The chain’s success on New York’s mercilessly tough food scene has allowed for, along with an astonishing rate of expansion (adding one store a year, on average, since opening in 2014), political engagement and community outreach. Black Seed donates, for instance, to the Black Feminist Project, a Bronx-based social justice organization that emphasises health and nutrition, and chef Daoheung is hoping that pandemic-related restrictions will ease enough to allow for a partnership program with ex-inmates interested in learning how to bake. COVID-19 has also resulted in the suspension of long time Black Seed projects, including collaborations with outside chefs and bagel-making workshops.