To celebrate Black History Month, we’re highlighting black-owned restaurants at Rappaport’s very own Skyland Town Center, and those opening soon. We talked to the owners to learn more, here’s what they had to say.
Tropical Smoothie Café:
Opening later this year, this health-focused restaurant is moving in and bringing its zest and mission to provide a healthier dining option to the community with them.
RA: What does it mean to be a successful black business owner?
TSC: “It would mean the world of course! We’re still working at being “successful” and most certainly getting used to being called successful. Success is relative, so we’re still grinding, working hard, learning, and striving to be recognized by our last name. Nonetheless, we are enjoying the successful-ish ride.”
RA: Who do you look to for inspiration/advice?
TSC: Our inspiration is connected to inspiring others. We’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many people who have expressed how we inspire them. Some younger, some older but that is what inspires us, inspiring others! It never gets old and just knowing people want to see you win, not knowing the feeling will be mutual.
RA: What is your mission and vision for your restaurant/business?
TSC: Our mission and vision have always been about providing a healthier food option, from a fast-casual restaurant perspective, in communities that need it most. We want to serve as many people as possible in hopes of combating some of the illnesses that plague communities. Going after Gen Z, which can be easily forgotten about, has also been a priority for us. Some habits are easier broken or not developed when addressed sooner than later.
Roaming Rooster
With a mission to provide quality comfort food to their customers, Roaming Rooster brings a family-centric culture with them to Skyland Town Center. Stop by and enjoy, they’re open!
RA: What does it mean to be a successful black business owner?
RR: Being a successful black business owner is a privilege. It is a testament to what one can achieve with persistence and hard work. More importantly, it is an opportunity to give back, build communities, create jobs, and support and empower local communities and businesses.
RA: Who do you look to for inspiration/advice?
RR: Our parents are our biggest inspiration. From a young age, they have instilled in us the importance of hard work, integrity, and overcoming obstacles. We are also inspired by the many individuals and local businesses that we get to work and partner with. We try to learn from the story and life experiences of each and every person that we cross paths with, and that has made all the difference.
RA: What is your mission and vision for your restaurant?
RR: Our mission is to provide quality comfort food that our customers can feel good about eating. Ultimately, where your food comes from matters, and we bring that ideal to every meal. We accomplish this by always serving locally sourced fried chicken that is free-range, grain-fed, and antibiotic-free.
The long-term vision is to slowly grow the business by opening more brick and mortars throughout the DMV and eventually, nationally, and internationally. Our biggest motivator is making people happy. We think fried chicken is a great way to lift spirits and bring people together.”
Rappaport is so excited to have these amazing restaurants onboard and to celebrate their growing success.
