No food and beverage (F&B) business was immune to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Black-owned businesses withstood inordinate setbacks. The disparate effects of this shock expose the seams of economic, social, and interpersonal injustices that have compounded over time. Through a review of the industry landscape and discussions with key industry players, we documented the unique challenges facing Black-owned businesses and the key determinants to overcome them. A lack of institutional support is well documented, but other factors impact the well-being of Black-owned F&B businesses in the community. Our insights form a strategic outlook to improve the F&B landscape — an approach that combines infrastructure, operations, capital, and workforce considerations.