Superstar American singer, Beyoncé, has made a generous donation of £8,000 to a Nigerian restaurant located in North London that was facing the risk of closure due to mounting energy bills. The restaurant, named Chuku's, proudly claims to be the world's first Nigerian tapas restaurant and is operated by siblings Emeka and Ifeyinwa Frederik.
Out of the ten businesses chosen to receive grants from Beyoncé's foundation BeyGOOD as part of her Renaissance World Tour initiative, Chuku's emerged as one of the fortunate recipients. The foundation had pledged to donate a portion of $1 million (£806,000) to ten businesses in different cities worldwide, and the Nigerian restaurant secured a spot among the top ten.
Chuku's opened its doors shortly before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and has faced significant challenges due to subsequent lockdowns and the prevailing cost of living crisis. However, the restaurant owners received a much-needed boost when Beyoncé's foundation bestowed them with the grant during the Black Parade Small Business Impact Luncheon, an event created by BeyGOOD to celebrate and support individuals, communities, and small businesses affected by economic disparities worldwide.
Expressing gratitude for the grant, Emeka, co-founder of Chuku's, stated, "This grant couldn't be more welcome. Chuku's, like other restaurants without financial reserves, has been battered by lockdowns and the cost of living crisis. Every day, we're fighting to stay open to make it to our fourth birthday." He further added, "This money will make that fight a little easier and allow us to continue celebrating Nigerian culture on Tottenham's High Road for the time being."
Ifeyinwa, Emeka's sister and co-owner of the restaurant, shared her disbelief and excitement, stating, "I still can't quite believe that Beyoncé has backed our restaurant—it feels a bit surreal." The generous donation from Beyoncé has provided Chuku's with renewed hope and support, enabling them to persevere in promoting Nigerian culture and flavors along Tottenham's High Road.
