Stand Up for Racial Equality: Black Owned Restaurants in Des Moines

On May 25, 2020 George Floyd was killed in his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota. A heartbreaking video of his death scattered the Internet where he is seen laying on the ground with a police officer’s knee on his neck. Floyd can be seen telling the officer that he cannot breathe and some of his final words include “They’re going to kill me.” This viral video outraged individuals across the globe and sparked the reoccurring conversation of racial inequality.

In the following days, millions of individuals came together to help fight for social justice. Protests were held, petitions were signed, and donations were gifted. This heart wrenching video not only sparked a conversation but ignited a flame by demanding that racism must be stopped.

All 50 states held some sort of event in support of George Floyd and called out for a change. However, some individuals want to do more. They want to prove their support to people of color. They want to be there even when it is no longer “trending”. They want to help in any way that they can.

One way to do this – is to support black owned restaurants. This small, yet supportive gesture goes a long ways. This means temporarily not dining at chains and taking business to local restaurants where sales are crucial to the success of the business. This means trying new places, new foods, and branching out. This means providing a paycheck to a person who, at this time, needs it the most.

The Following are 5 Black Owned Restaurants in Des Moines, Iowa:

Lola’s Fine Kitchen

Location: 1615 SW Main Street, Suite 106, Ankeny, Iowa 50023

Hours:  Monday – Saturday: 11AM – 9PM, Sunday: Closed

Website: https://lolasfinekitchen.com/

In the Philippines, it is a great honor to feed someone. That is why when “Lola” (Lola meaning grandmother) came to America to study medicine she met her husband which sparked another idea.  This idea was to open a restaurant and feed their community family owned recipes. These recipes were passed down from their grandparents and included food that can be found all over Asia. Support this restaurant and try a flavor of Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce!

Taste of Africa

Location: 2500 Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Suite 3, Des Moines, Iowa 50310

Hours: 7 Days a Week: 9 AM – 7 PM

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tasteofafricadmi/

Taste of Africa is a family owned business that offers large portions at a small price. Open seven days a week – this restaurant is dedicated to serving their community. Frozen Sambusas are also available for only $1 that last up to six months!

Coaches Kolaches

Location:  8527 University Blvd, Suite 1, Clive, Iowa 50325

Hours: Monday & Tuesday: Closed, Wednesday – Sunday: 8AM – 12PM

Facebook:     https://www.facebook.com/Coacheskolaches

Coaches Kolaches brings a taste of Texas to Iowa and offers both dine in and catering services. Famous for their large variety of flavors of kolaches – this local restaurant can also be found on both Uber Eats and Grubhub!

Fat Tuesdays

Location:  6112 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50315

Hours: 7 Days a Week: 11AM – 9PM

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FatTuesdayRestaurant/

Fat Tuesdays is a Cajun restaurant bringing the taste of New Orleans right to Des Moines. Don’t be thrown off by the small menu – their big flavor makes up for it!  Priding themselves on their authenticity – check this place out!

G.G.’s Chicken and Waffles

Location: Food Truck

Hours: Varies

Website: https://www.ggschickenandwaffles.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ggschickenandwaffles

Starting out cooking chicken for his local church, G.G. decided in 2019 that it was time to share his recipe with the public. Not currently having a set location – this food truck travels around the Des Moines metro and is local to Iowa. Be on the lookout for when G.G.’s Chicken & Waffles is near you!

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