BurnBox, a Black-owned pizza shop with locations in Largo and Waldorf, gave away free slices for families on Aug. 26 for the new school year. Owner Ryan Whitfield (pictured with a customer) is planning a future holiday giveaway to help those in need, and prides himself on his support for the community as much as for the quality of his pizzas. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)
BurnBox, a Black-owned pizza shop with locations in Largo and Waldorf, gave away free slices for families on Aug. 26 for the new school year. Owner Ryan Whitfield (pictured with a customer) is planning a future holiday giveaway to help those in need, and prides himself on his support for the community as much as for the quality of his pizzas. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

BurnBox Owner Ryan Whitfield Recaps Community Night, Discusses Small Business Successes

BurnBox owner and co-founder Ryan Whitfield recently held a back-to-school night on Aug. 26 at both his Largo and Waldorf locations, distributing free pizza slices and engaging with the community. He is planning a future holiday giveaway between Halloween and Christmas. 

While he is proud to give back to the community that has given so much to him, he acknowledges some of the challenges as a small business owner who has to compete with corporate juggernauts.

“As the owner of a Black-owned restaurant, I’ve had the privilege of serving the vibrant communities of Prince George’s and Charles County. Yet, with this privilege comes a set of challenges that are often overlooked by those outside of our industry. The reality for Black-owned businesses, particularly in the restaurant sector, is that we are held to an exceptionally high standard—one that often leaves little room for growth, improvement, or the kind of loyalty that other businesses enjoy,” Whitfield told The Informer. 

For Whitfield, investing in the community is key.

“Supporting a community institution like BurnBox Pizza means investing in your neighbors and your neighborhood. Unlike big chain restaurants, we are deeply rooted in the communities we serve. Every dollar spent with us circulates back into the local economy, supporting local jobs, local schools, and local initiatives. Our ‘Everyone Deserves to Eat’ initiative is a testament to our commitment to giving back. We’ve donated nearly 10,000 pizzas to those in need since we opened, and we’re just getting started,” he said.

The entrepreneur emphasized that customers who support BurnBox, are also giving back.

“When you choose to eat at BurnBox, you’re not just satisfying your hunger—you’re contributing to a movement that’s about more than just food. It’s about fostering a sense of community, taking care of those who are less fortunate, and building a future where everyone has a place at the table. In times like these, where many are struggling, that sense of community and support is more important than ever,” Whitfield told The Informer.

Whitfield has become so invested in the communities, he noted the difference in the two Maryland sites.

“In Prince George’s, there’s a vibrant energy that comes from its urban environment, where residents value convenience and variety. On the other hand, Charles County offers a more suburban feel, where families are looking for quality and consistency,” he said, before sharing the lessons he’s learned. “Navigating these different dynamics has taught us the importance of being adaptable while staying true to our core mission—ensuring that everyone eats. It’s this mission that has helped us connect deeply with our communities, understanding that we’re not just feeding people; we’re feeding the future of our neighborhoods.”

17 Small Business Selected for Grants To Cover Operating Costs, Improvements

The Greater Washington Community Foundation has selected 17 small businesses operating along the Blue and Purple line transit corridors to receive over $330,000 in grants, coaching, and technical assistance. 

The grants were made possible by the PNC Foundation, and this is just one of several programs that have been implemented in the past two years to support small business owners. 

Prince George’s County is now a state leader in small business openings.

“Ninety-five percent of all businesses in Prince George’s County are small businesses and they contribute nearly half of all jobs in the county,” said Greater Washington Community Foundation President and CEO Tonia Wellons. “We are proud to work with the PNC Foundation to enhance small business infrastructure and connect business capital to the region’s economic anchors to help individuals and families in Prince George’s County build wealth and set a new paradigm for economic development in the county.”

While the Blue and Purple Line transit corridors are expected to bring more people and businesses to the area, the grant will help during the interim time of construction.

“Although the transportation improvements will positively impact this corridor in the long term, the disruption during construction will temporarily delay progress. This much-needed capital and technical support will serve as a bridge,” said Jermaine Johnson, PNC regional president for Greater Washington.

Chapina Bakery, a Guatemalan-influence bakery that has been in business for two decades, plans to use the grants to support operations and repair bakery equipment. 

Pediatric dentistry practice Oral Health Guardians will use the grant to hire additional staff and cover operating expenses, and licensed childcare center 

Perfect Harmony II will use the grant to cover the costs of rent and new computer equipment.

“PNC is excited to partner with the Greater Washington Community Foundation to provide capital and technical assistance to small businesses in Prince George’s County,” said Johnson. “The grants will advance economic opportunity for small business owners, their employees and the surrounding community.” 

The full list of program participants includes:

  • Brighter Beginnings 4 Kids
  • Chapina Bakery 
  • Cocineros
  • Cynthia Cephas Photography 
  • Enterprise Dental Care 
  • Flavors
  • Gina S Duncan Insurance Agency dba LiveScan \ MD Fingerprinting Services 
  • Infinity Mental Health
  • IROK Consulting 
  • Junction Catering and Jerk Center
  • MMC Consulting 
  • Oral Health Guardians dba Camp Springs Pediatric Dentistry 
  • Perfect Harmony II 
  • Sidnae Global Enterprises 
  • TANTV 
  • WEFIX 
  • Xcellent Meals

Richard is a contributing writer with the Washington Informer, focusing on Prince George’s county’s political and business updates alongside sports. He graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore...

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