Culinary Collective at the Arsenal

Onyx Culinary Collective Hosts Pop Up Events Throughout Summer | Eater Twin Cities

"I'm encouraged by the Onyx Culinary Collective's mission to equalize the challenges African American chefs face in the Twin Cities by cultivating opportunities for them to create, operate, and finance successful food businesses so these chefs can run the businesses that prepare African American food. Tene Wells, a social entrepreneur and business coach involved with Onyx, explains that the soul foods that so many people love were “initially, in this country, prepared by black people, either through slavery or some other form,” and she adds that “in Minnesota, African American chefs have not done well in operating business that create the love of traditional [African American] food.” Since coming together last August, the collective now comprises eight local chefs, offers catering services, and runs monthly pop-ups with rotating themes focused on African American food culture; tickets are $20 through Eventbrite. The next pop-up is on July 13th from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. with a family reunion theme. Like many new ventures, Onyx is seeking support — they plan a Kickstarter and encourage people to promote events on social media, use their food at events, and hire them as caterers." - Cinnamon Janzer