The popular Caribbean-inspired restaurant chain Grilled Fraiche has closed its doors for good. Owner Peace Love Reedburg announced the abrupt shutdown of all locations, including a local favorite in Long Beach. "It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude that we announce the closure of Grilled Fraiche," Reedburg shared in an online statement, according to a report by Long Beachize. Financial troubles are to blame with Reedburg citing "a lack of necessary capital" despite efforts to sustain the business.

The closure of Grilled Fraiche signifies more than the loss of mouth-watering dishes like their Believe Stew and vegan crab cakes – it's also a cultural blow to the Black food scene in Long Beach. Since Callaloo's closure in 2018, spaces serving Caribbean delicacies have become rare gems. In an interview with Long Beachize in August last year, Reedburg emphasized the importance of Black-owned establishments, asserting "If the Black community isn’t succeeding, then our entire community isn’t succeeding."

Despite the closing of the physical locations, the Grilled Fraiche team has vowed to press on with their culinary passion. "Although our daily operations are ending, our team remains dedicated to providing delicious food made with love, no matter what," said Peace Love Reedburg in a heartfelt post on Instagram. They promised to continue offering their cuisine for special events, accepting catering requests on a case-by-case basis, giving some solace to their loyal patrons.

While Grilled Fraiche may be gone, owners like Sally Bevans and establishments such as Soul Food Renaissance continue resilient, giving hope to the preservation of Black culinary traditions in Long Beach. As reported by Long Beachize, the community still deeply seeks and appreciates the rich flavors of Caribbean, African, and Southern American cuisines. Grilled Fraiche leaves behind a legacy of vibrant flavors and a reminder of the challenges Black-owned businesses often face in the food industry.