Eat Blk Charlotte’s festival-end event brought more than 400 attendees in its debut year. Photo courtesy

A group of Charlotte food influencers — including bloggers and Instagrammers — is hosting a week-long celebration of Black-owned restaurants and food trucks this week. Erique Berry, Cory Wilkins, Ryan Jones, Shay Jackson, and Amber Owens launched Eat Blk Charlotte as a hashtag that encouraged supporting Black businesses in 2020, amid protests and calls for racial justice among Charlotteans. The event has since evolved into a multi-faceted food event taking place each summer.

Starting June 3, more than 20 restaurants and food trucks from across the city will offer special menus, including What the Fries, Romeo’s Vegan Burger, and Derita Dairy Bar. The specials will run through June 12.

A festival on June 11 will help wrap up the event. The Eat Blk Charlotte Food & Culture Festival is free to the public, with donations encouraged at registration. Participating food trucks include: Q’s Culinary Cart, Ms. Didi’s Caribbean Kitchen, Jimmy Pearls, Mariah’s Taco Spot, Ve-Go, Urban Sweets Co., and Soule’ coffee. The event will also host vendors, as well as entertainment for kids and live music emceed by comedian Tim Shropshire. All will take place in West Charlotte at mixed use development Lower Tuck, and run from noon to 4 p.m.

See the full list of participating restaurants and learn more about the event here.