Madison, WI - July 16, 2026  - The Madison Black Chamber of Commerce announces the 11th Annual Madison Black Restaurant Week (MBRW), taking place August 9–16, 2026. As one of the nation's first Black Restaurant Week initiatives, MBRW invites residents and visitors to celebrate Black-owned restaurants, caterers, food trucks, bakeries, dessert specialists, and culinary entrepreneurs while supporting local businesses during National Black Business Month.

The annual campaign encourages residents and visitors alike to explore the vibrant flavors, heritage, and innovation of the African Diaspora while supporting local businesses that are essential to the region's economic growth.

Black-owned food businesses play an important role in Madison's local economy, creating jobs, preserving cultural traditions, and contributing to the city's growing culinary scene. Madison Black Restaurant Week encourages intentional community investment by directing dining dollars toward these entrepreneurs.

August is nationally recognized as Black Business Month and Madison Black Restaurant Week creates an opportunity for the community to intentionally invest in local Black businesses, to discover new dining experiences, and to celebrate cultural and culinary traditions. Throughout the week, participating businesses will offer Black Restaurant Week specials, exclusive promotions, and unique networking and dining experiences.

"This year's theme, Savor the Flavor, celebrates the incredible diversity of Black culinary traditions - from soul food and Southern classics to African, Caribbean, vegan, and contemporary cuisine," said Camille Carter, President and CEO of the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce. "Every meal purchased directly supports local entrepreneurs, strengthens our regional economy, and celebrates the culture and creativity behind every dish. Madison Black Restaurant Week is about much more than dining - it's about investing in community."

What to Expect During Madison Black Restaurant Week

Special Restaurant Offers

August 9–16, 2026 

Participating MBRW restaurants and food businesses will feature exclusive menu items, signature dishes, and special promotions. Community Favorites Voting August 9–17, 2026 Community members vote for their favorite restaurants and culinary businesses across several award categories at https://bit.ly/VOTEMBRW. Voting opens at 2pm on August 9 and closes at 11:59pm on August 17.

$5 Food Taste Jamboree

Sunday, August 9, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Madison Labor Temple, 1602 S Park St, Madison, WI 53715

Sample affordable bites from participating vendors and discover new local favorites at this family-friendly community event.

Heirloom Collard Greens Networking Mixer & Tasting

Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Black Business Hub, 4 Floor, 2353 S Park St, Madison, WI, 53713

Connect with entrepreneurs, community leaders, food enthusiasts, and culinary professionals while enjoying tastings and networking opportunities.

MBRW Community Favorites Celebration

September 15, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Bernell's, 2513 Seiferth Rd, Madison, WI 53716

Join us in recognizing community-selected favorites and celebrating another successful year of Madison Black Restaurant Week.

Whether discovering a new favorite restaurant or revisiting a beloved local business, Madison Black Restaurant Week invites the community to experience the flavors, traditions, and entrepreneurial spirit that make Black-owned food businesses an essential part of South Central Wisconsin. ________________________________________________________________________________________ 

About the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce: The Madison Black Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to advancing Black-owned businesses through advocacy, promotion, education, and economic empowerment. Serving more than 850 businesses and entrepreneurs throughout South Central Wisconsin, the Chamber works to strengthen connections, expand opportunities, and foster sustainable business growth across the region.