It's hard to *cut it* in the culinary world, and that's if everything is working for you. Statistics vary, but out of one million restaurants in the US, only eight percent are Black owned -- and of that eight percent, just 2,800 are owned by Black women. That's less than a third of one percent.

But statistics didn't deter Jasmine Norton, chef-owner of The Urban Oyster in Baltimore, the first female- and Black-owned oyster bar in Maryland. As a multi-hyphenate chef with an impressive resume of awards and recognitions, Norton has (ahem) made waves in the culinary world, rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a Black female chef in America.

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As a child, Norton fell in love with raw oysters. "From the moment my dad urged me to try an oyster as a small child I loved them!" However, as she grew older, she realized that these delicious briny morsels were generally only offered at fine dining restaurants, requiring "a certain dining attire" and making them inaccessible to the masses. And she wanted to bring oysters to the masses.

"I decided I would like to fill the void for people like myself who love and appreciate oysters and all things seafood but in a more relaxed environment as well as not just raw," she explains.

Creating a space for everyone, especially in the African American community, was important to Norton, as this group has historically been tasked with oystering and shucking, but not always enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Food is an excuse for folks to gather together and break bread -- or, you know, shuck oysters. With The Urban Oyster, Norton has created a space where curiosity and creativity commingle in every option on the menu. To that end, you'll find a robust menu of chargrilled oysters with different flavor profiles that "are sure to satisfy the pickiest eater," Norton promises.

Those with an aversion to raw oysters will be delighted by the cornucopia of chargrilled options on the menu; The Urban Oyster's Bacon BBQ oysters are a local favorite that's garnered something of a cult following among foodies, while the Teriyaki oysters will make you wonder why *all* oysters aren't smothered in a sweet-and-salty sauce.

Innovation infuses the rest of the menu at The Urban Oyster, too, with the Lobster Corndog an unexpected surprise and the Red Snapper Nuggets (served with a sweet chili sauce) a popular choice for even the pickiest palates.

The Urban Oyster has been warmly embraced by the Baltimore community, proving that anything can be "accessible" if it's positioned as such.

"As a restaurant owner, my favorite part of the job is seeing the joy and satisfaction on our guests' faces. There's something incredibly rewarding about knowing that we’ve created a space where people can come together, enjoy great food, and make lasting memories," Norton says.

In fact, this sense of community is just as important to Norton as the menu. "Developing relationships with our guests and being a part of their special moments, whether it's a birthday celebration or a casual dinner out, gives me a profound sense of fulfillment," she says.

For Norton, this community connection isn't just about creating a meaningful dining experience, it's about being part of her larger community: Baltimore, Maryland, the Northeast, the US. To this end, The Urban Oyster prioritizes using locally sourced ingredients from nearby farmers and producers: "This not only supports local agriculture but also ensures that our guests enjoy the freshest and highest-quality food." Norton adds that sustainability informs her decisions as a small business owner, as does a commitment to hiring and training "within the community."

As for the kids slurping oysters and having their own "I want to be a chef when I grow up" moments, The Urban Oyster has participated in the offering of scholarship funding and mentorship programs for aspiring chefs and hospitality students. Additionally, Norton, in collaboration with Dole Food Group, recently lead a 12-week culinary program to assist children of the Boys and Girls club on how to cook and kitchen safety, because "sharing our expertise helps nurture the next generation of culinary talent," Norton says.

Because, when you add it all up, a small business's success relies on more than just a great concept and smart planning -- and Norton knows this. "[At Urban Oyster], we aim to be more than just a dining destination; we want to be a positive force in our community, supporting and enriching the lives of those around us." Let's all "cheers" an oyster to that!

Many thanks to Jasmine Norton, Executive Chef and Owner of The Oyster Bar for sharing the story of this small business in Maryland. Learn more and support this Maryland restaurant by visiting The Urban Oyster website.

Of course, The Urban Oyster is one of many amazing businesses in Maryland that’s doing great things in the state. If you have another business you’d like to see profiled on Only In Maryland, please nominate them for a chance to be featured. And be sure to follow Only In Maryland on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know on the state’s events, restaurants, local businesses, and hidden gems.