State of Black Food Conference Returned to Tulsa
The four-day culinary event brings networking, wellness sessions, and industry advocacy to the city.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Food and Drink
Live Poll
Do you believe now is a good time for an entrepreneur to open a new restaurant?
The State of Black Food conference has arrived in Tulsa for its second consecutive year, gathering culinary professionals to discuss industry challenges and food equity. The event features a diverse itinerary of mental health sessions, cooking workshops, and a celebratory gala.
Why it matters
The conference addresses critical gaps in the culinary industry, including low Black ownership rates in restaurant firms and systemic food insecurity. By providing networking and feedback services, it aims to empower professionals while highlighting localized disparities.
Black Americans currently own 9% of all restaurant firms nationwide. The conference spans four days of programming focused on culinary growth and industry support.
The players
Chef Chad Cherry
He is the founder of the State of Black Food conference, which he originally launched in Florida in 2019.
The details
The event focuses on bridging the gap in food access, specifically highlighting that North Tulsa contains only one full-service grocery store. Chefs and historians collaborate to provide feedback and mentorship for emerging culinary talent within the community.
Timeline
The conference was founded by Chef Chad Cherry in Florida in 2019.
Tulsa hosted the event for the first time in 2025.
The 2026 conference officially kicked off in Tulsa on September 24, 2026.
Events including wellness sessions and a gala continue through September 27, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The conference highlights the intersection of cultural food history and systemic barriers, drawing parallels to the USDA food desert classification. This gathering marks a departure from traditional industry trade shows by prioritizing equity and localized advocacy over purely commercial objectives.
Attendees can participate in networking and professional development sessions designed to bolster culinary careers. The gala and chef showcase offer the public and industry members an opportunity to engage directly with emerging trends and talent.
The takeaway
The conference serves as a platform to address significant health and economic disparities between North and South Tulsa. Residents and industry professionals are encouraged to utilize these networking opportunities to advocate for more equitable food access in the region.
Further reading
For more information on the local culinary landscape, visit the Tulsa Food and Drink section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tulsa Flyer.
Live Poll
Do you believe now is a good time for an entrepreneur to open a new restaurant?
