Durham’s oldest Black-owned restaurant, The Chicken Hut, recently demonstrated its deep community roots by providing 400 free meals to residents affected by delayed SNAP benefits during the ongoing government shutdown. According to a report by WUNC, owner Tre Tapp and his staff distributed boxed lunches to anyone who presented their SNAP card at the restaurant’s Fayetteville Street location.
This act of generosity follows the restaurant’s recent designation as a local historic landmark, cementing its status not only as a culinary destination but also a living piece of Durham’s civil rights history that continues to serve its community more than six decades after its founding.
A Restaurant With Deep Civil Rights Roots
For travelers seeking Southern experiences that combine history, culture, and exceptional soul food, The Chicken Hut offers a unique opportunity to connect with Durham’s rich Black heritage. Founded in 1957 as “The Chicken Box” on what is now South Roxboro Street, the restaurant later relocated to its current Fayetteville Street location. The relocation followed the demolition of the original block in the late 1960s, WUNC reports.
Last month, the Durham City Council unanimously voted to designate The Chicken Hut as a local historic landmark, recognizing its significance in the city’s cultural landscape. This designation marked the culmination of a five-year process and acknowledges the restaurant’s role not just as a business but as a vital community institution…