Boston, MA—Toast (NYSE: TOST) and acclaimed food critic, Keith Lee, are joining forces to celebrate extraordinary restaurants and the little details that make them special. Beginning today, Toast and Lee will surprise the first of three restaurants with $50,000 each over the next few weeks.

Based on three categories, Commitment to Hospitality, Community Connection, Employee Care and Engagement, Keith has selected the first two restaurants. Toast and Keith Lee will also select a third restaurant based on submissions entered on social media, awarding a final $50,000 cash prize to one restaurant — and $25,000 to the individual that nominates them. 

“As guests, we often see only what arrives on the plate, while restaurants orchestrate a complex symphony of details — from ingredients to atmosphere to staff choreography, and more – to make for amazing dining experiences,” said Kelly Esten, Chief Marketing Officer at Toast. “Like Toast, Keith Lee recognizes that it’s those little things that often set restaurants apart, not big marketing budgets or big name chefs. We’re delighted to work with him — and invite our community on social media to do so as well — to recognize some truly special businesses.”

“Getting a 10 out of 10 in my book is about more than the taste of the food alone — it’s also about the energy when walking in the door, the way food might be packaged, or how the server made me feel when I ordered,” said Lee. “I’ve made a career highlighting the way these details come together to make for great meals, and I’m thrilled to work with Toast to celebrate just a few of the people in our big, broad restaurant community who make it happen.”

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As part of ArtSoul Radio’s 365 Initiative to support Black & BIPOC-owned businesses throughout the year, this is a story worth reviewing.

In 2009, Venus and Serena Williams became minority owners of the Miami Dolphins, making them the first Black women to own an NFL franchise. Since then, the growth of their investment has been remarkable. In 2009, the Dolphins were valued at 1 billion dollars. By 2023, 14 years later, the Miami Dolphins were valued at 4.6 billion dollars.

Despite the fact that 70% of the league’s players are Black, the majority of NFL ownership remains white. However, Venus and Serena became the first Black women to own an NFL team, creating a pathway for others to follow. Following their lead, Mellody Hobson became the third Black woman to become a minority team owner in 2022. Lewis Hamilton and Condoleezza Rice joined the list when they purchased a stake in the Denver Broncos. In 2023, Magic Johnson became a minority owner of the Washington Commanders.

Venus and Serena Williams are true trailblazers! Forbes reported in 2022 that Venus was the second highest-paid female athlete. Their investment in the Miami Dolphins, in partnership, is not only changing the investment landscape but also breaking barriers both on and off the court.

Their success in business complements their legendary status in tennis. Their investment in the Miami Dolphins is just one example of how they are reshaping the investment landscape. It’s inspiring to see them use their platform and influence to make an impact beyond tennis!

With their track record, their investment is bound to yield excellent results. It’s only a matter of time before we see the first Black majority owner of an NFL team.

Celebrity Christian Singer and former American Idol alumni Mandisa was announced dead on April 18th after she was found in her home in Nashville.

The announcement was made this morning by the New York Times, People Magazine and KLove and confirmed later in the day by Mandisa’s team on her Facebook page.

Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world. Fans and Colleagues have been expressing their shock and being vocal online sharing their favorite moments and songs from the artist.

“Mandisa lived her life in song,” said Dennie Marshall, Mandia’s cousin. “On behalf of her entire family and that includes me, let me say thank you for the outpouring of love we’ve all received since her untimely and unexpected passing.”

Born and raised in Citrus Heights, California, Mandisa studied music in college before auditioning for Idol in 2005. Being a soulful singer with a magnetic personality, she’d go on to gain national attention on the reality competition show’s fifth season (which began airing in 2006), making it to the top 10 alongside favorites like Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Chris Daughtry, Paris Bennett, Elliott Yamin and eventual winner Taylor Hicks.

Fans and loved ones are still expressing their shock as the entire Christian music industry mourns a huge loss. Hundreds showed up to her home going service in Brentwood Saturday morning as well as more than 11,500 people live-streamed the service online. The world will greatly miss Mandisa and the light that she brought to everyone in need of finding it again.