Reclaiming Culinary Rights and Decolonizing Our Tongues

Business First w/Sonia Alleyne

Chef Rock Harper discusses the importance of reclaiming culinary rights and decolonizing our tongues. He shares the history of fried chicken and its negative portrayal in media, as well as the lack of Black-owned fried chicken restaurants in the industry. Chef Rock emphasizes the need for representation and economic empowerment in the food industry. He also talks about his restaurant, Queen Mother's Fried Chicken, and the intentional use of high-quality ingredients to serve a great product. Chef Rock discusses the importance of focusing on a core product or concept in the restaurant industry, the challenges of running a restaurant with a wide variety of menu items, and the need for sufficient capital in the industry. He also shares his background and journey in the culinary world, including his time working with B. Smith. Chef Rock emphasizes the power of knowing your customer and solving their problems, as well as the importance of collaboration and maximizing revenue streams in the food business. He also discusses his future goals, including expanding into media and creating spaces for community gathering and creation.