There’s an old saying that “when White America gets a cold, Black America gets pneumonia.”
Black businesses, like most others, will be seriously challenged during this national disaster, especially those that are start-ups and those which are in the service industry. Still, some, like several food-service businesses, have adapted well to the rules that say restaurants and foodservice companies must be take-out or delivery only.
Smoke-A-Holics BBQ, at 1417 Evans Avenue, has only been operating since August, but the business has grown so fast that it was already making plans for expansion, including acquiring the property next door.
When it opened, the business was praised as one that would help revitalize southeast Fort Worth. Owners Derrick and Kesha Walker already had great take-out service, so when the virus came along it was “business as usual” for them.
At lunchtime on Friday, March 27, the street parking and the vacant lot next door were packed, and there was a long line of customers waiting for what has become an acclaimed barbecue place in Fort Worth.
Nana’s Kitchen, a soul food restaurant on Fort Worth’s east side, also let it be known that they were ready to serve customers with excellent take-out service.
If you’re a Chamber member, and your business has some special alterations and services, you can put that information directly on the FWMBCC’s website. If you have any questions about how to do that, contact Dennise Babiche at the email address listed above.
