on the community, underlining the importance of supporting local Black-owned businesses. Similarly, Kalisa Masiki, owner of Lifestyle Nutrition, remarked that the event significantly helps her business gain visibility within the community.
As Black Restaurant Week unfolds, attendees are encouraged to explore the diversity of offerings available, enhancing their dining experiences while supporting local entrepreneurs. The event not only aims to celebrate culinary talent but also seeks to create lasting connections within the Shreveport community.
Participation and Special Offerings
This year, with more than 25 restaurants joining in, Black Restaurant Week promises a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences. Diners can take advantage of special offers designed to expose them to the range of culinary styles that participants bring to the table, ultimately encouraging a spirit of community and investment in Black-owned businesses across the Shreveport-Bossier area.
Background
Shreveport-Bossier Black Restaurant Week has become a significant event since its inception, celebrating not just Black cuisine but the broader cultural richness it represents. The effort to spotlight Black-owned culinary establishments is part of a larger conversation regarding equity and representation within the food industry, situating this week-long festival as a vital part of the local calendar and community spirit.
FAQ
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What is Black Restaurant Week?
Black Restaurant Week officially launched in Shreveport on October 19, marking its fifth anniversary of promoting local Black-owned culinary businesses.
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Who organized the event?
The event is organized by the Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce (SBAACC).
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How long will the event run?
Black Restaurant Week will run through Saturday, encouraging support for Black-owned dining establishments.
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How many restaurants are participating?
Over 25 restaurants are participating this year, offering lunch and dinner specials at value prices.
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What special events are planned?
Various special dining experiences are planned throughout the week, including “Cooking with the Commissioner,” and Black Food Truck Night.
Chart: Key Features of Black Restaurant Week
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | October 19 |
| Duration | Until Saturday |
| Number of Participating Restaurants | Over 25 |
| Main Organizer | Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce |
| Special Events | Includes Cooking with the Commissioner, Black Food Truck Night, signed dinners, Foodie Fest, and Midnight Brunch. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
LSU Shreveport Hosts AI in Business Conference
Shreveport-Bossier Black Restaurant Week Kicks Off
Shreveport Launches Prize Fest with $50,000 Film Prize
Shreveport-Bossier Black Restaurant Week Celebrates Culinary Diversity
Bossier Chamber Hosts Public Policy Luncheon with Legislators
Shreveport-Bossier to Open First Ronald McDonald House
Shreveport Hosts Unique Fundraiser to Support Ronald McDonald House
New Ronald McDonald House Under Construction in Shreveport
Shreveport-Bossier Celebrates New Black-Owned Businesses
Shreveport Celebrates National Black Business Month
Additional Resources
- KTBS: Black Restaurant Week Kicks Off in Shreveport
- KTAL News: Shreveport-Bossier Black Restaurant Week
- KSLA: Shreveport-Bossier Black Restaurant Week Returns
- Jambalaya News: Shreveport-Bossier Black Restaurant Week Celebrates 5th Anniversary
- Wikipedia: Black Restaurant Week
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
