Small Business Solutions

Restaurant owners at an event to kick off the Black Restaurant Challenge in Boston said they were excited to be spotlighted in a big way.The challenge is an initiative aimed at promoting economic growth and visibility for Black-owned restaurants, bars and hospitality businesses all across Boston.Murl’s Kitchen in Dorchester is one of the dozens of restaurants participating in this year’s challenge. “There is so much culture in Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, in Boston period,” Shantae Romain said. “Its not just limited to whats in Back Bay, what’s in downtown, whats in Seaport.””There arent a lot of us, and this time of year, its great to have the extra visibility and have people want to come in and support,” Hue Boston co-owner Rob Eugene said.Massachusetts state Rep. Chynah Tyler has been a champion of the challenge for eight years. She says highlighting the businesses can be the extra boost they need to help them thrive. “When you dine at a Black restaurant, its kind of a chain effect. All of their vendors then are able to thrive just because you dined there,” Tyler said. Some restaurant owners said they are glad Black-owned businesses are being highlighted, especially at a time when diversity and inclusion initiatives are under attack. Although the challenge is only for the month of February, Tyler said you can easily find a new favorite restaurant to add to your normal rotation. “Its important to be able to do this 12 months a year. And not only restaurants, its all Black businesses and businesses of color as a whole,” Tyler said. The challenge’s kickoff event at Grace By Nia is open to the public and will run until 10 p.m. Monday.