A taste of the stars
Black Enterprise, July, 1998 by Marcelle Williams Fowler
Black-owned celebrity restaurants are opening in cities nationwide
A growing number of African American celebrities, working closely with restaurant industry veterans, are adding "restaurateur" to their credentials and creating some of the hottest dining spots for business travelers, tourists, local residents and fellow celebrities nationwide. Whether you're in the mood for down-home soul food, classic Cajun or nouvelle international cuisine, a star-powered dining experience is just minutes away. In New York City alone, six celebrity-owned restaurants have opened up since January 1997.
Development in major cities and the creation of national chains are on the horizon for some celebrity ventures hoping to cash in on the lucrative black market. "Restaurateurs and celebrities are looking at the success of restaurants that target the middle-and upper-middle-class African American demographic," says Scott Mills, senior vice president of business development for BET Holdings, the parent company of Black Entertainment Television.
While some celebrities prefer to be silent partners or to simply lend their famous names, others are fulfilling lifelong ambitions. "Celebrities are finding that restaurants enable them to synergize many aspects of their lifestyle, from entertaining large numbers of people and enjoying fine dining to conducting important business meetings and making substantial financial investments," says Allen West, general manager of Justin's in New York City and former restaurant industry consultant.
Wherever you plan to go on business, chances are that you won't be far from one of these pallet-pleasing establishments. Take a few moments to pinpoint the following eateries, listed below, on your summer itinerary.
A taste of the stars | Black Enterprise | Find Articles at BNET
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