CHICAGO, IL — As Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter Tour” took over Soldier Field in mid-May, it wasn’t just music fans who benefited. One local soul food restaurant saw a wave of new business, thanks to the superstar’s massive draw and a bit of hometown history.
Bronzeville Soul, a Black-owned restaurant on Chicago’s South Side, reported a surge in sales tied to Beyoncé’s May 15–18 concert dates, with catfish and short rib specials driving customer interest.
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The Beyoncé Effect Hits Bronzeville Again
This isn’t the first time the Carter family boosted Bronzeville Soul’s momentum.
Back in 2023, Jay-Z made a surprise visit to the restaurant during Beyoncé’s “Renaissance World Tour” stop in Chicago. That appearance gave the eatery a massive boost in visibility.
“The element of that surprise was huge. It was overwhelming,” said Mario Coleman, co-owner of Bronzeville Soul. “It propelled the restaurant to a different height.”
Since then, the restaurant has maintained steady popularity — but Beyoncé’s 2025 return reignited buzz in a big way.
New Menu Specials Celebrate the Tour
To celebrate Beyoncé’s 2025 Grammy-winning album and tour, Bronzeville Soul introduced Cowboy Carter-themed specials, including:
- Catfish fillet with two sides and a cornbread muffin
- Jay-Z’s short rib and pound cake combo, now a permanent item
- Free house tea for customers dressed in cowboy-themed attire
The numbers speak for themselves:
- Catfish sales increased by 75%
- Short rib sales jumped 40%
“We do appreciate what’s been done for us. Through Jay-Z even coming to the restaurant, we 100% appreciate it,” said co-owner Angie Price, as reported by The TRiiBE.
How Local Business Can Ride Cultural Waves
Bronzeville Soul’s success story is a case study in how small businesses can harness celebrity energy and community storytelling.
From customizing the menu to dressing up the customer experience, the restaurant turned a high-profile event into a business win — without a single direct endorsement.
“We never really had a chance to tell either one of them thank you, but hopefully they understand,” Coleman added.
Were you one of the fans who visited Bronzeville Soul during the Cowboy Carter Tour? Have you seen other local businesses thrive during major Chicago events? Share your favorite local spots in the comments.
Sources:
- AfroTech – Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Boost
- USA Today – Beyoncé Closes Out Chicago Stop
- The TRiiBE – Bronzeville Soul Co-Owner Interview
