'We want to do that big': KCK celebrates first Black Restaurant Week ahead of 913 Day

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — KSHB 41 reporter Alyssa Jackson covers Kansas City, Missouri. Share your story idea with Alyssa.

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Labor Day kicked off a first for Kansas City, Kansas — Black Restaurant Week.

Starting Sept. 7 and leading into 913 Day on Sunday, Sept. 13, Visit KCK is encouraging the community to support Black restaurants.

"More or less a why not. Over the last few years, there’s been an emergence of Black entrepreneurship in the KCK/Wyandotte County area," said Kendon McClaine, co-organizer for KCK Black Restaurant Week.

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Behind the scenes, McClaine helped with logistics and spreading the word.

He told KSHB 41 he's a frequent customer at Fast Fred's Market, one of the restaurants in the spotlight. Fast Fred's has been in Wyandotte County for 63 years, serving a diverse menu. McClaine recommends the fish.

"Celebrate Black Restaurant Week because it is a first. We want to make sure we do that big and we continue that, because it is important to highlight Black communities and Black businesses," said Anita Taylor, family business consultant for Fast Fred's Market.

Select food items are $9.13 this week only.

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"We do take you back in time," Taylor said. "We have homemade cakes — our mother started it 20–30 years ago. We still have penny candy."

Eleven restaurants are participating this week, including coffee shops, soul food and BBQ restaurants.

• John's Java & Jazz, 2003 N. 5th St, Kansas City, KS 66101
• Holy Smoke BBQ, 8050 Leavenworth Road, Kansas City, KS 66109
• Q13 Sports Bar & Grill, 2724 N. 13th St., Kansas City, KS 66104
• Wilson's Pizza & Grill, 1801 Quindaro Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66104
• The Neighborhood Eats, 2100 N. 13th St., Kansas City, KS 66104
• 1930 Classic Kitchen, 1930 N. 77th St., Kansas City, KS 66112
• Turkey Leggman, 1916 Quindaro Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66104
• Jones Bar-B-Q, 6706 Kaw Drive, Kansas City, KS 66111
• Nana's Kitchen, 7355 Leavenworth Road, Kansas City, KS 66109
• Ms. R's Café, 720 Quindaro Blvd., Kansas City, KS 66101
• Fast Fred's Market, 1806 N. 18th St., Kansas City, KS 66104
  

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Fast Fred's Market encourages the community to try all of the businesses involved.

"I know times are hard and pockets are short, but get out to support us this week," Taylor said. "We all need to support each other."

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