Beyoncé and the BeyGood Foundation have reportedly donated to a beloved North London restaurant that was struggling to get by. Chuku’s, a restaurant owned by Ifeyinwa and Emeka Frederick, received an £8,000 “Black Parade Small Business Impact” grant last week during the European leg of the Houston native’s Renaissance Tour.
“This grant couldn’t be more welcome. Chuku’s, like other restaurants that lack financial reserves, has been severely impacted by lockdowns and the rising cost of living. Every day, we fight to remain open and reach our fourth anniversary,” Emeka Frederick told OkayAfrica.
“This funding will ease the struggle and enable us to continue celebrating Nigerian culture on Tottenham’s High Road for the time being.”
Like many other restaurants around London, Chuku’s was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising cost of living in the city. As finances tightened, the restaurant launched a campaign to secure 600 bookings in six weeks. Ultimately, the restaurant surpassed its initial goal and secured 800 bookings. Now, the restaurant has received an additional boost and co-sign from none other than Queen Bey.
“I still can’t quite believe that Beyoncé has backed our restaurant – it feels a bit surreal,” Ifeyinwa Frederick said.
“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.”
