Long Beach is showcasing its diverse and unique flavors in an eight-day extravaganza known as Long Beach Black Restaurant Week. Organizers from NoahS’s Arc Foundation and Axiom Kitchen are putting a spotlight on 20 different Black-owned culinary businesses throughout the community.
“It is the chance to shine a light on the amazing and wonderful Black-owned businesses we have,” said organizer Qiana Williams-Mafnas.
One participating restaurant that stands out for its soulful and authentic flavors is Sal’s Gumbo Shack.
“I have the best gumbo in town. I say that very confidently,” said Acelda Bevans, owner of Sal’s Gumbo Shack.
Bevans said she opened up the original Sal’s Gumbo Shack in 2012 on Long Beach Boulevard. After seeing how successful the restaurant was, she and her husband decided to open another location in Long Beach on California Avenue.
“We’ve seen the opportunity to spread more food and good food in this in this area,” said manager Ty Holmes.
Bevans said the menu is similar to New Orleans-styled Southern comfort food. But if you’re looking for something light to snack on instead, just down the street from Sal’s Gumbo Shack is another small Black-owned business called Pop’n Flavors.