The pandemic for some business owners was a blessing in disguise as they could take a risk through times of uncertainty. But unfortunately, not all businesses made it through. 

Here's a list of three Black-owned Canadian restaurants that opened and three that closed during the pandemic.

Open for business

Caribbean Slice  |  Toronto, ON (Little Jamaica)

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Calling all pizza lovers, Caribbean Slice is here to put your taste buds to the test. The Black-owned Canadian restaurant is the first Caribbean-infused pizzeria. They've fused popular pizza flavours while adding the taste of the Caribbean. For instance, their Jerk Chicken, Oxtail Pizza and Ackee & Salt Fish pizza are some of the top favourites. Patrons can customize their pizza; all ingredients are healthy, with fresh dough made daily. 

Tommies Jerk | Surrey, BC 

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Tommies Jerk is the restaurant to check out if you're visiting the West Coast and looking for jerk chicken. One of the fan favourites at Tommies Jerk is the Jerk Chicken Tacos and Jamaican Nacho. 

The Little West Indies | Bowmanville, ON

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East of Toronto lies a hidden gem within the Durham region. The Little West Indies is the first West Indian store in Clarington. The store carries various Black-owned products and has a restaurant where you can try an array of Caribbean dishes such as Doubles, Jerk Chicken, Rice and Peas and many more delicious plates. 

Closed for business

Unfortunately, many Black-owned Canadian restaurants closed as we celebrated the thriving ones throughout the pandemic. Here are three Black-owned restaurants we're really missing!

Celebrity Pure Vegetarian Cuisine  | Toronto, ON (Little Jamaica)

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Celebrity Pure Vegetarian Cuisine prided itself on cooking Caribbean food with a vegetarian twist while keeping the pounds off. Known for their cook-up rice, stir fry veggies, and savoury smoothies, they were always an excellent choice for those on the go. Their motto was "Eat right, lose weight and look great!" 

FAM Bar  | Toronto, ON (Downtown)

FAM Bar was located at the heart of Queen Street West and was the spot for food, art and music. FAM Bar was known for its chicken and waffles and the nightlife scene. 

Reggae Cafe | Toronto, ON (Little Jamaica)

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Reggae Cafe was another gem inside Little Jamaica that closed down. Reggae Cafe was known for its Jamaican-style seafood and authentic dishes. 

The pandemic was a tough time for many businesses across various industries, and even though some restaurants fell through, others blossomed.

Black-owned businesses and restaurants continue to pop up throughout the GTA and Canada because business owners realize representation matters and are craving spaces to help change the industry.