Derreck Johnson: Building Community Through Food

For over two decades, Derreck Johnson has been more than a restaurateur. As the founder of Home of Chicken & Waffles, he has created a space rooted in family, opportunity, and community care. From employing formerly incarcerated individuals to launching Black Owned Project 365, Derreck’s work reflects a deep commitment to economic equity and collective uplift.

In this conversation, he shares what Black History Month means to him, the responsibility of stewarding a long-standing Black-owned business in Oakland, and the lessons that continue to guide his leadership.

Q: Black History Month often invites reflection. What does this time of year mean to you personally, and how does it connect to the work you do through Home of Chicken & Waffles and beyond?

A: Black History Month is an invitation for all of us to come together as a community and reflect on what this pivotal moment means, especially when we are seeing a retreat from discussions around Black history in our classrooms and in our civic and political discourse. Black history is inseparable from American history even if our politics may not reflect that. Both at Home of Chicken & Waffles and in my community advocacy, I remain unapologetic in lifting up our communities, our narrative and our contributions as a people.

For more than two decades, I’ve been passionate about making sure those from historically marginalized backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed hence why I’ve employed so many formerly incarcerated individuals. Many of them have gone on to be managers and homeowners themselves.

Q: Home of Chicken & Waffles has been part of Oakland for over 20 years. What does it mean to you to steward a long-standing Black-owned business in a city with such deep Black history?

A: It’s an honor but at the same time a reminder of how much work needs to be done in Oakland and beyond to ensure that our City is open for business and Black entrepreneurs have the access to capital and resources to start a business and thrive.

Q: Your restaurant is more than a place to eat — it’s a gathering space. How intentional was that from the beginning, and why does creating community through food matter to you?

A: Very much so. My earliest memories of food were around family– and I wanted the restaurant–from our operations to our menu–to reflect that. “Food is family” is more than just a slogan; it’s the guiding force behind who we are as a company, and the way we treat our customers. Food is like a universal language that transcends differences and builds community. And I’d like to think that it’s resonated and continues to do so with our loyal customer base. We’re truly fortunate to have hosted countless birthday parties, graduations, anniversaries and holiday meal distributions for more than two decades.

Q: Through initiatives like Black Owned Project 365 (BOP365), you’ve worked to address economic and racial inequities head-on. What gaps were you seeing that made you feel called to step in? 

A: I had the rare honor and privilege of attending President Biden and Vice President Harris’ 2021 inauguration. For me it was a call-to-action. I’ve been engaged with my community, having chaired the Oakland Workforce Board and other nonprofits, for most of my career. I conceived of BOP365 essentially as the one-stop-shop for all these disparate interests and advocacies I’ve been so passionate about. There’s no secret that Oakland, like many cities across the country during the pandemic, took a hit.

We’ve seen so many small businesses, especially Black businesses, permanently shut their doors. Coupled with the rising cost of living and the challenging job market, we are seeing the impact of our economic and racial disparities have a tremendous impact on our communities. But these disparities we’re seeing didn’t start in 2020. They’re the product of generations of disinvestment in Black and Brown communities- from the lack of access to capital to high wage jobs or even mentors for up and coming talent in the Black community. I want to make sure that everyone regardless where they are from has access to the same opportunities I’ve been blessed with.

Q: As a Black business owner and community leader, what challenges have shaped you the most — and what lessons have stayed with you over the years?

A: It takes a village–as cliche as that may sound. On a personal level, my community has been key to my endeavors. I was raised by a single mom in low-income housing in West Oakland. I had the opportunity to attend an HBCU, and later return to Oakland and start my own business and employ hundreds over the years. As a business owner, there’s been ebbs and flows. During and after the pandemic, like so many businesses in Oakland, we took significant losses. The restaurant business is not for the faint of heart. I could've taken the path of least resistance and pivoted but I also recognized that people are relying on me and the restaurant. Through it all, I leaned on my family, my mentors, my community.

Q: What advice would you give to young Black entrepreneurs who want to build something meaningful but are navigating barriers or uncertainty?

A: Surround yourself with people you can trust and people who are invested in you.

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