Eater Talks: Showing Up for Racial Justice in Asian Restaurants

Eater Talks: Showing Up for Racial Justice in Asian Restaurants

June 22 — 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT

Earlier this year, amid the rise in anti-Asian violence, chef and restaurant owner Irene Li published a Medium article titled 8 Totally Achievable Ways to Show Up for Racial Justice… When You’re White and Own an Asian Restaurant! The candid essay prompted supportive responses from industry peers and diners — including a number of white restaurant owners looking to further the conversation.

Join Li on Tuesday, June 22 at 1 p.m. ET along with chef Jamie Bissonnette of Boston restaurants Toro, Coppa, and Little Donkey; Nancy Cushman, co-owner of a slew of restaurants with her husband including O Ya, Bianca, and Hojoko; and chef Tracy Chang of Pagu for an honest conversation about the complexities of Asian representation, agency, and appropriation in restaurants. We’ll explore what anti-racism in the restaurant industry should look like, ways to restore attention and resources to non-white people, and more.

Hosted by Eater and Vox Media’s employee resource group As|Am, the conversation will be an open dialogue in which audience participation and questions are encouraged. It’s all taking place over Zoom, so register now to secure a spot and receive a Zoom link to join before the event.

In the meantime, we encourage you to read Li’s article and consider supporting a local Asian-owned restaurant near you.