Beyonce donates over $8,000 to a north London Nigerian restaurant
Beyonce’s BeyGood Foundation is working in the community while she is working the stage. The foundation organized the Black Parade Small Business Impact Luncheon, honoring individuals, communities and small businesses affected by economic disparities.
According to OkayAfrica, the superstar and her foundation have pledged to donate $1 million (£806,000) to businesses worldwide. Many of the cities are on the lineup for her “Renaissance World Tour,” including Chicago, Atlanta, New Orleans, and London.
London was not only lucky enough to have Queen Bey in town for five days, but one of their most beloved restaurants received a grant from the BeyGood Foundation. Chuku’s, a restaurant owned by siblings Ifeyinwa and Emeka Frederick, was awarded $8,793.20 (£8,000) by the foundation.
The restaurant was one of 10 small businesses selected to receive the grant, edging out over 500 other applicants. Emeka expressed his gratitude to the foundation, stating how “welcome” the financial assistance was.
“This grant couldn’t be more welcome. Chuku’s, like other restaurants that don’t have a financial reserve, has been battered by lockdowns and the cost of living crisis,” Emeka said. “Every day, we’re fighting to stay open to make it to our fourth birthday. This money will make that fight a little easier and allow us to continue celebrating Nigerian culture on Tottenham’s High Road for the time being.”
The brother and sister duo began their own campaign to bounce back from financial downfall.
ITV states that owners launched a challenge to get 600 bookings in six weeks last year. They managed to see 800 reservations fill up their books. Customers ranged from A-list celebs and footballers to everyday people who fell in love with their Nigerian tapas dishes. The restaurant also saw some help from Beyonce before receiving the grant. Their proximity to the Tottenham arena made their business a favorite for attendees of the sold-out show.
At the luncheon, Emeka’s sister, Ifeyinwa, was still in shock after being named a grant winner.
“I still can’t quite believe that Beyoncé has backed our restaurant – it feels a bit surreal,” said Ifeyinwa. “We’d already felt her impact when she was in town and concertgoers chose Chuku’s for their pre-gig meal, but this is a whole other level.”
Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her favorite things to cover include “person of interest” pieces, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything about Beyoncé. Her bylines can be found in Blavity, Black Excellence, Signature Bride, Black Wall Street Times, and HipHop Weekly. Martie can be reached via email at martiebowser@detourxp.com.