Harlem’s Red Rooster, a culinary and cultural hub at 310 Lenox Ave., offers more than just a meal; it’s an immersive experience steeped in the neighborhood’s vibrant spirit. Co-created by Andrew Chapman and chef Marcus Samuelsson, the restaurant blends American comfort food with Harlem’s diverse culinary traditions, serving as a stage for local artists and fostering a strong sense of community.

Named in homage to the legendary Harlem speakeasy that once drew luminaries like James Baldwin and Nat King Cole, Red Rooster aims to nourish both body and soul. The restaurant prioritizes local engagement, hiring staff from the community, offering neighborhood cooking classes, and sourcing ingredients from nearby purveyors.

A standout feature is the Sunday Gospel Brunch, a 15-year collaboration with the Mama Foundation for the Arts. This weekly event showcases the powerful voices of the Sing Harlem choir collective, a group of young artists nurtured by the foundation located off 125th Street.

According to Maya Noel Higginson of Sing Harlem, the foundation provides crucial tuition-free arts education for aspiring young performers. “We find young people who don’t have access to music…We provide a home for that, and young people come in by audition, and we place them in a training program where they develop their talents,” Higginson said. The program offers intensive training in vocal technique, dance, and performance skills.

The Gospel Brunch at Red Rooster serves as a vital platform for these emerging artists. “This platform every Sunday…acts as basically a funnel for our talent from our school, and we give them the opportunity to grow as an artist,” Higginson explained. Attendees can enjoy the spirited performances while indulging in an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring dishes such as Lobster Frites and Bucatini Piccadilly, all for $80.

The partnership has significantly elevated the profile of Sing Harlem’s young performers, providing them with opportunities to share the stage with renowned artists including Chance the Rapper, SZA, Ariana Grande, and Mary J. Blige. “Anytime we get called, because we reach out to people as well to make sure these young people have opportunity for their gifts,” Higginson noted.

Beyond the Gospel Brunch, Red Rooster also hosts “Jazzy Sundays” with live jazz by Nate Lucas and his All-Stars, further cementing its role as a cornerstone of Harlem’s rich musical landscape.

For Sing Harlem, the relationship with Red Rooster extends beyond a performance venue. “Red Rooster really becomes a second home. That’s what it means to us,” Higginson concluded, underscoring the deep connection and the restaurant’s vital role in nurturing and showcasing the next generation of Harlem artists.