Gov. Pritzker Celebrates Small Black Businesses in Chicago
joined the Department of Commerce and
Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the
Black McDonald’s Operators Association
(BMOA) to celebrate Black businesses in
Chicago. The Black McDonald’s Operators
Association and three local Black-owned
businesses were honored during the event,
which was designed to celebrate the more
than 141,000 Black-owned businesses that
call Illinois home.
our state’s economic success — employing
thousands of workers across the state and
providing innovative, high-quality goods
and services to millions,” said Governor
JB Pritzker. “Through the Department of
Commerce and Economic Opportunity,
Illinois has invested more than $800 million
in Black-owned businesses through our
Back-to-Business and Business Interruption
grant programs.”
owners who inspire us all, as they stand on
the shoulders of pioneering entrepreneurs
who defied systemic economic hurdles to
dream big and succeed,” said Lt. Governor
Juliana Stratton. “These Black business
owners of today are building the cornerstones
for a bigger and greater tomorrow
when they provide goods and services,
create jobs, and share their gifts with the
communities they are helping to thrive.
Thank you to the Black McDonald’s Operators
Association of Chicago and Northwest
Indiana for constantly giving back to the
communities you serve, and for recognizing
that we lift as we climb.”
comes during the annual celebration
of Black History Month, which
recognizes the contributions of Black
Americans to our communities and our
nation. Black-owned businesses, which
include restaurants, retailers, startups, and
more, play an instrumental role in contributing
to Illinois’ overall economic success.
History Month with the Black McDonald’s
Operator Association of Chicagoland and
Northwest Indiana and so many dedicated
members of the Chicago and Illinois business
and civic community. The small business
owners being honored today contribute
so much to our local economy, support diverse
communities, and are above, all good
neighbors,” said McDonald’s President and
Chief Executive Officer, Chris Kempczinski.
“I’d like to thank Governor Pritzker for
his unwavering commitment to remove
barriers and promote equity for businesses
across Illinois.”
Economic Empowerment, Illinois is investing
in Black-owned businesses by connecting
them with the resources they need to
grow and thrive. This includes convening
business leaders through the Illinois Black
Business Collective (IBBC), trainings and
events, and providing direct support to
businesses.
event serves as a staple of their community.
Batter & Berries, Two Fish Crab Stick, and
Demera Ethiopian Restaurant also received
a Back-to-Business (B2B) or Business
Interruption grant (BIG) through DCEO,
which provided more than $800 million in
pandemic-related funding to thousands of
businesses.
husband-and-wife duo, Craig Richardson
and Dr. Tanya Richardson. They opened
Batter & Berries with the intention of introducing
a more eclectic style of food to the
Lincoln Park neighborhood, serving fresh
ingredients and as a hub for diversity in the
community. With Chef Ken Polk delivering
over 200 different varieties of French
Toast – including their famous French Toast
Flight – Batter & Berries has established
itself as a quintessential iconic Chicago
breakfast and brunch spot, gaining local and
national recognition.
2016 by owner Yasmin Curtis. Two Fish
Crab Shack is a staple of the Bronzeville
and Chicago food scene, offering locals a
vibrant and fun dining destination for fresh
seafood paired with unique and irresistible
sauces. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit,
Yasmin pivoted the business and transformed
its most popular products into consumer-
packaged goods that could be sold
by grocers and enjoyed by consumers at
home - bringing a taste of Bronzeville nationwide
through Two Fish Seafood Boil
Bags. Two Fish also recently announced a
$9 million expansion.
in 2007 by owner and chef Tigist Reda.
For 15 years, Demera Ethiopian Restaurant
has grown to become one of Chicago’s
favorite restaurants and a staple in the
community. Demera has earned recognition
in both local and national publications,
and is rapidly expanding - recently
opening a location at the Time Out Market
and announcing plans for opening a new
location in Bronzeville in 2025. Beyond
running a thriving business, Tigist gives
back through humanitarian causes benefitting
those impacted by the war in Ethiopia.
achievements and contributions of Illinois’
Black-owned businesses,” said Acting
DCEO Director Kristin A. Richards.
“During Black History Month and beyond,
Illinois stands committed to uplifting
Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs
through programs, partnerships, and by
building networks of support.”
McDonald’s Operators Association of Chicagoland
and Northwest Indiana. BMOA
is a community of owner-operators who
are dedicated to empowering minds and
building leaders to help build stronger
neighborhoods. The organization employs
more than 3,000 people throughout the
region. Each owner-operator is committed
to addressing the issues of the communities
they serve by providing resources
and investment where it is needed most.
BMOA’s community efforts include
providing school supplies to over 30,000
elementary schools students and donating
food to more than 44,000 families during
the Thanksgiving holidays.
Association of Chicagoland and Northwest
Indiana is honored, humbled, and
grateful to be recognized alongside other
Black Chicago business owners. We salute
our fellow leaders and look forward to
continuing to invest in and strengthen
our communities,” said Derrick Taylor,
BMOA President and McDonald’s Owner-
Operator. “Black-owned businesses
not only help create jobs, strengthen local
economies, and bridge the racial wealth
gap – they also build healthy communities
for all. We are proud to be a part of a legacy
that restores hope, revitalizes neighborhoods,
and ushers in future generations of
Black entrepreneurs.”
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