The 4th annual Black Eats Week 803 returns June 22–28 with a “best of” festival and food competition
February 17, 2026
Registration now open for restaurants, food trucks, bakeries, and other culinary entrepreneurs.
The countdown has begun for the tastiest week in the Midlands! The 4th annual Black Eats Week 803 celebration returns June 22 – 28, 2026, and registration is now open for Black-owned restaurants, food trucks, caterers, private chefs, bakeries, and creameries throughout the Midlands and surrounding areas. After popular demand, an official Best of Black Eats Week 803 Festival and Food Competition will be held on the final day of the week, Sunday, June 28 at The Gala Event Center, 1801 Bush River Road, from 1:00 PM – 5: 00 PM (12:00 NOON for VIP Early Entry).
Established in 2023, Black Eats Week 803 (BEW803) has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated food initiatives, driving traffic, increasing visibility, and strengthening economic opportunities for local businesses. The weeklong celebration encourages the community to intentionally support Black-owned food establishments while discovering new flavors and experiences.
“Each year we see the direct impact this week has on small businesses. Black Eats Week 803 is about more than great food – it’s about building economic momentum, increasing exposure, and creating spaces where our culinary entrepreneurs can truly thrive,” said Khali Gallman, founder and event organizer. “The Best Of Black Eats Week 803 has been a long time coming because every year we receive calls asking where the event is going to be held. After much consideration, we decided to bring the food to the people in one space and allow the people to vote on the best of categories. Now it will be settled who has the best macaroni and cheese, shrimp and grits, BBQ, potato salad, fried chicken, red velvet cake, and more in the Midlands!”
Restaurants, food trucks, bakeries and creameries are encouraged to register for the week HERE. Individuals and small businesses may sponsor their favorite food establishment at https://www.blackeatsweek803.com/sponsors. Registration is only $100.00 until May 31, 2026.
The high-energy finale competition will bring hundreds of food lovers together under one roof to taste, vote, and celebrate culinary talent. Participating businesses may compete in up to three “Best Of” categories as well as sell food directly to attendees. Winners will be determined by public vote from attendees, providing real-time community engagement and coveted bragging rights.
Businesses and community partners also have opportunities to sponsor individual restaurants during the week or competition categories during the festival.
“The finale event creates an unforgettable experience for both businesses and attendees,” Gallman added. “The community gets to taste, celebrate, and vote – and our entrepreneurs get to shine on a major stage.”
Details of the week will be exclusively offered on the FREE Soda City Certified app and the Black Eats Week 803 website. Customers will have a chance to win cash prizes for patronizing these restaurants and participating in the BINGO board game. BINGO boards will be given at each participating location or may be downloaded on the website. Once customers post their meals and receipts and tag @BlackEatsWeek803 on Instagram, they will be entered in the contest.
Follow on Facebook/Instagram @BlackEatsWeek803 for the latest updates. This week is sponsored by Jabber and Isaac, PA, Imhotep the Drum, Essential Specialized Planners (ESP), The Cheer Lender, and Epitome of Real Estate. Visit our website at www.blackeatsweek803.com or call 803.922.5310 for more information and sponsorship opportunities.
About Black Eats Week 803
Created in 2023, Black Eats Week 803 is a weeklong culinary celebration spotlighting Black-owned restaurants, food trucks, bakeries, and creameries in the Columbia metropolitan area. The premise of the event is to create awareness about Black-owned businesses in the food industry, while stimulating local economy and small business sustainability.www.blackeatsweek803.com
