Carter’s Cheesesteaks has become the first Black-owned business to open in Chinatown, offering original cheesesteaks as well as unique ones topped with lobster and shrimp.
The man behind the business, Garci, said, “Me at 38-years-old I’m the first person to accomplish that goal, I could understand why some people wouldn’t want that to happen, so I felt like because of that let’s double down on that.”
Besides owning the restaurant, Garci has also purchased the entire building that houses his business. He has transformed the building into a food court featuring several Black-owned businesses that serve diverse cuisines.
“Let me bring some more black people down here, let them also be apart of the history that’s being made because I feel like it’s a wonderful thing and change is needed.”
Garci, who grew up with a street background, said he is optimistic that the next generation will be inspired by his move. “Chase your dream, I really truly believe the more you chase your dream, put the work in, in the end you’ll get the reward,” said Garci.
Even though Black-owned businesses have had significant growth in the U.S. in recent years, they still make up a small share of overall firms and revenue, according to research. As of 2022, Black-owned businesses made up about 3% of all U.S. firms classifiable by race, despite Black Americans making up about 14% of the population.
The low percentage is largely due to historic, systemic, and financial factors that hinder business creation.
Asians and Black people have borne the calculated leveling of their communities. That tie binds us.
The situation is the same at Chinatown, Philadelphia, which is known for its authentic Asian cuisine, huge shops, artworks and street festivals.
