100+ Black-owned restaurants and local businesses in Charlotte
Editor’s note: This list was first curated in February 2020, before the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic reached the Charlotte community. Before you visit, check with the individual business to ensure the business is open and to familiarize yourself with its curbside pickup/delivery/online ordering practices.
As a Charlotte native, I can’t help but to reminisce about my days growing up as a little girl in Royal Orleans on Beatties Ford Road and then moving to what is now considered South End just before kindergarten.
My fondest memories include weekend shopping trips with my mom at Midtown Square mall (now Metropolitan), hanging with friends at Eastland Mall in the summer (proposed site for Charlotte’s Major League Soccer team headquarters and practice field) and graduating high school at The Charlotte Coliseum (R.I.P.). These are all places that I’ll never have the opportunity to show my children one day.
The city I was raised in is a lot different than the one many of you see today. To go back even farther, my mother and my mother’s mother were also born and raised here.
For them, supporting and utilizing black businesses wasn’t a choice but a need. It was a means of survival in times when black people couldn’t venture beyond their own neighborhoods, simply because they weren’t accepted elsewhere.
Seeing Cherry, Brooklyn (now Second Ward) and other parts of uptown filled with black residents and businesses wasn’t uncommon in those times.
Sadly, now that our city is expanding, we’ve seen some of those historically black neighborhoods disappear and business owners get priced out or close down when residents leave.
New businesses opening at record pace
According to the last recorded census report, 35.1% of Charlotte’s 872,498 residents are black. Our city is growing at record pace, and each week we welcome new businesses to the area with open arms.
But what about our black-owned businesses? Are we giving them the same warm welcome?
“Those historical communities were destroyed in the name of progress and urban renewal, and it is vital that we focus on strategic ways to support black-owned businesses to ensure they have the capital to purchase buildings and land,” Cathay Dawkins, creator and founder of Black Business Owners of Charlotte, told CharlotteFive. “Otherwise, we are setting them up for failure and opening the door for history to repeat itself.”
To bring more visibility and awareness to our city’s black-owned businesses, we’ve curated our annual list of restaurants, shops and retailers, although there are even more out there.
“While I am grateful to see a resurgence of black business owners in Charlotte, I am also aware of the dozens who are closing their doors each year due to a lack in support and resources,” Dawkins said. “I challenge the Charlotte community as a whole, to become intentional in supporting black businesses the same way we are intentional in supporting other cultures and causes such as the Hispanic, Irish and LGBTQ communities.”
Here are 100+ black-owned businesses in Charlotte, listed by category. Click below to jump to the category you’d like to search:
Black-owned bars, restaurants and food trucks
Charlotte Black-owned salons and barber shops
Black service providers in Charlotte
Charlotte Black-owned retailers
Black Charlotte fitness studios
Black-owned bars, restaurants and food trucks
What: Seafood restaurant/cocktail bar
Where: 321 N. Caldwell St., Suite 100
Neighborhood: Uptown
What: Neighborhood bar
Where: 1501 S. Mint St.
Neighborhood: Gold District
What: Ethiopian cuisine
Where: 3007 Central Ave.
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
What: Loaded potatoes food truck
Where: Varies
Neighborhood: Varies
What: Caribbean restaurant
Where: 2001 E. Seventh St.
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
What: Soul food restaurant
Where: 2130 E. Arbors Drive, #125
Neighborhood: Mallard Creek
What: plant-based burgers
Where: 4431 Brookshire Blvd.
Neighborhood: West Charlotte
What: Bakery
Where: 5821 E. W.T. Harris Blvd.
Neighborhood: East Charlotte
What: Caribbean restaurant
Where: 9609 N. Tryon St.; 200 W. Woodlawn Road
Neighborhood: University City; South Charlotte
What: Upscale fusion
Where: 5301 Highway 557, Clover, SC; and 1422 Winnifred St., Charlotte
Neighborhood: Lake Wylie, South End
What: Mobile coffee bar
Where: Varies
Neighborhood: Varies
What: Coffee and tea shop
Where: 1201 Elizabeth Ave., LRC 100 (CPCC Main campus); 3611 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, Suite 201
Neighborhood: Multiple
What: Soul food/comfort food restaurant
Where: 3418 Tuckaseegee Road; 9601 N. Tryon St., Suite F
Neighborhood: Enderly; University City
What: Coffee shop
Where: 10012 Benfield Road, Unit 204; 5011 Weddington Road, Unit 60 (Concord)
Neighborhood: Mallard Creek, Concord
What: plant-based takeout
Where: 1540 West Blvd., Suite 100
Neighborhood: West Charlotte
What: Restaurant
Where: 2737 W. Sugar Creek Road
Neighhorhood: Derita/Sugar Creek
What: Mobile coffee bar
Where: location varies
Neighborhood: varies
What: Plant-based bowls, soups, juices
Where: 1540 West Blvd., Suite 102
Neighborhood: West Charlotte
What: Breakfast/lunch cafe
Where: 1000 North Carolina Music Factory Blvd.
Neighborhood: Uptown
What: Soul food restaurant
Where: 4122 N. Graham St.
Neighborhood: Uptown
What: New Orleans-style comfort food
Where: 516 N. Graham St.
Neighborhood: Uptown
What: Funnel cake food truck
Where: Varies
Neighborhood: Varies
What: Smoothie and ice cream shop
Where: 249 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, Suite 210
Neighborhood: Mountain Island
What: Ice cream mobile truck
Where: Varies
Neighborhood: Varies
What: Jamaican cuisine
Where: 5332 Prosperity Church Road
Neighborhood: Prosperity Village
It’s Poppin’ Gourmet Kettle Corn
What: Gourmet kettle corn
Where: 224 E. 7th St. (inside 7th Street Market)
Neighborhood: Uptown
What: Bakery
Where: 9402 Northlake West Drive, Unit 102
Neighborhood: Northlake
What: Bakery
Where: 214 N. Tryon St.
Neighborhood: Uptown
What: Juice bar
Where: 3100 N. Davidson St.,Suite 101
Neighborhood: NoDa
What: Juice and smoothie bar
Where: 5818 Highland Shoppes Drive
Neighborhood: Highland Creek
What: Caribbean-inspired food truck
Where: Varies
Neighborhood: Varies
What: Seafood restaurant
Where: 2908 Oak Lake Blvd., Suite 102
Neighborhood: Southwest Charlotte
What: Soul food restaurant
Where: 7520 S. Tryon St., Suite 19
Neighborhood: Steele Creek
What: Juke joint-style restaurant
Where: 301 Camp Road
Neighborhood: Camp North End
What: Soul food restaurant
Where: 3635 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road
Neighborhood: Mountain Island
LuLu’s Maryland Style Chicken and Seafood
What: Chicken and seafood restaurant
Where: 2400 Tuckaseegee Road and opening in 2021 at 2308 Central Ave.
Neighborhood: Enderly, Plaza Midwood
What: Caribbean restaurant
Where: 1504 Central Ave.
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
What: West African cuisine
Where: 509 Beatties Ford Road
Neighborhood: Oaklawn
What: Caribbean-inspired food truck
Where: Varies
Neighborhood: Varies
What: Cocktail and social bar
Where: 2413 Central Ave.
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
What: Southern comfort food
Where: 214 N. College St.
Neighborhood: Uptown
What: Seafood restaurant
Where: 401 Bradford Drive; 2431 E. Ozar Road; 415 Dave Lyle Blvd.
Neighborhood: Thomasboro Hoskins; Gastonia; Rock HIll, SC
What: Seafood restaurant
Where: 5430 N. Tryon St.
Neighborhood: Northeast Charlotte
Mojo’s Famous Hot Dogs & Catering
What: Hot dog stand
Where: 4301 Statesville Road
Neighborhood: Derita
What: Nacho-inspired food truck
Where: Varies
Neighborhood: Varies
What: Funnel cake food truck
Where: 4540 N. Tryon St.
Neighborhood: North Charlotte
What: Soul food restaurant
Where: 2908 Oak Lake Blvd., #106
Neighborhood: Olde Whitehall
What: Comfort food restaurant
Where: 5933 Albemarle Road
Neighborhood: East Charlotte
What: Bar and grill
Where: 11524 N. Tryon St., #7
Neighborhood: University City
What: Deli and bodega
Where: 1721 N. Davidson St.
Neighborhood: NoDa
What: Comfort food restaurant
Where: 1100 Beatties Ford Road
Neighborhood: Oaklawn
The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary
What: Tea bar
Where: 2326 Arty Ave.
Neighborhood: West Charlotte
What: Customizable popsicle shop
Where: 3123 N. Davidson St., #102b
Neighborhood: NoDa
What: Gourmet popcorn shop
Where: 16011 Lancaster Hwy.
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
What: Coffee shop
Where: 1720 Pegram St.
Neighborhood: Prospect Park
What: Ethiopian restaurant
Where: 4804 Central Ave.
Neighborhood: Winterfield/East Charlotte
What: Caribbean cuisine
Where: 10901 University City Blvd.
Neighborhood: University City
What: Cocktail/hookah bar
Where: 9539 Pinnacle Drive, Suite 203
Neighborhood: University City
What: Restaurant and lounge
Where: 505 E. 6th St.
Neighborhood: Uptown
What: Comfort food-inspired food truck
Where: Varies
Neighborhood: Varies
What: Southern comfort food restaurant
Where: 2903 Central Ave.
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
What: American restaurant/pub fare
Where: 521 N. College St.
Neighborhood: Uptown
What: Restaurant and bar
Where: 3425 David Cox Road
Neighborhood: Northwest Charlotte
What: Seafood takeout
Where: 5304 Sunset Road, Unit F
Neighborhood: Oakdale
What: Sandwich shop
Where: 516 N. Graham St.
Neighborhood: Uptown
What: Mobile kronuts and pastries
Where: Varies
Neighborhood: Varies
What: Kombucha company
Where: Varies
Neighborhood: Varies
What: Southern cuisine and desserts
Where: 3239 Beatties Ford Road
Neighborhood: McCrorey Heights
What: Cigar lounge
Where: 210 E. Trade St.
Neighborhood: Uptown
What: Jamaican/Caribbean restaurant
Where: 2316 Lasalle St.
Neighborhood: Lincoln Heights
What: Ice cream shop
Where: 1616 Camden Road, 913 Central Ave., 119 Landings Drive, Suite 104
Neighborhood: South End, Plaza Midwood, Lake Norman
What: Breakfast restaurant
Where: 224 E. 7th St.
Neighborhood: Uptown
What: Vegan food truck
Where: Varies
Neighborhood: Varies
What: Vegan comfort food
Where: 7495 N. Tryon St., Unit 110
Neighborhood: University City
What: Loaded fries-inspired food truck
Where: Varies
Neighborhood: Varies
What: Comfort food-inspired food truck
Where: Varies
Neighborhood: Varies
Charlotte Black-owned salons and barber shops
What: Men’s nail care
Where: 3115 N. Sharon Amity Road (Inside Premier Grooming Lounge)
Neighborhood: Oakhurst
What: Hair salon
Where: 1125 E. Sugar Creek Road A
Neighborhood: Eastway
What: Beauty salon
Where: 440 E. McCullough Drive, Suite 215
Neighborhood: University City
What: Nail spa
Where: 8821 JW Clay Blvd.
Neighborhood: University City
What: Hair salon and suites
Where: 9605 N. Tryon St., Suite L
Neighborhood: University City
What: Barbershop
Where: 3200 N. Davidson St.
Neighborhood: NoDa
What: Barbershop
Where: Multiple locations
Neighborhood: Multiple
What: Unisex hair salon
Where: 2415 Tuckaseegee Road
Neighborhood: Enderly
What: Nail salon
Where: 6801 Northlake Mall Drive, #148 (Inside Northlake Mall)
Neighborhood: Northlake
Black service providers in Charlotte
What: Orthodontist
Where: 2510 Vista Drive, Suite 103
Neighborhood: East Charlotte
What: Community space
Where: 1519 Central Ave.
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
What: Real estate firm
Where: 1422 S.Tryon St.
Neighborhood: South End
What: Gallery and studio space
Where: 1824 Statesville Ave., Suite 106
Neighborhood: Camp North End
What: Pet grooming
Where: 2916 Selwyn Ave.
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
What: Cosmetic dentist
Where: 5110 Park Road, Unit 2-A
Neighborhood: SouthPark
What: Photography studio
Where: 4109 Stuart Andrew Blvd., Suite F
Neighborhood: Clanton Park
Dual Image Dentistry and Orthodontics
What: Dental and Orthodontic Office
Where: 1315 Matheson Ave.
Neighborhood: NoDa
What: Event space, boutique and gallery
Where: 1824 Statesville Ave., Suite 105
Neighborhood: Camp North End
What: E-bike rental company
Where: Mobile
Neighborhood: First Ward (pickup)
What: Car repair and tire shop
Where: 3700 Wilkinson Blvd.
Neighborhood: West Charlotte
What: Nail salon
Where: 511 E. 36th St., Suite 100
Neighborhood: NoDa
What: 90s themed Airbnb and event space
Where: Address available upon booking
Neighborhood: East Charlotte
What: Production studio
Where: Varies
Neighborhood: Varies
NoDa @28th Creative Art Studio
What: Creative arts studio
Where: 2424 N. Davidson St. Ste. 110
Neighborhood: NoDa
What: Paint company
Where: 15720 Brixham Hill Ave.
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
What: Screen printing company
Where: 301 Camp Road #106
Neighborhood: Camp North End
Miss Elsie’s Caribbean Bed and Breakfast
What: Bed and breakfast
Where: 334 N. Sharon Amity Road
Neighborhood: Cotswald
Picture That Photography Studio
What: Photography studio
Where: 5820 E. WT Harris Blvd.
Neighborhood: University City
Premier Pharmacy and Wellness Center
What: Pharmacy/drugstore
Where: 3010 Monroe Road, Suite 101
Neighborhood: Briar Creek
What: Massage therapy
Where: 3325 Washburn Ave.
Neighborhood: MoRa
What: Dentist
Where: 1520 South Blvd., Suite 110
Neighborhood: South End
What: Children’s party bus
Where: Varies
Neighborhood: Varies
What: Treats emotional, physical and spiritual health
Where: 2133 Commonwealth Ave.
Neighborhood: Commonwealth
Charlotte Black-owned retailers
What: Hardware store
Where: 2731 Beatties Ford Road
Neighborhood: McCrorey Heights
What: Beauty supply store
Where: 228 Eastway Drive, Unit 2
Neighborhood: Eastway
What: Cake supply store and baking classroom
Where: 9402 Northlake W. Drive, Suite 101
Neighborhood: Northlake
What: Women’s clothing boutique
Where: 4400 Sharon Road, #173 (inside SouthPark Mall)
Neighborhood: SouthPark
What: Fiber store
Where: 1235 East Blvd.
Neighborhood: Dilworth
What: Skincare
Where: 809 E. Arrowood Road, Suite 1000
Neighborhood: Starmount
What: Practical magik boutique
Where: 3204 North Davidson St., Suite C
Neighborhood: NoDa
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What: One-of-a-kind home furnishings
Where: 2120 N. Sharon Amity Road
Neighborhood: Oakhurst
What: Clothing boutique
Where: 224 E. Blvd., Suite C
Neighborhood: South End
What: Decor and gifts
Where: 1215 Thomas Ave.
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
What: Men’s fashion boutique (appointment only)
Where: 424 E. 36th St.
Neighborhood: NoDa
What: Women’s and men’s clothing store
Where: online
Neighborhood: online
What: Jewelry store
Where: 604 W. Morehead St.
Neighborhood: Uptown
What: Women’s clothing store
Where: 115 East Park Ave.
Neighborhood: South End
What: Upscale men’s fashion and custom tailoring
Where: 325 N. Graham St.
Neighborhood: Uptown
What: Plant shop
Where: 1419 E. 7th St. Suite C
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
What: Mobile bookstore
Where: Varies
Neighborhood: Varies
What: Sneaker boutique
Where: 1519 Central Ave.
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
What: Sneaker and fashion boutique
Where: 8925 JM Keynes Drive, #3
Neighborhood: University City
What: Upscale men’s clothing and tailor (by appointment only)
Where: 811 Providence Road
Neighborhood: Eastover
Black Charlotte fitness studios
What: Fitness studio
Where: 1001 E. WT Harris Blvd.
Neighborhood: Northlake
What: Fitness studio
Where: 2400 Park Road
Neighborhood: Dilworth
What: Adult hip-hop dance studio
Where: 4109 Stuart Andrew Blvd., Suite A
Neighborhood: Clanton Park/Roseland
Soul Liberation Healing and Wellness
What: Yoga studio
Where: 4822 Albemarle Road, Suite 305
Neighborhood: East Charlotte
What: Fitness studio
Where: 3710 W. WT Harris Blvd., Unit B
Neighborhood: Mallard Creek
What: Dance fitness
Where: Locations vary
Neighborhood: Varies
This story was originally published February 20, 2020 at 5:40 AM.
