Chuku’s, founded by the brother-and-sister duo Ifeyinwa and
Emeka Frederick, was part of the 2%, one of the 10 businesses that won the
grant.
During her Renaissance world tour, the American singer
committed to donate $1 million (£806,000) to businesses through her charity,
BeyGood Foundation.
Reacting to the development, Ifeyinwa one of the co-founders
said: “I still can’t quite believe that Beyoncé has backed our restaurant — it
feels a bit surreal.
Emeka and Ifeyinwa Frederick, the owners of Chuku's restaurant in Tottenham, UK |
“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.”
After launching a challenge to get 600 bookings in six
weeks, the restaurant managed 801, and Emeka said Beyoncé’s help is another
much-needed boost.
He added, “This grant couldn’t be more welcome. 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.”