EatOkra's Culinary Creatives Conference for Black food entrepreneurs

EatOkra, the online platform connecting users to Black-owned restaurants, began as a personal project in 2016. Co-founders Anthony Edwards Jr. and his wife, Janique Edwards, were searching for ways to support Black-owned eateries in their new Brooklyn neighborhood. Anthony explains, "Moving to a new city, we wanted to connect with the local Black community through food, but we found it challenging to locate Black-owned restaurants. That sparked the idea for EatOkra."

But the inspiration behind EatOkra runs deeper. Anthony grew up watching his parents struggle to keep their small businesses afloat. He adds, "Seeing my parents’ businesses close due to lack of visibility, support, and resources made me want to create something that could help Black-owned food businesses thrive." EatOkra aims to be a platform that not only highlights Black cuisine but also connects these businesses with consumers who are intentional about where they spend their money.

On October 13, EatOkra will host its first-ever Culinary Creatives Conference (3C), an event designed to empower Black food entrepreneurs. The conference aims to provide valuable insights, networking opportunities, and resources to help Black-owned food businesses grow.

EatOkra's Culinary Creatives Conference

The Culinary Creatives Conference is more than just a networking event—it’s part of EatOkra’s broader mission to create lasting change in the food industry. "We want to elevate the profile of Black-owned food businesses and foster a sense of community," Anthony explains. By bringing together business owners, investors, and industry professionals, the conference aims to spark collaboration and growth.

"We want to give Black food entrepreneurs the tools and connections they need to thrive," says Anthony. The event will cover topics like financial management, scaling with integrity, and leveraging technology to spark new partnerships and provide actionable strategies for success.

The Meaning Behind ‘EatOkra’

The name "EatOkra" carries cultural significance. Okra, a staple in many African and Black cuisines, symbolizes resilience and tradition. "Okra is more than just a vegetable," says Anthony. "It’s a symbol of cultural connection. By naming the app EatOkra, we’re paying homage to those culinary traditions passed down through generations."

This thoughtful name choice reflects the platform’s broader mission to unite communities through food. Much like how okra thickens dishes like gumbo, EatOkra seeks to bring people and businesses together, creating a space where culture and cuisine intertwine.

Facing Challenges and Adapting to Industry Trends

Building EatOkra wasn’t without its challenges. In the early days, Anthony and Janique bootstrapped the business, balancing day jobs with developing the app. One of the biggest hurdles was scaling with limited resources. "We spent every spare hour coding, marketing, and building community," says Anthony.

The turning point came when EatOkra partnered with platforms like Fund Black Founders, which helped them raise crucial funding. This, combined with strategic partnerships and a focus on community engagement, allowed EatOkra to grow sustainably.

With the rise of food delivery apps and the growing focus on supporting minority-owned businesses, EatOkra finds itself at the heart of these trends. Anthony notes that today's consumers are more intentional about supporting businesses that align with their values. “People want platforms that make it easy to support local and minority-owned businesses,” he says. EatOkra stands out because it offers more than just a directory—it provides a community-centered approach.

"We tell the stories behind the businesses," explains Anthony. "We focus on connection, not just convenience." This approach has set EatOkra apart from other food delivery platforms. Through storytelling and strategic partnerships with brands like Pepsi and Uber Eats, the platform has been able to increase visibility for Black-owned restaurants while fostering a deeper connection with its users. “In the long term, we envision EatOkra becoming a catalyst for economic equity and sustainability in the food industry.”