Beyoncé has donated nearly $9,000 to a Nigerian restaurant that has struggled to remain open since the pandemic.
According to the Miami Herald, Ifeyinwa and Emeka Frederick, owners of Chuku’s restaurant in London, said they received $8,793.20 from Beyoncé’s foundation, BeyGOOD.
The donation comes after the singer pledged to donate $1 million to various small business owners throughout her Renaissance World Tour.
Owners of Chuku’s said they opened up the restaurant just five weeks before COVID-19 hit and haven’t fully recovered since.
“Your fave foodie spot, our Nigerian tapas restaurant – is at risk of closure,” the company previously said in a social media post. “Yes, despite our excellent press and rave reviews, we have been struggling. We’re more than just food and we’re proud to have brought our celebration of Nigerian culture to Tottenham’s High Road for the last 2.5 years. But we have been battered by the series of lockdowns, the subsequent staff shortages and a whole host of other challenges facing restaurants right now.”
The restaurant has remained open due to local support and A-list customers such as Bey, who participated in their “Six Week Charge” challenge to secure 600 reservations in six weeks last year.
“This grant couldn’t be more welcome,” Emeka said of the donation. “Chuku’s, like other restaurants that don’t have a financial reserve, 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. 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.”
“I still can’t quite believe that Beyoncé has backed our restaurant – it feels a bit surreal,” Ifeyinwa added. “We’d already felt her impact when she was in town and concertgoers chose Chuku’s for their pre-gig meal, but this is a whole other level.”
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