Title
A resolution recognizing Black Restaurant Week in Nashville and Davidson County.
Body
WHEREAS, Black Restaurant Week is a national campaign that showcases Black-owned restaurants and kicked off its inaugural Southeast edition in Nashville on Friday, May 14, 2021; and
WHEREAS, this year’s event ran from May 14 through May 23. Each year, Black Restaurant Week aims to boost sales, support Black business owners, and introduce diners to new restaurants in their city; and
WHEREAS, the national campaign started in Houston in 2016 and has grown to highlight Black-owned restaurants in large cities and multistate regions. Throughout the week, business owners can join online business conferences, receive marketing support or compete in cocktail or cooking challenges with other businesses; and
WHERAS, in 2020, the campaign featured 670 businesses nationwide and led to an average of 34 percent sales increase. That was especially critical during the coronavirus pandemic as a June 2020 survey from the University of California at Santa Cruz found that 41 percent of Black-owned businesses closed temporarily or permanently from February to April 2020, nearly double the national average of 22 percent; and
WHEREAS, participating restaurants in Nashville include Kingdom Café, Minerva Avenue, Willie B's Kitchen & Lounge, The Cupcake Collection, StrikeOut Wingz, and Chef Batts and Zombie Kitchen catering, among others; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes Black-owned and operated restaurants in Nashville and Davidson County, and encourages residents to support these businesses during Black Restaurant Week and throughout the year.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as recognizing Black Restaurant Week in Nashville and Davidson County.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.