This Black Owned Brooklyn Restaurant Have Been Providing Free Meals For Essential Works - A Beautiful Example of Sustainability

The global pandemic has been devastating for so many small companies, however, it has encouraged so many local businesses to build community and mobilize intentionally. There are so many local Black and Brown owned businesses who deserve acknowledgement for stepping up to help essential workers, those who are immunocompromised and small businesses that need stability. We’re excited to chat with Jesus Caicedo-Diaz who is the founder of Brooklyn restaurant Skal who has been donating meals to essential workers.

When and why did you open Skal BK? What does the name mean? 

Skål just turned two years. I took over the space in May 2018 and did a month of renovation before opening. Skål is Danish (and Swedish!) and means cheers and bowl. We chose this name for several reasons - my partner of more than five years is Danish, I love Scandinavia and we liked the vibe of Skål as it means cheers and encompasses the feelings of happiness and togetherness. The name also made perfect sense in connection to our concept of doing brunch tapas in small bowls. 

Can you share some of your sustainability initiatives/ business practices within your establishment? 

Since opening, it was our goal to include several sustainability initiatives, from eliminating tipping inspired by the Danish welfare system that we hope the US will eventually learn from. We included several vegetarian and vegan options on the menu as well as offering non-dairy options. We source our food as organic and local as possible. We also sell a small selection of sustainable everyday goods from glass and metal straws, bamboo tooth brushes and grounded coffee body scrubs. We make an effort to limit our plastic use. Lastly, it’s of high importance to us to be an inclusive place where everyone feels welcome. We host lots of community events and senior parties - our favorite is the senior karaoke party! 

How do you define sustainability? 

Sustainability means many things. It’s essence is to try and make the world a better place. From the political side to making sure everyone feels heard and included and is paid a fair wage, to sourcing healthy, organic produce, trying to limit the intake of carbon-heavy products such as meat, and promoting a healthy lifestyle through food and consumption. Sustainability isn’t one thing but a holistic approach to a better world for humans, animals and nature. 

Please explain the importance of providing free meals to essential workers during this time? 

The corona crisis highlights a lot of social and political issues in the US, and with NYC as the epicenter of the crisis, it’s of utmost importance that everyone makes an effort to help. We’re in a privileged position that although our business is running low due to the circumstances, we have the energy and capacity to help out. Providing meals to the everyday heroes who are at the forefront of the crisis is a small way to help. If the essential workers get the right energy through good food and do not need to worry about how to pay and prepare their own meals, they are able to spend their energy on working. We’re happy to help out where we can. 

Does your Blackness / Cultural background influence your restaurant business / outlook on community and/or sustainability? If so why? 

Having been raised in Bed-Stuy/East New York, it an honor for me to do what I can to serve the community. I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world, experience other cultures and ways of doing things, and it was my dream to mix the best of all my experiences and blend it together at Skål. The world is changing and there is a fine line between moving with time but also remembering your heritage and background. Bed-Stuy is one of those neighborhoods where change is happening at a rapid speed. I do my best to cater to the community's needs, being very aware of this as I was raised there. When I began planning the business, I knew that it had to be located in Bed-Stuy. 

How are you staying positive during this time and how can others support you? 

Times are hard for all of us one way or the other. I try to count my blessings and keep in mind that I’m privileged and a lot of people have it worse. I don’t want to feel sorry for myself. I stayed open for as long as it made sense and have now turned the business into providing meals for essential workers rather than being a cafe. I can’t wait for things to go back to normal - I miss the customers-turned-friends and the sense of community which has now turned digital. I pray for support once I am able to open as an eatery again, the customers are what make the business.