The booming website BlackPeopleEats.com promotes black-owned eateries across the Chicago area.
In honor of Juneteenth, the website creator Jeremy Joyce has put together something extra special for anyone with an appetite. He has partnered with more than 70 restaurants for the inaugural Juneteenth Restaurant Celebration, where customers are offered different food specials for $6.19 or $16.19 for larger orders.
"This is important because it's going to help revitalize the black dollar in the black community," Joyce said. "So, we want all of us to join us this weekend as we all celebrate Black owned restaurants for Juneteenth."
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The history behind the Juneteenth holiday
It was a busy Friday for 70 local restaurants which were among the Black-businesses offering specials for $6.19 on this Juneteenth.
Chicago restaurants are celebrating Juneteenth with $6.19 food deals
"It's important," said Dennis Dodson. "It's time for us to be independent. We got to take care of each other."
Mary Kuhn and her husband came to Chatham from Old Irving Park.
"It's a newer holiday for white folks... it's a chance to celebrate independence and support Black-businesses," Kuhn said.
5 Loaves Eatery has been in Chatham for 13 years. The owner said this year especially the support is appreciated.
"Once this money is circulated....this is what we need right now," said Constance Simms-Kincaid from 5 Loaves Eatery.
Whether you are a connoisseur of black cuisine or you're finally ready to give it a try, visit BlackPeopleEats for dozens of Juneteenth specials.
If you're looking for a drink to pair with your food, Uncle Nearest whiskey has crafted a special Juneteenth cocktail. "Uncle Nearest" is named after Nathan "Nearest" Green. Green, a former slave, is the master distiller who taught distilling techniques to Jack Daniel, founder of the Jack Daniel Tennessee whiskey distillery. Green is considered the first African American distiller on record in the United States.
Chasity Beasley from Uncle Nearest joined ABC 7 Chicago Friday morning to talk about their Juneteenth cocktail. It includes Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey, Lillet Rouge, muddled blueberries, simple syrup and lemon juice.
WATCH: CELEBRATE JUNETEENTH WITH SIGNATURE UNCLE NEAREST COCKTAIL
Uncle Nearest whiskey presents Juneteenth cocktail