A Black business in West Palm Beach in 1934 was a hope, an acorn planted with the dream that it could — with proper tending and good fortune — become a large and powerful oak.
Today, McCray’s Backyard Barbecue and Seafood is that oak, a well-established business boasting longstanding ties to West Palm Beach and Riviera Beach.
To commemorate those 90 years in business, McCray’s is hosting a three-day outdoor event at its West Palm Beach location at 3950 Georgia Avenue. The event, which began Friday and will run through Sunday, features a DJ, a pool, art and, of course, food. Lots and lots of food.
Food has been at the heart of McCray’s since its founding all of those years ago. Food and fight.
“It was some hard times I had to go through,” said Derrick McCray, the current owner of the business. “It was a lot.”
McCray was speaking of the business dispute that forced his move from the 45th Street location in Riviera Beach customers had come to know. He was also speaking of the deaths of his father, Herman McCray Jr., his mother, Lillian McCray and his brother, Demetrius McCray Sr.