LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It's almost Black Eats Week, and The Black Italian is happy to be a part of it.

Owners Paula and Anthony Hunter spent 11 years in the catering business before opening their own restaurant in the Highlands. Fortunately, it laid the groundwork that's helped them continue serving customers during the pandemic. 

Beginning Monday, Oct. 4 The Black Italian will be one of 29 restaurants highlighted during Louisville's inaugural Black Eats Week. 

“Everybody assumes that I am Black, my wife is Italian, that we named it The Black Italian because of that," said Anthony. "But the fact is the Black Italian is our daughter Lily.” 

The restaurant continues to gain notoriety for its unique combination of traditional Italian cuisine delivered by Paula, matched by her husband's skills behind the grill. 

“It’s exciting. We are very thrilled about this. We never thought when we first started that we would be where we are," Anthony told Spectrum News 1. 

The publicity from Black Eats Week is a boost the owners don't take for granted. The last six months have been an unprecedented time for restaurants across the country. 

“We have so many supporters in the city, it’s amazing. Someone had us put out this list and they reached out to his and we were really excited to be a part of it," Paula said.