Pop queen Beyoncé has donated £8,000 to the Nigerian tapas restaurant Chuku’s in Tottenham as part of her $1m pledge to support businesses around the world.
Chuku’s, founded by the brother-and-sister duo Ifeyinwa and Emeka Frederick, last year launched a six-week campaign to increase bookings, with the restaurant facing closure due to challenges blighting the industry.
The restaurant was one of 10 winners to receive a grant from Beyoncé, who, through her BeyGOOD foundation, promised to donate $1 million (£806,000) to businesses in cities around the world as part of her Renaissance world tour.
Ifeyinwa said: “I still can’t quite believe that Beyoncé has backed our restaurant — it feels a bit surreal.
“We’d already felt her impact when she was in town and concertgoers chose Chuku’s for their pre-gig meal, but this is a whole other level.”
Late last year, the Chuku’s team was successful in its drive to get more bookings. After launching a challenge to get 600 in six weeks, the restaurant managed 801, and Emeka said Beyoncé’s help is another much-needed boost.
“This grant couldn’t be more welcome,” he said. “Chuku’s, like other restaurants that don’t have a financial reserve, has been battered by lockdowns and the cost of living crisis.
“Every day, we’re fighting to stay open to make it to our fourth birthday. This money will make that fight a little easier and allow us to continue celebrating Nigerian culture on Tottenham’s High Road for the time being.”
