In New York City, where the annual budget tops $115 billion—including $30 billion via the Department of Education (DOE)—it is astonishing that Black-owned businesses capture less than 1% of city contracts. This is not just a simple disparity; it’s a chronic inequity that restricts economic growth in communities of color.
Yet, in East New York, one Black-owned business is charting a new path and proving why inclusive prosperity matters.
Community-Focused, Value-Driven
Founded by local East New Yorker Andrew Walcott, a Thomas Jefferson High School graduate, U.S. Army veteran, certified CPA, and attorney, Fusion East is much more than a Caribbean and soul food spot. It’s a business with purpose—serving local families with honesty, great value, and distinctive cuisine. Walcott created Fusion East to provide “real meals at real prices.” The restaurant will mark its tenth anniversary in October 2025.
Fusion East has emerged as a leading school food vendor in NYC, not through a single DOE deal, but by operating as a certified Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) that individual principals select.
Serving Schools Citywide
Approved as an MWBE vendor, Fusion East gives schools in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens the option to order their catering. From teacher meals to student lunches or special events, Fusion East has cultivated a loyal following one school at a time.
The flagship $5 Real Meal—complete with vegetables, protein, and savory flavors—has become a lunchtime favorite. With over 1,600 schools and almost a million students in NYC, Fusion East’s organic expansion reveals the rising appetite for healthy, affordable, and culturally authentic food.
Despite $745,000 in DOE contracts last year, this represents just 0.0025% of the DOE’s total budget, showing just how much remains to be done. Real improvement means welcoming thousands more vendors like Fusion East to city contracting.
Brooklyn Roots, Citywide Influence
Fusion East is unique not just for its menu but its principles. Walcott’s deep investment in East New York guides his hiring and outreach, reflecting his tenure as a local community board member.
Walcott often brings students into the restaurant for behind-the-scenes learning and business mentorship, inspiring them during visits to his former schools with stories of perseverance and focus.
Kid-Friendly, Mobile Food Service
Fusion East caters with a youth-oriented, flexible model. Alongside the $5 Real Meal, there’s a “Fun Meal” for kids with grilled chicken, sweet plantains, assorted fruit, and a drink—all in colorful packaging, individually boxed for schools.
Fusion East’s food trucks support outdoor events at schools, churches, and nonprofits throughout the city.
Scaling Up for Growing Demand
Fusion East’s popularity is rising; Walcott has hired more staff and is planning further expansion. “The encouragement from school leaders, families, and staff has been overwhelming,” he said. “We’ve earned respect for real meals and genuine value, and it’s a privilege to grow with our schools.”
Fusion East is about more than food—it’s about creating jobs and showing what’s possible for Black-owned MWBEs. They also serve as the exclusive Caribbean caterer at Prospect Park’s Picnic House, demonstrating broader reach.
An Equity Success Story
Fusion East’s journey demonstrates how equity goals can be realized when agencies and schools broaden their perspective and support MWBEs. With Black-owned businesses still drastically underrepresented, Fusion East offers a timely and powerful example.
If New York City is truly committed to equity, it must increase opportunities for businesses like Fusion East.
Try Fusion East Yourself
Fusion East is open every day in East New York for dine-in and takeout—featuring the $5 Real Meal. On Tuesday, August 5, stop by for Live Music Tuesday, where food, music, and community connect.
School leaders interested in high-quality, budget-friendly meal services should contact Fusion East to discover why so many NYC schools are teaming up with them.
