IMPACT
In 2016, we began the journey to uncover Black-owned restaurants. Our door-to-door searches and referrals from foodies led to a directory listing of 100+ local Black Culinarians.
OKC Black Eats is the leading resource for Black Culinarians. We not only showcase Black Culinarians, but we also generate direct spending to recirculate dollars in the Black community and local region. Since, more restaurants, food trucks, chefs, and caterers have surfaced.
Founder story
Apollo Woods spent the past 18 years providing client Partners with technology and consulting solutions to improve productivity and bottom-line profits. Embracing the core values of integrity, innovation, and growth, Apollo consistently ranks among the top sales performers in North America. In 2016, he was awarded the prestigious Schlumberger President’s Award for Excellence In Selling and ranked #1 in North America.
Born in Duncan, Oklahoma, Apollo learned the value of service with his local church, an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America and various community organizations. Over the years, he became the recipient of numerous recognitions, Texas Southern University’s 40 Under 40, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Man of The Year finalist and nominated for The Journal Record 40 Under 40.
HOW IT ALL STARTED
After returning to Oklahoma in January 2016, Apollo noticed exponential growth of the OKC Metro Area since 1999. OKC Metro offered new amenities, restaurant offerings, and tourism options. Unfortunately, it was difficult to find the Black-owned business footprint in the 22nd largest city in the United States.
In August 2017, Apollo founded OKC Black Eats, L.L.C. to increase awareness and visibility of Black-owned restaurants and culinary artists in OKC. Our goal is to stimulate the local economy by strategic campaigns and partnerships to drive spending toward Black/African-American owned businesses.
His commitment to advocating for Black-owned businesses in Oklahoma have led to national media appearances on Bloomberg, Buzzfeed Business, CNN Business, Delish.Com, Fox Sports, and a meeting with the 46th President of The United States staff, President Joseph Biden.
Since 2018, OKC Black Eats campaigns have generated more than $1.6M+ in direct spending for Black-owned business in OKC Metro.
September 2017
NEOKC Developer’s Conference
During the Summer of 2017, OKC Black Eats
understood the challenges facing Black-owned businesses and future atrocities
of systemic divesture in Northeast OKC. In October 2018, the NEOCK
Developer’s Conference was established. What started as a desire to empower minority
developers to intentionally engage and influence ethical real estate projects
in Northeast OKC, has mature into the most talked community-building effort in
OKC.
NEOKC Developer’s Conference
(NDC) is an economic development conference dedicated to giving minority
investors and investor hopefuls, both men and women alike, the skills to
achieve their real estate investing goals toward ethical development in
Northeast Oklahoma City. On March 23, 2019, OKC Black Eats &
Northeast OKC Renaissance Inc., hosted the inaugural conference at OU Gene
Rainbolt Graduate School of Business to a sold-out audience of 117 attendees.
On
January 31st, 2020, Urban Land Institute Oklahoma hosted its 6th Annual Impact
Awards at the Tower Theatre. Previous winners include H&8th, Heard on
Hurd, Wheeler Ferris Wheel, The Curbside Chronicle, & Kerr Park. ULI
Oklahoma, an education, research, and resource organization focused on
providing leadership in the responsible use of land and creating and sustaining
thriving communities, announced that NDC has been named the recipient of its
prestigious annual Impact Awards for Outstanding Community Building Effort.
6th Annual Impact Awards
February 2020
OKC Black Restaurant Weeks
OKC Black Restaurant Weeks (#OKCBRW) is a city-wide celebration of Black- owned restaurants, chefs, and caterers in the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Area. #OKCBRW gives patrons in OKC the opportunity to experience exceptional dining choices. OKCBRW aims to stimulate, collectively $1,000,000 in direct spending for participating restaurants during the month. All sales revenue generated remains with the participating restaurants.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau – Survey of Business Owners (2007, 2012) OKC Metro Area, Black/African American-owned firms generate $463 million in sales.
This month-long series will serve as an awareness campaign of local businesses and economic development in predominately African American communities.
July 2020
Black Eats Adventures
When traveling away from home, intentional spending with local Black-owned businesses is a meaningful way to support economic equality and community resilience. We choose to dine, shop, and stay at Black-owned establishments. Travelers can contribute to the economic empowerment of these communities, fostering entrepreneurship and job creation. This practice not only helps to reduce economic disparities but also enriches the travel experience, offering authentic cultural insights and connections. Intentional spending amplifies the voices and stories of Black entrepreneurs, promoting diversity and inclusion in the global marketplace. Every dollar spent at a Black-owned business strengthens the local economy, preserves cultural heritage, and empowers communities to thrive.
February 2021
Food Fest
Foodie Fest is more than just a celebration of culinary delights; it is a vibrant community event that generates significant economic impact and fosters social cohesion. By bringing together diverse food vendors, local artisans, and enthusiastic attendees, Foodie Fest stimulates local spending and boosts the visibility of small businesses, particularly those owned by underrepresented groups. The festival creates a ripple effect, attracting tourists and residents alike, which in turn supports nearby businesses such as hotels, retail shops, and entertainment venues. Beyond its economic benefits, Foodie Fest serves as a cultural melting pot, where people from various backgrounds come together to share and celebrate their love for food. This event strengthens community bonds, promotes cultural exchange, and enhances the overall quality of life in the area, making it an invaluable asset to the local community.
March 2021
Sunday Social Brunch
Sunday Social Brunch is a successful campaign motivated by a void for #tastemakers in the Oklahoma City Metro Area. African American professionals are abundant in OKC and craved a location that meet their social networking ambitions.
Sunday Social Brunch is the #SundayFunday destination in Downtown Oklahoma City.
July 2021
NEOKC Development Group
November 2021
Boss Up Business Oklahoma
Boss Up Business Oklahoma is an initiative whereby participants will become familiar with distribution through varied hands-on activities involving the many different methods and processes of distribution. Participants will find it easy to learn the process and how to manage profitable business upscaling routes. Proficiency in Supply Chain & Logistics will come as more experience is gained, and as participants become more conscious of human resources, routes, fuel and product costs which are important to the job at hand and to distribution.
Our participants will utilize a wide range of processes ranging from warehouse and human resources management to wholesale and retail sales account supervision. Some of the activities will include social research: demographics, consumer trends, market research, marketing and industry trends.
Our Mission is to empower Black and Minority-Owned businesses from under-resourced communities to achieve 6-figures in sales revenue in 12 months through enhanced, proactive, real world experiential programs filled with life skills education and the spirit of entrepreneurship that support the emotional, social and ethical development of participants.
June 2023 - IRS NOT FOR PROFIT STATUS APPROVED
Bigger Than Food Foundation (501c3)
September 2024
For The Culture Campaign Brings First Black-Owned Restaurant to Paycom Center
The Bigger Than Food Foundation is proud to announce that For The Culture, our inclusive supplier campaign, has made history by bringing the first Black-owned restaurant to the Paycom Center, home of the OKC Thunder. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to diversity, economic development, and community empowerment.
Through campaigns like OKC Black Restaurant Bingo and For The Culture Pop-Up at Paycom Center, we continue to expand opportunities for diverse suppliers in Oklahoma City and beyond. We recognize that when Black-owned businesses thrive, they uplift the communities they serve—driving cultural and economic growth.
