Black Restaurant Week kicks off in Kansas City with specials from barbecue to vegan

Black Restaurant Week LLC is kicking off its second annual restaurant week in Kansas City.

The event started Friday and runs through Aug. 1.

It lists dozens of operations that plan to participate, including restaurants, food trucks and virtual kitchens. They include Peachtree restaurant on Eastwood Trafficway, and Soiree Steak & Oyster House.

Black Restaurant Week Kansas City is designed to shed light on businesses that might not have the marketing funds to promote their operations. In this period of “financial uncertainty and with the unfortunate escalation of racial injustice events,” the organizers said they are waiving the participation fee, as they did a year ago.

Candy Land, a virtual bakery and dessert shop, has a Black Restaurant Week special of four different ice creams and two vegan ice cream sandwiches for $40.

“It seemed like an amazing opportunity to participate with my fellow community,” said Candace Middleton, who started the company in 2014. “It’s just an exciting time and I’m so excited to share my gift.”

Peachtree plans to offer smothered turkey chops, mashed potatoes, green beans and carrots, and a dinner roll for $12.95 on Wednesday and July 30.

Some of the nearly 60 Kansas City area eateries are still working out details on menu offerings and days. So check with them directly for more information.

Black Restaurant Week was founded in 2016 as a one-city food experience in Houston. It has since expanded to 15 markets and more than 670 minority businesses and professionals nationwide participate.

Search for participating restaurants at blackrestaurantweeks.com.