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Black-Owned Businesses in Charlotte, NC 🖤

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Charlotte’s vibrant history has led to a thriving business community filled with creative entrepreneurs. The contributions of local Black businesses, restaurants, communities and legacies have proven that even through limited resources and a heighten...
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Businesses

Explore the Queen City while also supporting Black-owned , businesses along the way.
 
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Adrenline+ is a cycling studio located in Uptown Charlotte. The fitness concept offers cycling classes that are centered around high-energy playlists.
ADRENALINE +
 
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Arkay Beauty isn’t technically a new business, but after experiencing some problems with a previous location, the Black-owned beauty supply store found a new home in a city-owned space in University City.
ArKay Beauty Supply
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FITTEDS is a hat shop located in Camp North End. The store sells custom caps and hats.
Fitteds CLT
 
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This Black-woman-owned dentistry opened earlier this year on Pineville-Matthews Road. The owners said they want their patients’ experiences to be conversational and relaxed.
Infinity Smiles
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Two sisters opened this West End bridal boutique in the Beatties Ford Road area. The store offers custom gowns, accessories and other bridal needs.
Mackins Bridal Boutique | Charlotte, NC
 
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Southern Lion is one of the region’s largest multi-vendor markets. It’s located at Carolina Place Mall and has plans to grow beyond its current 50,000-square-foot space.
Southern Lion
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Curio, Craft & Conjure, Inc. brings an array of tools, supplies, and services in an effort to help a practitioner create their own rituals – borrowing from those influences that “feel right” to them, regardless of beliefs or specific teachings.
Curio, Craft & Conjure
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Customized personal training and wellness programming for adults of all ages and fitness levels.
Charlotte FIT
 
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Named after Harvey B. Gantt, Charlotte’s first African American mayor and a leader advocating for equity and equal rights.
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture
 
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A studio that provides a platform for artists and a local shop for the community
DUPP&SWAT
 
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A studio and gallery focused on developing emerging artists.
BLKMRKTCLT
 
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Rent an e-bike and go on a self-guided tour through the 15th largest city in the nation.
Joy Rides
 
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For women’s clothing, check out Five13 Studio in South End for all the apparel and accessories you’d need for an evening in the Queen City.
Five13 Studio
 
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Sells handmade bath, body, hair and skincare products all made by women of color.
The Brown Sugar Collab: Brown Sugar Collab - Retailer of ...
 
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Upscale men’s fashion and tailoring.
Nyoni Couture
 
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Upscale men’s fashion and tailoring.
William Wilson Clothing
 
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Fashionable, functional and luxurious products.
Ascend Apparel
 
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Offers various manicure and pedicure services for men and women.
Elevation Beauty and Nail Spa
 
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Offers various manicure and pedicure services for men and women.
Alphamale Nailcare Services for Men
 
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The fellas can also get cleaned up at beloved neighborhood barbershops.
Overton's Barber & Styling
 
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The fellas can also get cleaned up at beloved neighborhood barbershops.
No Grease, Inc | We're Not Your Ordinary Barbershop ...
 
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If you are staying in Charlotte overnight and want unique accommodations.
Ms. Elsie's Caribbean Bed & Breakfast
 
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If you are staying in Charlotte overnight and want unique accommodations.
Home of the 90s – Home of the 90s
 
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Finish out the night with a nightcap, cigar or hookah.
Sticks and Beans Cigar Lounge
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Restaurants

Whether you’re a native Charlottean or planning to visit soon, check out some amazing Black-owned restaurants that you can support in the Queen City.
 
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Located in the heart of Charlotte's fastest growing historic districts Wilmore, The Gold District; and South End, 1501 South Mint is your premier spot BEFORE the spot. Within walking distance to Bank of America Stadium and Truist Field we welcome you...
1501 South Mint
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Tapas and signature cocktails are the main attractions at Fumee. The restaurant offers small plates, drinks, hookah and more.
Fumée Kitchen & Cocktails
 
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Harold’s is a Chicago-based restaurant that opened earlier this year in Charlotte’s university area. It offers a chicken-centered menu, cocktails and weekly events.
Charlotte, NC - Harold's Chicken & Ice Bar
 
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I Heart Mac n’ Cheese is a franchise that opened its first location in North Carolina with a Black franchisee. It offers sandwiches and custom macaroni-and-cheese options.
I Heart Mac & Cheese
 
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This matcha and coffee concept opened inside The Coterie Concept on West Boulevard earlier this year. The idea came to its owner after he visited Thailand and tried matcha, a finely ground powder of green tea leaves.
Gotcha Matcha & Espresso
 
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7th Restaurant offers an eclectic dining experience located in the First Ward of Uptown Charlotte, NC. We pride ourselves in providing an amazing atmosphere paired with delightful service, delicious food, great drinks, and good vibes.
7th Restaurant & Lounge
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Casual Ethiopian dishes in a homestyle setting with traditional interior details & orange walls.
Abugida Ethiopian Cafe & Restaurant
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Archive CLT is a Black owned book cafe in Charlotte NC. We offer local roasted coffee and espresso . along with your favorite nostalgic books, magazines and relics.
Archive CLT
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WHETHER YOU NEED DONUTS FOR HOME OR TO TREAT YOUR CO-WORKERS AT THE OFFICE, WE MAKE IT EASY TO ORDER FRESH DONUTS!
Beyond Amazing Donuts
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The Coterie Concept, an innovative retail boutique that specializes in providing high-quality wine and fine champagne. The Coterie Concept features a tasting room where visitors can select their wine by the bottle, and enjoy their libations with frie...
The Coterie Concept
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Family Owned Restaurant with southern flavors. Known for Chef Andarrio's Lobster Mac & Cheese, Shrimp & Grits and many other great dishes.
Cuzzo's Cuisine
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Very unique and original ice cream shop. Great ice cream bowls and shakes, along with a dope selection of toppings including your favorite cereal flavors. Good atmosphere. Friendly staff.
Day & Night Cereal Bar
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No matter where you are in Charlotte, you can always find Detour Coffee Bar. Established in 2019 by a former bookstore barista with a passion for people, community and coffee, this mobile coffee truck is known for serving locally roasted coffee and e...
Detour Coffeebar
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Inspired by Cajun and Creole cuisines, Clifton and Sharon Freshwater opened their namesake restaurant in 2015. Freshwaters is the place to be if you’re looking for a menu that consists of boldly flavored appetizers, deeply satisfying entrees and home...
Freshwaters Southern New Orleans
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We got “Nuttin’ But Love” for Hip Hop Smoothies, a delicious, made-to-order smoothie shop offering guests the sweet opportunity to roll alongside while they drop sick beats and even sicker treats. The funky-fresh offerings include the coconut milk-ba...
Hip Hop Smoothies
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Jimmy Pearls is an ode to Afro-Southern food, located at The Market at 7th Street. The menu features seafood options that blend Southern and coastal cuisines, such as crispy fried shrimp, creamed corn fritters served with tomato jam and Uncle Gene’s ...
Jimmy Pearls
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JINYA Ramen Bar is best known for its slow-cooked broths, simmered for 20 hours in-house. Walk into the Uptown or SouthPark location and you’re greeted by a lively, eclectic atmosphere and Japanese scratch-made menu items. Try a bowl of something del...
JINYA Ramen Bar
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Sip fresh-pressed juices from The Jugo Bar. Inspired by owner William Fulton’s travels, these juices boast in-depth flavor profiles that may surprise you, such as Pineapple Jalapeno Cilantro and Bell Mango. In addition to juices, Jugo also offers fla...
The Jugo Bar Tasting Room
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Described as a "modern juke joint," Leah & Louise is owned by Charlotte power couple, chef Greg and Subrina Collier. The duo created a menu featuring Southern dishes and cocktails inspired by Mississippi River Valley foodways. The menu changes fr...
Leah & Louise
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Formerly known as Lulu’s Maryland Style Chicken and Seafood, Lulu’s Express Fry House is the rebranded concept of a local favorite. Lulu’s is known for serving Maryland flair with a southern twist. The menu consists of house specials like Lulu’s Shri...
LuLu's Express
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Chef Corey Jones opened Mad Dash Kitchen at The Market at 7th Street in 2020. Try his fan-favorite fried chicken sandwiches, including the Dasher Chicken Sandwich with buttermilk fried chicken, cole slaw, house-made pickles and dash sauce on a challa...
Mad Dash
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Mert’s Heart & Soul, one of Charlotte’s most notable Black-owned restaurants, has hosted famous diners like comedian Kevin Hart, President Barack Obama and President Joe Biden, while also being featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Treat you...
Mert's Heart And Soul
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Owned by Ashley Troxler, Nacho Average Truck is bringing nachos with a twist to the masses across Charlotte. You can enjoy homemade toppings on a bed of chips, lettuce or pork rinds. In addition to nachos, the truck also offers quesadillas, burritos ...
Nacho Average Truck
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Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, Nick & Mike Bar and Grill is the place to be. Located in the University City area, Nick and Mike are serving up delicious appetizers and burgers, a wide variety of specialty cocktails and a warm atmosp...
Nick & Mike Bar and Grill
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Decompress at The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary. Owner Sherry Waters wanted to provide a space for people to unwind with a warm cup of tea. Sip an herbal tea, like the best-selling jasmine green tea, in the cozy, welcoming lounge. A trip to Pauline’s is...
The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary
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The People’s Market is so much more than just an eatery – it’s a place for community. Located in Elizabeth, this market serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a bakery, bar and coffee shop all in one space. Start the day with a hearty fried chicken...
The People's Market
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If decadence on a stick is your thing, then make sure Popbar Charlotte is on your list. These local franchises, owned by Kia Lyons, serve up 40-plus rotating gelato and sorbet flavors, from classics like chocolate and vanilla to the more unique green...
Popbar
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Where’s the beef? Not at Romeo’s, but you’d never know it. Romeo’s Vegan Burgers is a 100% plant-based food truck and restaurant in Charlotte, dishing out vegan-friendly burgers, fries and shakes. Even non-vegans swear by the flavors and spices these...
Romeo’s Vegan Burgers
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One of NoDa's popular spots, Roy's Kitchen & Patio has a laid-back vibe with a heavy reggae soundtrack. Stop in to try perfectly seasoned island fare, like the juicy rotisserie chicken, oxtails or curry goat. If the weather permits, grab a tropic...
Roy's Kitchen & Patio
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In the mood for a delicious salad? Salata is the spot. This Uptown eatery is owned by two investors, with former ties to the Charlotte Hornets, and features over 50 toppings and a dozen signature dressings. Not in the mood for a salad? Customize a wr...
Salata
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A Charlotte culinary landmark, Sub One Hoagie House is a quaint neighborhood staple offering subs, sandwiches and everything in between. The New Jersey Steak, with chopped steak, cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato, special sauce, oil and vinegar is a fa...
Sub One Hoagie House
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The only thing sweeter than the homemade ice cream and toppings is the story of how Two Scoops creamery came to be. A group of best friends came together to open an ice cream parlor that offers over 32 staple flavors, as well as rotating seasonal fla...
Two Scoops Creamery
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Urban Sweets Co. inspires customers to live sweetly. This is easy to do as this ice cream shop specializes any an array of confections, including more than 25 rotating ice cream flavors like Queen City Cream that takes vanilla to the next level. Stop...
Urban Sweets
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With a focus on providing healthier takes on classic dishes, this award-winning food truck specializes in great-tasting vegan fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Kick the day off with Peach Cobbler Pancakes or wind down with wheat-based BBQ Ribz or...
Ve-Go Food Truck
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Weathered Souls Brewing Co. owner and head brewer Marcus Baskerville is best known for brewing barrel-aged stouts like the award-winning Black Is Beautiful Imperial Stout. Not a beer drinker? Stop by the brewery’s LoSo Cocktail Lounge or order a bite...
Weathered Souls Charlotte
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Rolled AF is a new venture from the owners of two local food trucks. Located inside Monarch Market, Rolled AF offers taquitos, burritos and quesadillas.
Rolled AF Modern Mexican
 
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This soul food restaurant in University City offers classic soul dishes, burgers, desserts and more. It also has vegetarian and pescatarian options.
Sol'Delish CLT Restaurant
 
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Uptown Yolk reopened in a new South End space earlier this year. The breakfast and brunch-focused restaurant had previously been closed for two years.
Uptown Yolk Southend
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Wine slushies landed in Concord Mills Mall through a grab-and-go shop called VinoRita. The frozen wine shop has lots of flavors that can be combined.
Vinorita Wine Slushies: Home
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Evoke Coffee was started by Joe Keenan of Charlotte, NC who has a passion for coffee, art, music, and collaboration. This is not only a quick stop to grab your morning latte – it’s where you may meet someone from a different industry and build a conn...
Evoke Coffee Company
 
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Charlotte's newest cold pressed organic Juice Bar! Menu consists of Açaí Bowls, Smoothies, Juices, and more!
Juicin' Juice Bar. (@juicinclt)
 
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CHICAGO'S ORIGINAL FEDERALLY LEGAL CANNABIS INFUSED BAKERY & COFFEE SHOP
Wake-N-Bakery - THC coffee shop ,bakery and Dispensary

Murals

These murals tell the stories of Charlotte’s African American history in a unique and profound way.
 
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Tommie Robinson has been painting for over 50 years. “If I wasn’t an artist, I’d be a historian,” Robinson says. Robinson’s artwork depicts Charlotte’s vibrant, historically Black communities before they were destroyed by urban renewal in the 1960s....
Go Tigers & We Too Shall Rise - Tommie Robinson
 
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In collaboration with Charlotte Black Owned, Charlotte is Creative, Community Dream Builders, Digital Charlotte, Hue House and The Block, local artists have created this Historic West End mural which tells the story of the community's resilience, hon...
"Past, Present and Future" - Ricky Singh, Makayla Binter, Bunny Gregory, Katrina Cherry, Tiffonye’ Michelle
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This Historic West End mural honors the late J. Charles Jones, a civil rights activist and attorney whose efforts began in Charlotte in the early 1960s. Abel Jackson’s piece has been described as a layered tapestry of Jones’ life and commitment to so...
"Charles Jones" - Abel Jackson
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Many of Abel Jackson’s murals are stories and scenes from Black history. “You can’t understand American history if you don’t understand Black history,” Jackson says. His mural pays homage to the past while connecting to the future, depicting a young...
“Historic Brooklyn” - Abel Jackson
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Abel Jackson partnered with Big Trouble Studios to create a bright and colorful mural on West Trade Street. It highlights many historic landmarks from the past and present in Biddleville, Charlotte’s oldest surviving Black neighborhood. Jackson hope...
“West End Perpetual Legacy” - Abel Jackson and Big Trouble Studios
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Dammit Wesley is a multi-disciplinary artist and social and political activist whose art tells stories of the Black experience. “Black history deserves to be immortalized and embellished like its Greek, Roman and Eurocentric counterparts,” Wesley say...
" Strange Fruit" - Dammit Wesley
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T’Afo Feimster and fellow artist Abel Jackson teamed up to pay homage to eight influential Black musicians from North Carolina: Nina Simone, John Coltrane, Roberta Flack, Thelonious Monk, Chuck Brown, George Clinton, Maceo Parker and Max Roach. “I g...
“NC 8” - T'Afo Feimster and Abel Jackson
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In 1913, Washington Heights was developed as a suburb for middle-income African Americans. A central street in the neighborhood, Booker Avenue pays homage to Washington. The Washington Heights Neighborhood Association commissioned Georgie Nakima to ...
"Booker T" - Georgie Nakima
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Commissioned by West End Fresh Seafood Market owner Bernetta Powell, this Abel Jackson piece honors West End legends Bertha Maxwell-Roddey, “Chatty Hattie” Leeper, Harvey Gantt, Sarah Stevenson, James Ferguson and Julius Chamber. “My inspiration for...
"The River Of Life" - Abel Jackson
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“The whole concept behind the Manifest Future series is to create a living memory of history through art,” said curator Janelle Dunlap. “Often we think about history as things that are in the past. We think [of things] that we are in black and white....
“Manifest Future” - Georgie Nakima, Sloane Siobhan and Janelle Dunlap
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“The Great Escape” is a series of eight painted panels about the Underground Railroad by Charlotte artist Abel Jackson. It is currently located at 1635 West Trade Street around the Five Points Plaza in Historic West End. The exhibit is presented by L...
“The Great Escape” - Abel Jackson
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Artist Sloane Siobhan is from Charlotte and received her BFA in Studio Art from Appalachian State University. She painted this mural for the Charlotte SHOUT! festival in collaboration with Talking Walls. Siobhan nestles a profile of an African-Americ...
“Fly Girl” - Sloane Siobhan
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