Peckham’s Jerk Grill uses Uber Eats grant to open second site in Hackney

The 2024 Uber Eats Black Business Fund has distributed £250,000 to 25 small Blacked-owned businesses across the country, helping one recipient expand its business in London.

The owner of Jerk Grill in Peckham, Karis Theophane, will open a new site in Hackney this month, using its £10,000 grant to fund a marketing campaign to promote its expansion. The business started originally as a popular food truck in London's Peckham in 2018, moving to a cafe at the Pembury Community Centre.

“Our new forever home also enables us to create five new jobs immediately as we continue to grow,” said Theophane, who has used family savings alongside the grant to invest in its Hackney opening.

“Ultimately, we want to reinvest our profits into the business, helping us deliver our social mission of reducing food poverty, social isolation and providing meaningful employment and training opportunities for those living in the local community.

“We are more than a jerk place, we are a community anchor providing jobs for disadvantaged people and a place for people from all walks of life to gather. Providing a space like this can be an inspiration to the local community – empowering people to build an equitable future, be more confident and have a positive impact in society.”

The Uber Eats Black Business Fund, run by Enterprise Nation sees £250,000 distributed to 25 small Black-owned businesses across the country, with winners from towns and cities including London, Sheffield, Plymouth and Hoddesdon. To date, businesses have received over £500,000 of grants since the award scheme started in 2021.

“We know that Black-owned businesses face unique challenges and we’re proud to offer support through this fund,” said Matthew Price, Uber Eats UK GM, pointing to government data stating just 6% of SMEs are ethnic minority led.

“The UK is rightly celebrated for its vibrant and diverse restaurant scene, and it’s crucial to continue nurturing the next generation of talent.”

Lorraine Copes, founder of Be Inclusive hospitality and judge for the 2024 fund, added: "For the third consecutive year, I have enjoyed reviewing submission videos for the Black Business Fund. It fills me with optimism for the future of hospitality as I discover the diverse array of founders who entered the industry out of a genuine love for hospitality and food.

“Unfortunately, uncertainty appears to be following us into 2024, and I am pleased that this fund will offer a much-needed boost for Black entrepreneurs."

The full list of winners includes: • Jerk Grill (London) • Yettis Kitchen (Manchester) • Blessone Kitchen (Sheffield) • American Bites Ltd (London) • Dudleys Coffee (London) • Dirty Chicken (Nottingham) • Jabulani (Plymouth) • Original London (London) • The Flygerians (London) • Bake Yard (London) • Borough 22 Limited (London) • The Food Bandits LTD (London) • Jerk King Bristol (Bristol) • Mud Cafes (London) • The Ital Collection by Vita LTD (Birmingham) • Beanie Bun (Newcastle) • Sisterwoman Vegan (London) • Mina Cuisine (Sheffield) • Stuffed ltd (Bristol) • The Jamaican Ltd (London) • Lyfbar (Shropshire) • The Jerk joint (Hoddesdon) • Dinner at Sans (London) • Afrisian Ltd (UK wide) • Yoyo’s Desserts Ltd (London)