Garci is putting his name and his money behind a bold vision for community growth. At 38 years old, he has opened Carter’s Cheesesteaks as the first Black-owned business in Chinatown and purchased the entire building where the restaurant operates. More than just opening a shop, he has transformed the space into a food court that welcomes other Black-owned businesses.
Located in Chinatown, Philadelphia, the restaurant introduces a new chapter in a historic district known for its authentic Asian cuisine, busy shops, and colorful street festivals. However, Garci says his goal goes beyond food. He wants ownership, opportunity, and representation to grow side by side.
Carter’s Cheesesteaks Brings Flavor and Ownership to Chinatown
Carter’s Cheesesteaks serves traditional cheesesteaks alongside creative options topped with lobster and shrimp. While the menu grabs attention, the ownership story carries even more weight.
“Me at 38-years-old I’m the first person to accomplish that goal, I could understand why some people wouldn’t want that to happen, so I felt like because of that let’s double down on that,” Garci said. His words reflect both pride and awareness of the challenges Black entrepreneurs often face.
Rather than simply leasing a storefront, Garci bought the entire building. That decision shifts the power dynamic. Ownership means stability, control, and the ability to create space for others. In neighborhoods where gentrification and rising rents push small businesses out, owning the property changes everything.
Creating a Hub for Black-Owned Businesses in Philadelphia
After securing the building, Garci converted it into a small food court featuring several Black-owned businesses serving different types of cuisine. As a result, the space now acts as a hub for entrepreneurship within Chinatown.
“Let me bring some more black people down here, let them also be apart of the history that’s being made because I feel like it’s a wonderful thing and change is needed,” he said. His vision focuses on shared growth instead of solo success.
This move also highlights a deeper connection. Historically, both Black and Asian communities have experienced systemic barriers that limited economic mobility. Therefore, building bridges inside Chinatown sends a message about collaboration rather than competition.
The Bigger Picture for Black-Owned Businesses in America
Although Black-owned businesses have grown in recent years, they still represent a small percentage of total firms nationwide. According to research, as of 2022, Black-owned businesses accounted for about 3% of all U.S. firms classified by race, even though Black Americans make up roughly 14% of the population.
Those numbers reflect long-standing financial and systemic obstacles that have made it harder for Black entrepreneurs to access capital, property, and large-scale opportunities. Consequently, Garci’s decision to both open a restaurant and purchase the building stands out as a powerful example of economic strategy.
He hopes his journey inspires the next generation. “Chase your dream, I really truly believe the more you chase your dream, put the work in, in the end you’ll get the reward,” Garci said. From a street background to business owner and property holder, his story underscores what ownership can look like when persistence meets vision.
Ultimately, Carter’s Cheesesteaks represents more than a place to grab a sandwich. It symbolizes expansion, representation, and the belief that Black entrepreneurs deserve space in every part of the city.
