Collaboration is key to stability, says Black Chicago Restaurateur

Ahmad Braimah's Eleven Eleven is the only Black-owned restaurant in the West Loop, and he believes partnerships with organizations, other chefs and local politicians help biz thrive.

Black-owned restaurants have come and gone in Chicago’s trendy West Loop neighborhood that’s home to some of the country’s most notable establishments. I have a few theories on why they haven’t stuck around, but I will get to that a little later.

For now, Ahmad Braimah’s Eleven Eleven, a contemporary American restaurant, is the only Black-owned eatery in the West Loop. It’s modern in aesthetics with a focus on chef-driven fare by the well-respected Charles Welch.

The restaurant has been there for two years, and while it’s gone through a few changes with chefs and renovations, Braimah believes he’s hit his stride with the arrival of Chef Welch. That’s pretty amazing, considering we’re in the middle of a pandemic, yet Braimah remains positive about the future of his restaurant that he shares with business partner Justin Frierson.

During our conversation on the LIVE! Culinary Series, Braimah discusses several key factors that have kept his business going strong. He’s worked directly with the Illinois Restaurant Association for business advice and direction. He’s maintained a friendly relationship with his alderman so he is aware of the goings-on in the neighborhood. And he’s collaborated with other industry folks, particularly those of color.

For example, he’s teamed up with Maya-Camille Broussard of Justice of the Pies to regularly feature her highly regarded artisan desserts. Right now, her bourbon peach pie is on the menu, and I could not be more excited to get a slice. This collaboration is especially important because Broussard doesn’t have a brick-and-mortar establishment, so she partners with local restaurants to sell her gourmet treats retail.

Braimah, who previously worked at nightclubs before entering the restaurant biz, was very strategic with the Eleven Eleven concept. Black-owned restaurants before him in the West Loop found themselves in hot water when they played the dual role of restaurant and nightclub. You’ll find no deejay here—unless it’s for a private party—and he makes it clear that Eleven Eleven is strictly a place to dine and drink.

Check out the interview where he discusses the promising new menus (BBQ cauliflower “burnt ends,” goat cheese gnocchi, smoked salmon Cobb salad), how the restaurant plans to operate once patio season is over and more.