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Approval of the Food Vendors for the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2026 as Recommended by the Food & Non-Food Vendors Ad Hoc Sub Committee.
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Meeting Date: December 17, 2025
Contact Person/Dept: Adam Ferguson/PRCS Deputy Director
Phone Number: (310) 253-6685
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Public Notification: (E-mail) Meetings and Agendas - MLK Celebration and Juneteenth Advisory Committee (12/11/2025); (E-mail) Parks, Recreation & Community Service Department Updates (12/11/2025)
Department Approval: Adam Ferguson, PRCS Deputy Director (12/11/2025)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee Approve the Food Vendors for the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2026 as Recommended.
BACKGROUND/ DISCUSSION
The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) is tasked with advising the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services staff with the planning of the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2026. On July 23, 2025, the Food & Non-Food Vendors for MLK & Juneteenth events Ad Hoc Subcommittee was formed.
The Food & Non-Food Vendors for MLK & Juneteenth Events Ad Hoc Subcommittee (Subcommittee) is recommending that the event have food offerings from two different restaurants. The members are recommending The Jerk Spot be the primary choice. Located on Venice Blvd. in Culver City, the Jerk Spot offers more than 20 years of experience cooking Jamaican Cuisine. Chef Courtney Williams started cooking in the kitchen at the tender age of 12. He grew up in St. Ann, Jamaica and learned how to prepare authentic Jamaican Cuisine by watching his mother cook for their family.
The Subcommittee is offering two additional restaurants for the Advisory Committee to consider for the second selection. ALTA is nestled in the West Adams neighborhood of Los Angeles. At the helm of their kitchen is Chef Keith Corbin, a culinary visionary who’s making waves with his unique take on soul food. Chef Corbin brings a passion for cooking that’s deeply rooted in his heritage. His dishes tell a story-one that bridges the flavors of traditional West African cuisine with the fresh, innovative spirit of California cooking.
Honey’s Kettle Fried Chicken is located in Downtown Culver City. Its founder Vincent Williams, or ‘Chef Vinny’ as many people call him - has cooked more fried chicken than anyone on the planet. With nearly 50 years’ experience perfecting the crispy, golden goodness of Honey’s Kettle Fresh Fried Chicken, he is redefining the lost art of Kettle-Cooking.
Attachment 1 includes the food selections and pricing of the restaurants.
Staff is working with the Subcommittee to invite nonfood vendors to participate in the event. The Subcommittee will be focusing on inviting LA County non-profits and Black owned business within and around Culver City.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Adopted Budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 includes sufficient funding for catering for the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2026 in Account 10130280.619800 (Community Events & Excursions/Other Contractual Services).
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2025-12-17 - ATT1 2026 Event Menu Pricing
MOTIONS
That the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee:
Approve the Food Vendors for the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2026 as Recommended.