September 6, 2018
BE Modern Man: Meet Black Restaurant Week Founder Warren Luckett
BE Modern Man is an integrative program that honors the essence, image, and accomplishments of today’s man of color. With features of today’s leaders, executives, creatives, students, politicians, entrepreneurs, professionals, and agents of change—these men share the common thread of creating a new normal while setting the bar in tech, art, philanthropy, business, and beyond. The BE Modern Man is making a positive impact, his way, and has a story to tell.
BE MODERN MAN Warren Luckett
Name: Warren Luckett, M.B.A
Age: 33
Profession: Branwar Wine Distributing Co., COO / Black Restaurant Week, Founder & Managing Partner / Attucks England Consulting, Managing Partner
One Word that Describes you: Unconventional
Social Media handles: Instagram: @branwarwines, @blackrestaurantweek Twitter: @branwarwines, @blackrestaurantweek Facebook: @branwarwines
What does being one of the BEMM 100 Men of Distinction mean to you?
It’s an opportunity to represent the next generation of innovative risk takers that walk in God’s purpose for one’s life. We have a responsibility to uphold our past and build more infrastructure for the future.
What are some examples of how you have turned struggle into success?
Upon graduating from Morehouse College, I received an amazing opportunity to trade on Wall Street. In 2008, when the markets crashed, I found myself out of a job. The two years I spent on the street taught me a certain style of business, but it also taught me that if I was going to create shareholder value, the shareholders would be people from my community.
What is an important quality you look for in your relationships with others?
Loyalty, trust, communication, and respect.
What are some immediate projects you are working on?
I am currently expanding our wine distribution to Georgia and growing the Black Restaurant Week model to six markets (Houston, Philadelphia, New Orleans, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles) in 2018. We are looking to expand to Washington D.C and abroad soon.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Bring my Luckett name back better than you left with it.
What advice you have for other men who want to make a difference?
Win in small increments and it will lead to big gains. There will be ups and downs, but as long as you’re moving in an upward trajectory, success will follow. Don’t wait on a torch, a specific time, or a perfect storm to act. The future is now.
What is your “Extraordinary Impact”?
Being witness to the hospitality industry you hear about people and products that are overlooked despite the talent and quality necessary to succeed. I am most proud about the Black Restaurant Week platform because we have been able to showcase the full culinary spectrum from restaurant owners that have a legacy in the community and chefs/caterers/food trucks that are making waves around the culinary world. Since the start of the Black Restaurant Week, we have witnessed food trucks add additional trucks, chefs open up their own restaurants, and caterers receive corporate contracts. The impact showcases the power our community has when we support our businesses throughout the year.
It’s our normal to be extraordinary. Follow @BEModernMan and join the conversation using #BEModernMan.
Come celebrate the BE Modern Man 100 Men of Distinction at the 2nd Annual Black Men XCEL, Aug. 29–Sept. 2, 2018, at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.