MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It has been a tough year for thousands of businesses in the Mid-South. As the pandemic has progressed, many businesses have been forced to close, and others have struggled to keep their doors open. This week, though, they’re getting a boost.

It’s Black Restaurant Week, a week when people are encouraged to patronize businesses owned by African Americans.

Black restaurant week began Sunday.

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“Sunday’s are usually the slowest day of the week for us, but yesterday there was a 30 percent increase in sales,” said Lashun Pollard, the owner of A&R BBQ in southeast Memphis.

Pollard spoke at her restaurant as a steady stream of customers came through the door. She said as part of Black Restaurant Week, she was offering several specials.

Government grants and loans doled out previously overlooked smaller and minority-owned businesses. Black restaurant week, Pollard said, was a chance, perhaps, to level the playing field.

“A lot of the other restaurants had the opportunity to take advantage of the PPP money, and it was probably weeks later before we were even approached,” Pollard said.

It may last just a week, but the extra revenue it brings will be felt all year.

“I’m just excited about being able to keep my employees and keep them employed,” Pollard said.

On the first day, said organizer Cynthia Daniels, some of the 20 businesses taking part ran out of food—a result of them being so busy.

“I felt it was important to highlight Black businesses … they don’t get as much exposure as their counterparts,” Daniels said in a Monday interview. “I think people are more intentional about where they spend their dollars.”

Black Restaurant Week runs through this Saturday.

Daniels said that anyone who wants to patronize one of the restaurants taking part is welcome to do so.

To see a full list of restaurants participating,