Black Foodies In a world where food is more than just sustenance—it’s a celebration of culture, community, and creativity—few stories resonate as deeply as that of The Black Foodies. Husband-and-wife duo Dino and Coretta Dean have transformed their passion for culinary exploration into a powerful platform that spotlights Black-owned restaurants, chefs, and flavors from around the glob
Who Are The Black Foodies? A Duo United by Love and Flavor
Black Foodies At the core of The Black Foodies is the unbreakable bond between Dino Dean, 55, and Coretta Dean, 52—high school sweethearts turned lifelong partners, married for 31 years. Parents to five children and grandparents to boot, the Deans hail from Chicago’s south suburbs, where Dino works as an electrician and Coretta as a real estate agent. But don’t let their day jobs fool you; their true calling lies in the kitchen and on the road, chasing the next great bite.
Black Foodies What sets The Black Foodies apart is their genuine, familial approach. They’re not polished critics in designer suits; they’re relatable folks in casual attire, often seen in matching tees emblazoned with their logo. Their content resonates because it’s real—choppy early videos evolved into polished productions thanks to coaching from their eldest daughter, Brittney Dean, 36, who helped them master camera angles and editing.Black Foodies Today, they wield professional gear like mics, drones, and high-def cameras, but the heart remains the same: celebrating food that feeds both body and spirit.
The Humble Beginnings: From Vacation Frustration to Viral Sensation
Black Foodies The spark that ignited The Black Foodies’ empire came not from a gourmet kitchen, but from a frustrating vacation in Miami about seven years ago. Struggling to find Black-owned restaurants amid the city’s sea of options, Dino and Coretta realized a gap in the market. “We wanted to support our community, but how could we if we didn’t even know where to start?” Dino reflected. Back home, they decided to document their own discoveries, starting with a small Black-owned Peruvian spot in a Wisconsin town. That first video? A shaky, heartfelt review that captured their excitement—and a whole lot of off-camera laughter.
Black Foodies Fast-forward to 2017: The Black Foodies officially launched on YouTube, with a mission to “showcase Black-owned and operated (BOO) restaurants and chefs worldwide.” Early days were trial by fire. Dino admitted, “I didn’t know how to hold the camera,” while Coretta laughed about their heads getting “chopped off in the frame.” But persistence paid off. With Brittney’s tech savvy and their unyielding enthusiasm, they honed their craft. By notifying restaurant owners in advance (a courtesy that builds trust), they’d arrive, savor the meal, and rate it with kisses—pecks that range from polite to passionate.
Black Foodies Their breakthrough came organically. Videos of Chicago gems like Luella’s Southern Kitchen (earning 4.5 kisses for its elevated comfort food) went viral, drawing in viewers hungry for authentic recommendations. Today, their channel boasts over 20,000 subscribers, with Instagram at nearly 75,000 followers and TikTok pushing 25,000. They’ve reviewed over 450 spots, from soul food shacks to upscale eateries, always emphasizing Black excellence but open to diverse flavors that align with their ethos.
Mission and Style: Kisses, Community, and Culinary Authenticity in Black Foodies
Black Foodies At its heart, The Black Foodies’ mission is simple yet profound: uplift Black-owned businesses to strengthen the economic fabric of their community. “There’s a lot of complaints in our community about what we don’t have,” Dino says, “and if we don’t support our restaurants, who else will?” They go beyond reviews, presenting certificates to “kissed” spots and hosting luxury coach bus tours that immerse groups in Chicago’s food scene. It’s support wrapped in celebration—familial, refreshing, and pun-intended, easy to digest.
Black Foodies Their style is what makes them magnetic. Black Foodies the kiss rating? Genius. One kiss: Avoid. Five kisses: Exceptional, with food, presentation, and service all aligning. “The food has to be excellent. Nothing average,” Dino insists. They notify owners ahead, turning visits into collaborations rather than surprise inspections. Post-review, they share not just scores but stories—the chef’s journey, the dish’s heritage—fostering connections that last.
Black Foodies This approach breaks stereotypes. As Brittney notes, “It’s bringing camaraderie and closing the gap between consumers and Black-owned businesses.” Chefs rave about it too. James Beard winner Erick Williams of Virtue Restaurant & Bar calls it “Black love for food and support.” And it’s global: From Houston’s Turkey Hut (which they rallied support for during a controversy) to international jaunts, they spread the BOO message far and wide.
For tips on hosting your own food tour, see our internal event planning guide.
Growth and Achievements: From YouTube Stars to TV Trailblazers
The Deans’ trajectory is a masterclass in organic growth. Starting with zero subscribers, their channel exploded thanks to shareable content—think drone shots of bustling kitchens and Coretta’s infectious giggles over spicy bites. By 2023, they’d hit milestones: 450+ videos, merchandise like “The Black Foodies” tees and hats, and partnerships with local tourism boards like Choose Chicago.
A pinnacle moment? Their debut TV series, Signature Chicago, airing on WGN-TV since January 2024. Filmed with Verz Productions, it showcases diverse eateries, chatting with owners about signature dishes. Dino calls it “the culmination of years of work,” taking their digital reach to broadcast audiences. Episodes feature spots like PassionEats Soul Food & Catering, where Chef Shawanda Simmons saw a business boom post-review: “People came from Waukegan, even Milwaukee.”
Awards and recognition followed. Featured in the Chicago Sun-Times as “a unique authority on the country’s dining scene,” they’ve influenced policy discussions on food equity. Their website, theblackfoodies.com, hosts comprehensive BOO lists for Chicagoland and beyond, making discovery effortless.
Looking to level up your content? Check our internal media growth strategies.
Impact on the Culinary World: Boosting Businesses and Breaking Barriers
Black Foodies The ripple effect of The Black Foodies is tangible. Take Chef Quentin Love of Soul Food Lounge: After a five-kiss rating for his Maine Stuffed Buttered Lobster, business surged. “Words can’t express the impact they made on my life over the last 60 days,” he said. Similarly, Bonneville Winery’s Chef Lamar Moore credits their authentic synergy for packed tables post-review.
Black Foodies Economically, they’re powerhouses. By directing traffic to BOO spots and Black Foodies they’ve helped sustain jobs and legacies in a industry where Black chefs face systemic hurdles. Chef Simmons’ Passion Eats saw out-of-town crowds, proving visibility equals viability. Beyond numbers, they foster unity—tours blend food with conversation, closing gaps in diverse neighborhoods.
Culturally, they reclaim narratives. In a space often dominated by white critics, the Deans center Black joy, challenging biases. As Erick Williams puts it, their work displays “Black Foodies in a way that’s easy to digest.” It’s not just reviews; it’s revolution through relish.
Discover more success stories in our internal chef spotlights.
Featured Spots and Flavorful Reviews: Must-Try Gems
Black Foodies No article on The Black Foodies would be complete without highlighting their top kisses. In Chicago, Luella’s Southern Kitchen earns 4.5 for Chef Darnell Reed’s fried chicken and waffles—”one of the best in the country,” per Dino. Soul Food Lounge’s lobster? Five kisses for its buttery decadence. Passion Eats shines with gouda grits and catfish that scream soul.
Black Foodies Venturing out, Houston’s Turkey Hut got a shoutout for resilience amid backlash, while global picks include Peruvian delights in Wisconsin. Home cooks, try recreating their favorites: Think spicy shrimp po’boys or barbered-spiced stews, adapted from African influences.
| Restaurant | Kisses | Signature Dish | Why It Rocks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luella’s Southern Kitchen | 4.5 | Fried Chicken & Waffles | Elevated Southern comfort with perfect crunch. |
| Soul Food Lounge | 5 | Maine Stuffed Lobster | Buttery, soulful seafood innovation. |
| PassionEats | 5 | Fried Catfish & Gouda Grits | Creamy, crispy perfection. |
| Bronzeville Winery | 5 | Wine-Paired Small Plates | Authentic vibes and bold flavors. |
