Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que Debuts Shoebox Lunches Highlighting Black Entrepreneurs for Black History Month

For the second year, Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que & Home Cooking is releasing Shoe Box Lunches in honor of Black History Month. Dubbed the Black Entrepreneur Edition, the Shoe Box Lunches features items from Dallas-based black businesses and farmers — allowing those interested to try out the products nationwide. Boxes will be on sale from Monday, February 1st throughout the entire month!

“In 2020, we celebrated Black History Month by showcasing the ‘shoebox lunch.’ We explained how this simple concept became a necessity during the Jim Crow era, when Black people could not eat in white-owned establishments in the South. Whether traveling by car, train, or bus, it was commonplace for Black Americans to pack shoebox lunches,” explained Brent and Juan Reaves, Co-Owners of Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que.

“We learned that while many people were unaware of this practice, several of our customers were quite familiar with it. They shared their stories and the stories of their family members who had fond memories of enjoying a delicious meal packed in an actual shoebox. Black Americans have always found a way to turn dark circumstances into bright spots. As second-generation restaurant owners, we are proud to share this legacy of Black ingenuity and celebrate our progress as a people.

Last year, we chose foods that reflected what would have been commonly packed in a shoebox lunch. This year’s contents reflect our progress and our future. Not only do Black Americans patronize restaurants and businesses without restriction today, we also own them. It may seem quaint to underscore the reality of Black entrepreneurship, but we do not take it for granted. That’s why we’re featuring products from Black entrepreneurs of the present and including a booklet, entitled Then|Now, that highlights Black entrepreneurs of the past.”

Smokey Johns BBQ Dallas — Smokey John’s Black Entrepreneur Shoebox Lunch | Credit: J McClure

The two Shoebox options are:

**Black Entrepreneur Edition (In-Store)* – $14.95**

· Sandwich

· Featured Side -or- Regular Side**

· Cookie Society Gourmet Cookie

· Mama Moore’s Gourmet Popcorn

· Urban Hydration Hand Sanitizer

· Then|Now (commemorative booklet)

*Minimum order of 15 for catered orders.

**Featured sides include spinach and purple hull peas sourced locally from Black-owned farms. Regular sides include any side item available on our serving line.