Toast Celebrates Black Food and Culture at The Family Reunion

Toast expands sponsorship of immersive experience presented by Chef Kwame Onwuachi with food demos, panel discussions, and more —celebrating Black food 

Boston, MA —  The start of The Family Reunion, a multi-day culinary August event spearheaded by celebrated Chef Kwame Onwuachi, commenced with an enthusiastic chant from hundreds of attendees: “Come as friends, leave as family.” The event, a celebration of Black food and culture, featured panel discussions with renowned historians, celebrities, and prominent chefs and restaurant leaders, topical cooking demonstrations, recreational activities, and daily family meals. 

Over 1,000 attendees, featuring decorated chefs, aspiring restaurateurs, foodies, and celebrity participants, came together at the Forbes Five-Star Salamander Middleburg resort in Virginia to celebrate African diaspora food. Programming delved into topics such as representation in fine dining restaurants, the legacy of Black women chefs, success in hospitality, and entrepreneurship journeys. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with celebrated figures like Sheila Johnson, founder and CEO of Salamander Collection and co-founder of BET, Carla Hall from The Chew, actor Hill Harper, Janelle Stephens of Camille Rose Hair Care, and many more. 

“It’s a gathering with some of the best chefs from all around the country,” said James Beard award-winning chef and Toast Customer, Rodney Scott of Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ. “Not only is The Family Reunion the best restaurant in the world for four days, but it’s also a learning space where it is safe to ask questions.”

Attendees also engaged in more intimate learning sessions that included a cooking competition, caviar and wine tastings, barbecue tips and tricks from James Beard award-winning pitmasters, and relaxation soundbaths.

Photo Courtesy of The Family Reunion, Photo Credit: Clay Williams

In 2024, Toast initially sponsored a curated panel; this year, Toast expanded its sponsorship of this event to also include a $30,000 scholarship for a rising student attending the Culinary Institute of America, which also includes mentorship from Chef Kwame Onwuachi. This investment directly supports Toast.org’s Industry Prosperity pillar: cultivating a diverse, thriving workforce of restaurant operators and employees by empowering the next generation of culinary leaders. 

“At Toast, we strive to be the best technology partner that we can be for our customers of all sizes, types, and backgrounds,” said Jackie Martin, Global Head of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion and Social Impact at Toast. “It is an honor to be a part of The Family Reunion again this year to support our customers who are coming together to celebrate community and a love of food and Black culture. Part of what makes a thriving restaurant industry is investing in the future - we are so proud to offer an opportunity for a deserving student to hone their skills and gain valuable lessons and insights from Chef Kwame Onwauchi.”

Photo Courtesy of The Family Reunion, Photo Credit: Clay Williams

Additionally, Toast sponsored a breakout session featuring a panel of three powerhouse customers: Chip Wade, CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group; Melba Wilson of Melba’s Restaurants; and Rodney Scott. The discussion was facilitated by Toast’s board member Susan Chapman-Hughes. 

“The Black food experience is the American experience. When I am here, I get uplifted and I get fulfilled. I get this sense of energy that I can take back to my family, to my friends, and to where I work,” said Chip Wade. “I think what Kwame Onwuachi and Sheila Johnson have done here over the past five years is nothing short of remarkable. They have found a way to create this environment that is free and open and a celebration.” 

To learn more about Chef Kwame Owuachi’s restaurant journey, check out this ‘Toast To’ profile. Visit this page to learn more about The Family Reunion.