Eclectic Shades Magazine September-October Issue 2018 | Page 40

PRESS RELEASE: Founder of Black Women In Business will launch “Authentically East Austin Food Tour”

CEO Rose Smith partners with Foodie Foot Tours and Skyline Entertainment & Party Bus Company to bring exposure and help increase profits for black owned restaurants in East Austin.

Austin, Texas, July 12, 2018 – Gentrification has become a common topic of discussion in Austin. The east side of I-35 was predominantly populated by African Americans, and then became integrated with Hispanics. Now it is being taken over by upper-income condos, apartments, houses and continues to drive out the families and business owners who have worked hard to leave legacies for generations to come.

East Austin’s roots trace back to the late Nineteenth Century, when two Austin politicians offered land in the area to recently freed African American former slaves. The plan was codified in the 1928 Koch Proposal, which legally designated East Austin as a “Negro District,” and prohibited racial minorities from purchasing houses elsewhere. (AustinTexasInsider.Com)

Black Women In Business CEO, Rose Smith (aka Coach Smith), not only has a passion to salvage the true spirit of East Austin, but a personal interest as she is also a resident. Her husband (Charles Smith Jr.), who is also the Co-Founder of Black Men In Business was born and raised in East Austin, and the couple are homeowners within Blackland Neighborhood. Mr. Smith and his family have been in the same neighborhood for more than 55 years, and a few of their neighbors (more like family) have weathered the “storm” right along with them.

In the early 2000s the interest in East Austin was on the rise. As the overall city population grew, many people recognized the benefits of living in a low-cost area that was within walking or biking distance to downtown. So, East Austin has gone from blighted to trendy, and developers are eager to cash in on the rapidly rising property values.

But, not everyone is thrilled about this development.

Long time residents and black owned businesses are being overshadowed by commercial zoning and businesses that cater to the new demographics of the Eastside. Mrs. Smith initiated a plan to help black owned restaurants in the area become more visual and profitable, yet there seemed to be something missing. It wasn’t until May of 2018, when she crossed paths with Ashley Stevenson, Owner of Foodie Foot Tours, that she knew she had found the missing piece to her puzzle.

Ashley Stevenson founded Foodie Foot Tours, LLC. in 2014 in Oklahoma City, OK. The tour was something she felt would showcase local restaurants, get people out to explore their city, and tell the history of each neighborhood. She believes people look for ways to feel connected to the places they do business with and her food tour idea does just that. After relocating to Austin in 2017, she wanted to bring the tour to Austin but wanted to make sure she had a true, authentic feel for the city before doing so. By partnering with Rose Smith, the duo will be able to lean on  the strengths of each other to create a dynamic experience for locals and tourists.

Sam’s BBQ, Mr. Catfish, Hoover’s, Country Boyz Fixins, Roland’s Soul Food and Fish, Willie’s BBQ, Galloway’s Sandwich Shop and The Original New Orleans Po-Boy and Gumbo Shop are just a few black owned brick and mortar restaurants who have withstood the test of time and gentrification. Mrs. Smith says it isn’t enough to simply talk about the gentrification happening in East Austin. It’s time to come together and take action. So, she and Stevenson have partnered with Brandon Burleson, Owner of Skyline Entertainment & Party Bus Company, and South Austin Community Church under the leadership of Pastor A.L. Sneed II to launch the “Authentically East Austin Food Tour.” The tour will include 5-7 of the above mentioned restaurants, and tourists will get hearty samples at every stop. It is the perfect way to support these amazing businesses and get a “taste” of the true East Austin experience.

You can reserve your seat on the “Authentically East Austin Food Tour” at www.foodiefoottours.com or create your own private food tour with friends, family, co-workers, church members or your favorite organization. The restaurant owners are excited about the upcoming tour and ready to share the stories behind their quest to survive and succeed. But, most importantly, Coach Smith and her TEAM are ready to change the game!