Daddy’s Soul Food & Grille wins grant for Black-owned restaurants

This Black History Month, a local Milwaukee restaurant has a lot to celebrate.One of the world’s most iconic brands is on a mission to celebrate and preserve the legacy of Black food. The Heinz Black Kitchen initiative awards tens of thousands of dollars in grants each year to Black food businesses nationwide, with three of those restaurants in Wisconsin. One of the winners is in Milwaukee.Daddy’s Soul Food & Grille on 27th and Wells streets is busy during the afternoon lunch rush.”Daddy’s Soul Food is, I believe, a safe haven to come and get comfort food,” owner Chef Bennie Smith told WISN 12 News.That comfort food includes fried chicken, sweet potatoes, collard greens and more, all from family recipes.”When I see the kids eating the chicken and waffles, Mom and Dad eating meatloaf and mashed potatoes, smacking and laughing, talking to one another, that’s what it was when I was coming up,” Smith recalled of his childhood.He and his wife, Angela, worked for years to make this dream a reality.”We had a catering business, and we started out doing our catering, and people tell you, your food is really good!” Smith said. The restaurant is named after his late father.”When he passed from cancer, I actually stopped cooking until I was approached, and someone asked, would you like to start your restaurant in this building?” Smith said. He says the customers are his motivation, and that dedication was recognized at the end of 2024 with the honor of a lifetime.Heinz awarded Daddy’s Soul Food & Grille a Black Kitchen Initiative Grant. “The work we put in, the hours we put in, it just made us feel good that we were recognized,” Smith explained.After a rigorous application process, they received a $20,000 grant.”It was really humbling for me and my wife,” Smith said.Chef Smith is especially grateful this Black History Month.”What our ancestors have done. Paved the way and given their lives. Given a lot of their heart. Only way I can thank them is to continue to be that shining star they made a way for, he said. Smith said he knows his Daddy would be proud.”I feel like I’m doing it for him and with him at the same time,” he said. Daddy’s Soul Food & Grille is one of three Wisconsin businesses to win the Heinz grants.Anomaly catering in Milwaukee and Chicago’s House of Hoagies in Menasha also received the $20,000 awards.Top Headlines From ‘Shark Tank’ to Milwaukee: Snow Scholars aids students with winter workSussex school bus accident investigation continues: No charges filed yetMan killed in Milwaukee police shootout discharged early from USMC, had no WI criminal record Milwaukee Housing Authority Board approves settlement agreement with tenants in bed bug lawsuit WATCH Baby born on Milwaukee County freeway