By Lina Patton

Chicago is a city known for its food, ranked among the best in the country for its diverse cuisine. Chicago isn’t shy from holding food-based events either, like Chicago Restaurant Week, the Taste of Chicago, Windy City Smokeout and more. 

However, every February, in light of Black History Month, there’s an annual tradition known as Black Restaurant Week, which takes place the second week of February, honoring the achievements of Black people and their accomplishments while also paying homage to Dr. Carter G. Woodson, most notably known as the “Father of Black History,” who established Negro History Week in 1926. This tradition has been going on in Chicago since 2016, and this week I had the opportunity to visit one of the restaurants on that list.

On Wednesday, Feb. 4, I decided to visit Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffles, located at 3947 S. King Drive. This is the restaurant’s first location, and it has been open for 18 years. Over the decade, they’ve expanded their locations to Oak Park and even Nashville, Tennessee. Their menu includes a variety of classic southern soul food staples like fried catfish and cornbread, as well as breakfast items. The environment is cozy with warm tones and a family feel.

While there, I had the opportunity to talk to one of the owners, Tonya Johnson, and ask her a few questions. She shared with me that this was their first year participating in Black Restaurant Week. She said participating meant, “sharing our recipes and culture while celebrating our history.” She further went on to say that they enjoy giving back to the community that has embraced them over the years. They actively participate in community outreach and work with the youth to provide them with job opportunities and give them resources, which include school supplies, annual toy drives and self-care products.  

As a chain, she explained to me that they plan on expanding to a fourth location, which will be located across the street from the current location. My time there was filled with nothing but surprises because during our conversation, she introduced me to the community activist member and 2019 mayoral candidate Ja’Mal Green, who was there, a close friend of the owners, who helped them secure a $2 million grant, allowing them the funds to build another location right across the street. He shared with me how he worked with the alderman to help them secure the funds while also showing me the 3D renderings of the future restaurant. I was amazed to hear of the expansion and I look forward to dining in that location as well. 

Finishing my interview with Tonya, I had to ask her what her favorite menu item was and she assured me it was, of course, the “Tonya’s Choice,” which features a homemade waffle and three wings, but highly customizable to your preference. I opted to try it and was glad I did. The plate came served just as expected with crispy and tender fried chicken, with a fluffy, buttery waffle and syrup on the side; it was the epitome of a sweet and savory combination.

I was more than satisfied with the meal I had eaten, but more than anything, the experience I had being in a place like that one, they provided a welcoming atmosphere and were open to answering any questions I had. I enjoyed my time there, and it became clear to me that Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffles is more than a restaurant; it’s a pillar of the community where food and history can come together.

As if the visit couldn’t be any more memorable, the iconic Ronnie DeVoe from the R&B group New Edition was sitting a few tables down from me, enjoying brunch the whole time I was there. While I was surprised to say the least, I expect nothing less from a place like this that brings people together through food, culture, and community.

This experience gave me a larger perspective on Black Restaurant Week, that it’s not just about visiting one of the restaurants on the list, but celebrating these black-owned businesses that continue to shape the culinary scene in Chicago through culture, community, and constant achievements. And after my visit, I can wholeheartedly say that Chicago’s Home of Chicken & Waffles represents everything Black Restaurant Week stands for.