New app Blapp helping Black-owned businesses form community, reach new clientele [Video]

NEW YORK (WABC) — A new app called Blapp is not only creating a community among Black-owned businesses, but it’s helping them reach new clientele.

In fact, it even provided a boost to a staple in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, that was just targeted by a hateful bias attack.

Frantz Metellus still remembers how it felt to see racial slurs spray-painted across his restaurant.

Eyewitness News was there in March as he looked for answers as to why Rustik Tavern, a prominent restaurant and community fixture for 16 years, could earn the ire of anyone.

“We’re a community amenity, that’s what we consider ourselves, that’s why Rustik was open,” Metellus said.

Just a couple months later, business is back to normal thanks in part to a swift community response and the Blapp app.

“Blapp works, and it’s a platform where regular people can go on and find black-owned businesses,” Metellus said.

Jon Laster is a …