Wilmington City Council turned the spotlight on the city’s vibrant Black-owned restaurant community this week, passing an official resolution on Thursday, October 2 to recognize dozens of Black entrepreneurs participating in Wilmington Black Restaurant Week 2025.
Now in its third year, Wilmington’s Black Restaurant Week ran September 28 – October 5, culminating in Sunday’s lively Black Food Festival at which the public enjoyed free tastings and celebrated local culinary talent.
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Videography, Producer, and Voice Over Talent by Yesenia Taveras, Director of Communications for Wilmington City Council.
City Council Resolution Honors Black Culinary Excellence
The resolution was co-sponsored by Council President Ernest “Trippi” Congo II and Council Members Coby J. Owens, Shané N. Darby, Zanthia Oliver, Michelle Harlee, Christian Willauer, Yolanda M. McCoy, Christofer C. Johnson, Nathan Field, Latisha Bracy, Maria D. Cabrera, Alexander D. Hackett, and James Spadola.
It recognizes Wilmington Black Restaurant Week as:
“An occasion to highlight the flavors of the African American, African, and Caribbean culinary traditions while promoting and supporting Black culinary professionals, businesses, and workers.”
City Council emphasized that the program not only boosts visibility for participating businesses but also builds long-term resilience in local neighborhoods.
Among the more than two dozen participating restaurants and food entrepreneurs were: Drop Squad Kitchen, Glenn’s Kitchen, Green Box Kitchen, Keem’s Cuisine, Sherylz Food Truck, Tasty Creole Haitian Cuisine, Rum Punch Restaurant, Virtuous Eatery, The Selfie Restaurant, and many more — each celebrated for their contribution to Wilmington’s culture and economy.
📸 Photography by Yesenia Taveras, Director of Communications for Wilmington City Council.
Black Food Festival Brings the Community Together
The week concluded on Sunday, October 5 with the Black Food Festival, which transformed downtown Wilmington into a tasting and cultural showcase.
Council Chief of Staff Elijah Simmons said during the event:
“I’m hoping that this is the start of something new. There is opportunity in Wilmington. This is a wonderful place to grow and build your business. The people of the city… really love giving back.”
Festival-goers sampled dishes from local chefs and food trucks at no cost, encouraging newcomers to discover new favorites and support the city’s diverse dining scene.
More Than a Weeklong Celebration
Launched locally in 2023, Wilmington’s Black Restaurant Week is part of a national movement founded in 2016 to spotlight Black culinary creativity and entrepreneurship.
City officials say the partnerships with groups such as Flux Creative Consulting, Arplans, Unified Creative Exchange, and sponsors like New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, the Delaware Restaurant Association, and Kenny Family ShopRite ensure the effort will continue to grow.
