Black-Owned Restaurants Step-Up to Support LA During Wildfire Crisis

Wild-Fires-Author: Falayn Ferrell  | Los Angeles is no stranger to wildfires, but the current crisis has left the city reeling, with thousands displaced, homes destroyed, and communities facing unimaginable loss. In the midst of this devastation, acts of kindness and solidarity are shining through, offering hope and comfort to those affected. Among these inspiring efforts are the contributions of black-owned restaurants across the city, stepping up in extraordinary ways to support their neighbors during this challenging time.

These restaurants are not just serving food; they’re serving compassion, resilience, and a sense of community. From offering free meals to first responders and evacuees to organizing donation drives for essential supplies, these local businesses are demonstrating the power of coming together when it matters most. They’ve become safe havens and sources of comfort for those who need it most, proving that even in times of crisis, small acts of care can make a big difference.

A Community in Crisis

The Heartbreaking Impact of Los Angeles Wildfires

The wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles have left an overwhelming trail of devastation, reshaping lives and landscapes in unimaginable ways. Families have been torn from their homes, cherished landmarks reduced to ash, and communities forced to confront profound loss. With insured damages expected to reach $30 billion—and likely climbing to $40 billion when uninsured losses are considered—this disaster is one of the costliest in U.S. history.

But numbers alone can’t convey the human cost. At least 24 people have tragically lost their lives, with more than a dozen still unaccounted for. Over 150,000 residents have faced evacuation, leaving behind everything familiar and treasured. Firefighters are tirelessly battling blazes across 45 square miles, fueled by unforgiving winds and an unrelenting drought.

Beloved restaurants, local landmarks, and entire neighborhoods have been consumed by flames, including areas ravaged by the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire. As we reflect on the loss of more than 7,000 structures and the displacement of so many, it’s clear that this is not just a story of destruction—it’s a story of lives upended and a community in desperate need of care, compassion, and support.

Supporting LA Wildfire Relief

How Black-Owned Restaurants Are Bringing Hope and Support to LA During the Wildfires

In the wake of the devastating wildfires, black-owned restaurants across Los Angeles are stepping up in extraordinary ways to support first responders, displaced families, and those most in need. Here’s how these local heroes are making a difference:

Harold’s Chicken LA

At their Culver City location, Harold’s Chicken is offering free meals to first responders and displaced individuals. First responders are treated to a chicken dinner as a heartfelt thank-you for their tireless efforts. Displaced families are reminded they’re not alone, with the restaurant providing comforting meals to those affected by the fires. Located at the Westfield Culver City Mall, Harold’s Chicken is fostering hope and community spirit during these challenging times.

VurgerGuyz

Partnering with beloved vegan advocate Tabitha Brown, VurgerGuyz is feeding at least 1,000 people affected by the wildfires. From Tuesday through Thursday, their food truck is stationed at Pasadena Church East Campus, serving free, hot, plant-based meals to those in need. The initiative exemplifies their commitment to nourishing bodies and hearts in a time of crisis.

Dulans on Crenshaw and Hotville Chicken

Renowned for their soul food and Nashville Hot Chicken, Greg Dulan and Kim Prince are bringing comfort to first responders and wildfire victims by teaming up with World Central Kitchen. Their mobile efforts provide hot grab-and-go meals, combining culinary excellence with a mission to uplift those on the front lines and the displaced.

Harold and Belle’s

With NBA star Chris Paul joining their cause, Harold and Belle’s is delivering meals to shelters and first responders, partnering with community organizations to distribute food efficiently. While they cannot accommodate walk-ins for free meals, they are calling for donations to sustain their efforts. Through nourishing food and community collaboration, they aim to bring hope and resilience to a city in need. Donate to the Chris Paul Family Foundation to support their efforts.

Hilltop Coffee

Beyond meals, Hilltop Coffee is organizing a donation drive at their Jammin’ On The Hill event to collect essential supplies for wildfire victims. Items like baby formula, toiletries, and blankets are being gathered and delivered to Pasadena Church for distribution. The Hilltop family is showing that support goes beyond food, meeting a broad range of urgent needs.

List of items: 

  • Lotion
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Deodorant
  • Mouthwash
  • Baby Formula
  • Blankets
  • First aid kits
  • Baby powder, baby soap, baby bottles
  • Medicine
  • Pads
  • Tampons
  • Combs + Brushes
  • New Men’s Underwear
  • New Women’s Underwear
  • Body Warmers
  • Flip Flops
  • Lysol/Clorox Wipes

These black-owned restaurants are heartfelt examples of how local businesses can step up during tough times, becoming a source of strength and hope for the community. Through their kindness, generosity, and a deep sense of togetherness, they’re helping to unite Los Angeles and remind everyone that we’re stronger when we support each other.

Feeding Hope on the Frontlines of Los Angeles Wildfires

World Central Kitchen (WCK) has become a beacon of hope in times of crisis, renowned for its swift response to humanitarian, climate, and community emergencies. As wildfires rage across Southern California, WCK has mobilized to deliver free, freshly prepared meals to those in need, ensuring no one facing the devastating aftermath of the fires goes hungry.

With multiple distribution sites across the Los Angeles area, WCK is providing relief to displaced families, first responders, and impacted communities. Their commitment to feeding those in crisis is unparalleled, having served an astounding 450 million meals globally. In these challenging times, WCK’s presence reminds the community that no matter how dire the situation, support and compassion are always at hand.

For the latest updates on meal locations and times, WCK encourages the public to follow their social media channels, emphasizing the importance of timely and accurate information in reaching those who need it most.

Pasadena City College Lot 3
1570 E Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena
3-8 PM

St. Francis School
200 Foothill Blvd.
La Cañada Flintridge
12-5 PM

Arco Station, Woodbury Road
2171 N Fair Oaks Ave.
Altadena
1-8 PM

Collins & Katz Family YMCA
1466 S Westgate Ave.
Los Angeles
11:30-1:30 PM

Taft High School
5461 Winnetka Ave.
Woodland Hills
12-8 PM

Canoga Park High School
6850 CA-27
Canoga Park
12-8 PM

Fraternal Order of Eagles
455 E Woodbury Rd.
Altadena
10-4 PM

Palisades Fire Station 69
15045 Sunset Blvd.
Pacific Palisades
11-8 PM

Pasadena Community Job Center
500 N Lake Ave.
Pasadena

11-4 PM

Union Station Adult Services
412 S Raymond Ave.
Pasadena
11-5 PM

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church
2640 E Orange Grove Blvd.
Pasadena
11-5 PM

Pasadena-Sierra Madre YMCA
611 E Sierra Madre Blvd.
Sierra Madre
11-5 PM

La Salle College Prep
3880 E Sierra Madre Blvd.
Pasadena
12-4 PM

God’s Waiting Room Church
2033 E Washington Blvd.
Pasadena
12-4 PM

Portola Middle School
18720 Linnet St.
Tarzana
12-8 PM

Jack in the Box Altadena
2125 N. Windsor Ave.
Altadena
5-8 PM

Lake Street Washington Ave.
928 E Washington Blvd.
Pasadena
6-9 PM

 

As Los Angeles faces the devastating impact of wildfires, the generosity and resilience of black-owned restaurants remind us of the power of community. These establishments are more than businesses—they are lifelines, offering meals, supplies, and hope to those affected. Their efforts are a testament to the strength and compassion that define our city in times of crisis.

But they can’t do it alone. Supporting these restaurants means supporting the heart of our community, and one way to do that is by contributing to the Feed the Soul Foundation Emergency Relief Fund. Established by Black Restaurant Week, this nonprofit provides vital assistance to culinary businesses in need during times of hardship. Since 2020, the foundation has distributed an incredible $46,000 in emergency relief to restaurants nationwide, helping them weather storms and rebuild stronger.

Your donation can make a real difference, ensuring that these businesses continue their essential work of feeding and uplifting communities during crises. Let’s stand together and support those who have been there for us when it matters most. Visit the Feed the Soul Foundation to contribute and help sustain the businesses that nourish not just our bodies, but our spirits as well. Together, we can rebuild and thrive.

Falayn Ferrell

Author: Falayn Ferrell

Managing Partner – Operations of Black Restaurant Week

Source:

Black-Owned Restaurants Support LA During Wildfire Crisis

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