Historic Durham Black-Owned Restaurant Feeds Hundreds As SNAP Crisis Continues

Durham’s oldest Black-owned restaurant, The Chicken Hut, recently demonstrated its deep community roots by providing 400 free meals to residents affected by delayed SNAP benefits during the ongoing government shutdown. According to a report by WUNC, owner Tre Tapp and his staff distributed boxed lunches to anyone who presented their SNAP card at the restaurant’s Fayetteville Street location.

This act of generosity follows the restaurant’s recent designation as a local historic landmark, cementing its status not only as a culinary destination but also a living piece of Durham’s civil rights history that continues to serve its community more than six decades after its founding.

A Restaurant With Deep Civil Rights Roots

For travelers seeking Southern experiences that combine history, culture, and exceptional soul food, The Chicken Hut offers a unique opportunity to connect with Durham’s rich Black heritage. Founded in 1957 as “The Chicken Box” on what is now South Roxboro Street, the restaurant later relocated to its current Fayetteville Street location. The relocation followed the demolition of the original block in the late 1960s, WUNC reports.

Last month, the Durham City Council unanimously voted to designate The Chicken Hut as a local historic landmark, recognizing its significance in the city’s cultural landscape. This designation marked the culmination of a five-year process and acknowledges the restaurant’s role not just as a business but as a vital community institution.

The Tapp family’s contributions to Durham extend far beyond their famous fried chicken. Founded by Claiborne Tapp, The Chicken Hut became a crucial gathering space during the Civil Rights Movement. As noted in historical records, “From its early days, The Chicken Box was a hub for Durham life. Activists would host meetings at the restaurant, and Claiborne Tapp was happy to welcome them.” This commitment to social justice and community organizing established the restaurant as a sanctuary and headquarters for those fighting for equality.

A Destination For Food And History Enthusiasts

Visitors to Durham seeking authentic experiences should place The Chicken Hut high on their itinerary. The restaurant offers travelers the opportunity to enjoy traditional Southern soul food while connecting with a living piece of civil rights history. The landmark status ensures that the Tapp family’s legacy and the restaurant’s historical significance will be preserved for future generations.

“We believe in the community, Chicken Hut loves the community,” Tapp told WUNC. “I always say, without the community, there would be no Chicken Hut. So, when we see our community suffering, we’ve been blessed, our community always supports us. So it’s only normal to give back what we can.”