80+ Black-owned businesses in Charlotte you can support right now
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Owners of ZIva Postpartum Retreat, an overnight service for postpartum and postnatal care, in Uptown. Photo: Courtesy of Alvin C. Jacobs
Charlotte’s full of thriving Black-owned businesses, some that have been around for generations, serving family recipes, others that sprouted up in recent years amid a larger entrepreneurial boom.
Here's our ongoing list of Black-owned businesses in Charlotte to check out.
By the numbers: Charlotte ranks as the No. 16 hub for Black-owned businesses in the U.S., per a 2026 report from Charlotte-based LendingTree.
- Last year, the city's population was 21.5% Black, but Black-owned businesses make up just 6.5% of all small businesses in our metro.
Of note: This is not an exhaustive list of all of Charlotte’s Black-owned businesses, and there are plenty of other beloved non-business entities that are rapidly growing, such as Mad Miles Run Club and APB Skatepark.
Editor’s Note: This article was first published in June 2020. It was last updated on Feb. 6, 2026.
FOOD + DRINK
The Central Avenue spot, owned by a brother-and-sister duo from Ethiopia, serves some of Charlotte's best injera bread — a spongy flatbread native to the East African country.
Stop by: 3007 Central Ave.
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Contrary to the name, this is not just another food truck. The menu experiments with staple dishes from the Northeast and the Deep South. Current menu selections include seafood mac and cheese with shrimp and crab and a hot chicken smash sandwich.
If you go: Keep up with the schedule on their Instagram.
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Owner Cheryse Terry aims to "archive" Black culture at this coffee and retail shop in west Charlotte. It has locally roasted coffee and espresso, plus nostalgic books, magazines and relics.
Stop by: 2023 Beatties Ford Road
Go deeper: Archive, a coffee shop celebrating Black culture, now open in west Charlotte
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A women-designed bar that regularly hosts cocktail-making classes and floral design workshops. It also has a content studio you can rent.
Stop by: 3021 Bank St.
Go deeper: Babe Cave reopens as a "mature" cocktail bar in LoSo
The East Coast-style pizza joint from husband-and-wife duo Kerrel and Nkem Thompson opened in December 2021. In 2024, they expanded the takeout-only spot by adding a dining room and got the attention of the New York Times, which named it one of the best pizza places in the country.
Stop by: 510 E 15th St.
Go deeper: Bird Pizzeria in Optimist Park opens its indoor dining room with a bigger menu
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Owner and chef Jasmine "Jazz" Macon is the former pastry chef at Leah and Louise. Macon is known for creating unique flavors that would often sell out at pop-ups at Hex Coffee in Camp North End and The Market at 7th St. in Uptown.
Stop by: Their brick and mortar closed, but you can still find them at Uptown Farmer's Markets (300 South Davidson St.) from 10am-12pm every Saturday from Jan. 10-March 27.
A coffee pop-up drawing massive crowds, with customers lining up to try its draft lattes and matcha.
If you go: Find an upcoming stop on their Instagram.
Go deeper: Charlotte is lining up — even in freezing temps — for this coffee pop-up's draft lattes
Owned by Chef Loso, this Caribbean spot located in a ghost kitchen offers authentic Jamaican food like jerk chicken, curry chicken, brown stew chicken and oxtail.
Stop by: 2200 Thrift Road, inside City Kitch
Go deeper: 11 places to get Caribbean food in Charlotte
Owned by South Carolina-raised cousins Andarrio and Anglee, this spot specializes in Southern comfort foods like wings, lobster mac and cheese, chicken and waffles, fish, chicken tenders and shrimp.
Stop by: Order from the University location at 9601 North Tryon St.
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From the team behind BW Sweets, this dessert shop serves mini cakes, brownies, cheesecakes, cookies, pies and cinnamon rolls.
Stop by: 2927 Gibbon Road
Go deeper: Popular local bakery BW Sweets closes shop but will be available at a grocery store near you soon
The mobile coffee shop has dozens of drinks, from espressos and teas to sodas and smoothies.
Stop by: Follow its Instagram for updates and check out its schedule to grab your morning beverage of choice.
Go deeper: Charlotte's 15 best mobile coffee carts and tiny cafés
An Italian food stall in Optimist Hall.
Stop by: 1115 N. Brevard St.
Go deeper: From "Chopped" to Optimist Hall
Freshwaters Southern New Orleans
Sharon and Cliff Freshwaters operate their namesake restaurant in a strip mall off Graham Street, serving a mix of Southern and Cajun cuisine.
Stop by: 516 N Graham St.
A coffee shop catering to families in north Charlotte.
Stop by: 5324 Docia Crossing Road
Go deeper: Grow Café caters to parents and toddlers.
A matcha-centered coffee shop in Uptown.
Stop by: 200 South Tryon St. and 401 S. Tryon St.
Go deeper: Gotcha Matcha opens second Uptown location
Eliot Mosby owns the elevated venue with a restaurant, bar and hookah lounge offering the same wings and mild sauce that the original Harold's Chicken fast-casual chain is famous for.
Stop by: 440 E McCullough Dr.
Go deeper: Popular Chicago chain Harold's Chicken expanding to Charlotte with "ice bar" and hookah
Shamika and Roberto Brooks started Hip Hop smoothies in 2018 as a mobile operation.
Stop by: Uptown (224 E. 7th St.) and Camp North End (1824 Statesville Ave.)
Go deeper: Locally owned Hip Hop Smoothies expanding into Airstream at Camp North End
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A boutique coffee shop catering to students in Mallard Creek.
Stop by: 10227 Mallard Creek Road
Go deeper: Hilltop Coffee opening soon near University City
A coffee shop in the former Queen City Quarter space in Fourth Ward.
Stop by: 644 N. Church St.
It's Poppin! Gourmet Kettle Korn
Owned by Janelle and Desmen Milligan, this gourmet popcorn retailer serves a variety of novelty popcorn flavors, like fried chicken kettle corn and cookies 'n cream.
Stop by: The Market at 7th St at 224 E 7th St. or shop online. Follow along on Instagram for updates and specials.
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A juice bar offering fresh cold-pressed juices, organic açaí bowls, smoothies and cleanse programs in north Charlotte.
Stop by: 5818 Highland Shoppes Dr.
Co-owners and chefs Oscar Johnson and DC "Coop" Cooper — who received a semifinalist nomination for Best Chef: Southeast by the James Beard Foundation — specialize in Tidewater, Virginia-inspired cuisine.
If you go: Check their Instagram for pop-ups.
Go deeper: Charlotte chefs nab city's only James Beard semifinalist nod
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A fast-casual restaurant north of Uptown inspired by Houston's popular Turkey Leg Hut.
Stop by: 3701 Statesville Ave.
Go deeper: New fast-casual turkey leg restaurant called Jive Turkey Hut opens soon in north Charlotte
A southern comfort food restaurant in Queen City Quarter in Uptown.
Stop by: 210 E. Trade Street.
Go deeper: See inside: New southern comfort food restaurant Kitchen + Kocktails opening in Uptown
From the owner of the popular takeout-only spot Renaldo's Culinary Experience is a new spot in NoDa with some of the same popular menu items with a twist — such as dishes loaded with oxtail.
Stop by: 3228 N Davidson St.
This pop-up listening bar and cocktail lounge in Plaza Midwood was started by local mixologist Justin Hazelton.
Stop by: 1101 Central Ave., inside The Refuge Hotel
A coffee shop with small bites at Queen City Quarter.
Stop by: 210 East Trade St.
Go deeper: Lottie's cafe opens at Queen City Quarter in Uptown
The popular takeout spot serves Maryland-style dishes, including crab cakes.
Stop by: 2400 Tuckaseegee Road
Go deeper: The crab cakes are back at LuLu's Maryland-Style Chicken and Seafood
Chef Dallas Green serves up everything from fried lobster mac and cheese to chicken and waffles with strawberry butter.
If you go: Follow on Instagram for their schedule.
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A family-owned restaurant serving West African cuisine for the last decade.
Stop by: 509 Beatties Ford Road
The birria tacos are a crowd favorite, but Mariah's also has a selection of beef, chicken, shrimp and salmon tacos.
If you go: Find Mariah's food truck schedule updates on Instagram.
Go deeper: Mariah's Taco Spot food truck to open a brick-and-mortar near NoDa
A lounge in NoDa, in the former Another Brewery spot.
Stop by: 2509 N. Davidson St.
A southern restaurant in Uptown that's been around for nearly 30 years.
Stop by: 214 N College St.
Mother-daughter duo Edith "Didi" Jean-Francois and Christina Bowman started their food truck, Ms. Didi's Caribbean Kitchen, to bring Haitian cuisine to Charlotte. Now they have a brick-and-mortar in east Charlotte.
Stop by: 2120 Kilborne Dr.
Go deeper: Ms. Didi's Caribbean Kitchen opens Haitian restaurant in east Charlotte
Owner Michael Rhynes offers their popular fried chicken and fish along with a range of southern comfort food options for lunch, dinner and dessert at multiple locations.
Stop by: Place an order at 8006 Cambridge Commons Dr., 3100 Statesville Ave., or the Uptown location (413 Dalton Ave).
Novelty House and Havana Smoke
Two concepts under one roof. Havana Smoke is an upscale cigar social club with a full bar and a small patio overlooking Uptown. One level above is Novelty House, a rooftop bar decked out with flowers on the walls and ceiling.
Stop by: 123 E. 5th St.
Go deeper: Rooftop bar and cigar lounge now open in Uptown’s newest tower
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A cheesecake bar in the former Wentworth & Fenn in Camp North End.
Stop by: 270 Camp Road
A family-owned and operated takeout-only restaurant in the Historic West End with some of the best homestyle chicken.
Stop by: 1100 Beatties Ford Road
Go deeper: Top 10 fried chicken spots in Charlotte
Pauline Tea Bar and Apothecary
Owner Sherry Waters and her daughter created the tea bar to allow residents to unplug from their busy city lifestyles. The tea bar offers hot and cold tea options, books, pastries and a prayer room.
Stop by: 2326 Arty Ave.
You may remember Romeo's as the food truck with lines of vegan-curious customers stretching down the block. Within about a year of starting the mobile operation, Romeo's expanded to a brick-and-mortar location with a drive-thru window.
Stop by: 5518 South Blvd.
Go deeper: Romeo's Vegan Burgers truck to open first brick-and-mortar on South Boulevard
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A bar and lounge in Concord from the team behind 1501 S. Mint, which closed in 2024 to reopen as the new Tyber Creek.
Stop by: 324 Church St. N
Go deeper: Smooth opens in Concord
The popular University City sports bar and restaurant offers dishes like pasta and grits topped with a protein of your choice, craft cocktails and hookah, plus events throughout the week.
Stop by: 3425 David Cox Road
A soul food restaurant in University City with mimosa flights.
Stop by: 8927 J M Keynes Dr.
Go deeper: Sol Delish will bring new soul food options to University City
A late-night restaurant in Uptown with a "seasoned mix of cultures" owned by brother duo, Baffour and Nana Atakora.
Stop by: 515 N Ellis Lane
Go deeper: New Uptown restaurant Spice offers international cuisine and late-night bites
A cocktail bar and dessert lounge in NoDa. Menu items include milkshakes, cotton candy cocktails and funnel cakes.
Stop by: 3100 N Davidson St.
The family-owned sandwich shop has been serving up subs for more than 30 years. If it's your first time stopping in, order the New Jersey Steak Hoagie.
Stop by: 516 N Graham St. in Fourth Ward
A modern bodega at Camp North End that recently opened inside the former Leah & Louise spot.
Stop by: 301 Camp Road
Go deeper: Camp North End's new bodega offers late-night bites
Sugar & Sip Coffee and Workshop
A coffee shop in Uptown's Fourth Ward.
Stop by: 120 N. Cedar St.
In addition to offering tattoos and booze, the Uptown nightlife spot also has a full menu with bar bites and larger plates, plus boozy cupcakes and hookah.
Stop by: 505 E. 6th St.
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Husband-and-wife owners Thomas and Kelly Davis operate the sports bar that offers shareable small bites, desserts and vegan options.
Stop by: 430 W 4th St.
Go deeper: Former NFL player Thomas Davis is opening a new sports bar and lounge in Uptown
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The Jugo Bar's motto is "no junk — just juice." Owned by William Fulton (The Jugo Man), The Jugo Bar is a one-stop shop for natural juices, hand-crafted lemonades and wellness products like elderberry syrup and sea moss gel.
Stop by: 3205 N Davidson St.
The beloved ice cream shop has a rotating list of creative ice cream flavors and cakes.
Stop by: Several Charlotte-area locations, including Plaza Midwood (913 Central Ave.), South End (1616 Camden Road), Lake Norman (19 Landings Dr.) and more.
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A breakfast and lunch spot from James Beard-nominated chef Greg Collier and his business partner and wife, Subrina.
Stop by: 1220 S. Tryon St.
Go deeper: Uptown Yolk now open in new South End location
The vegan soul food truck serves comfort dishes that would make any non-vegan do a double-take.
If you go: Follow their schedule on Instagram
Husband-and-wife duo Bernetta and Clarence Powell own and operate this west Charlotte staple. Bernetta opened it in 1998.
Stop by: 2206 Beatties Ford Road
RETAIL
A clothing store selling Charlotte-inspired apparel, founded in 2013 by three former UNC Charlotte roommates: Scott Wooten, Jerri Shephard and Christoper Moxley.
Details: The retail shop closed its South End store, but you can still shop online.
Part art gallery, part studio collaborative, BLK MRKT connects local artists and photographers of color in Camp North End.
Stop by: 1824 Statesville Ave.
Shop for your knitting needs or register for a crochet class.
Stop by: 1235 East Blvd.
Go deeper: Charlotte Yarn owner Remi Haygood knits through her troubles, both personal and financial
Curio offers readings and energy-clearing services, spell kits, talismans, crystals and stones, C4 candles, and other ritual-related things.
Stop by: 3204-C North Davidson St.
Find customizable caps and other streetwear staples like authentic sports jerseys at the new shop.
Stop by: 115 Razades Way #122
Go deeper: Popular custom hat shop opens in Camp North End
A new lifestyle brand and store for women in Plaza Midwood.
Stop by: 1506 Central Ave.
Go deeper: New store for women with restaurant, bar and lounge opens in Plaza Midwood
It's a plus-size boutique where you've got to be "two-something to do something," according to shop owner Summer Lucille.
Stop by: 8111 Concord Mills Boulevard #8481
Go deeper: Got to be "two-something to do something" at this Charlotte boutique
This local company started in 2017 as a creative initiative to celebrate sneaker culture. You may recognize it as the spot where AD and Clay made custom sneakers on an episode of "Love is Blind."
Stop by: 1824 Statesville Ave., in Camp North End's Boileryard District
The bridal shop is owned by the sister duo Tracie and Jennifer Mackins. They offer luxury bridal dresses that are size-inclusive and all for under $2,000.
Stop by: 2023 Beatties Ford Road
Go deeper: New bridal boutique opens with affordable luxury wedding dresses in west Charlotte
A luxury loungewear brand that aims to prove comfort and fashion can co-exist. Owner Diandra Harvin creates elevated, comfy clothes, like rompers and sets.
Details: Shop Noite Rose's online collection and check out their Instagram for updates.
Go deeper: Luxury loungewear is in, says Charlotte woman making comfy clothes you can wear anywhere
A family-owned clothing store from the owner behind Lottie's.
Stop by: 210 E. Trade St.
A new thrift shop in Commonwealth with clothing, jewelry and more.
Stop by: 2133 Commonwealth Ave.
Owned by Nyoni Sioh, the luxury menswear retailer offers bespoke suits, tuxedos, shirts, shoes and accessories. Sioh says custom suiting and made-to-order pieces are the shop's specialty.
Stop by: 325 N. Graham St.
Home, hair and skincare products that are handmade or developed by minority women.
Stop by: 417 S Cecil St. and downtown Concord (22 Union St.)
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William Wilson Custom Clothier
Owner William Wilson is a private designer and EGOT tailor — meaning he's designed clothing for the Oscars, Grammys, Emmys and Tony Awards. His business, William Wilson Custom Clothier, offers custom-made suits, shirts, trousers and overcoats based on each client's needs and personal style.
Stop by: 4400 Park Road, Unit 308
SERVICES
A coworking space that prioritizes self-care in east Charlotte.
Stop by: 5820 E W.T. Harris Blvd.
Go deeper: New east Charlotte coworking space inspired by Black women promotes self-care
A wine company that educates customers through monthly wine-centered events around the city.
If you go: Pop into one of their monthly wine bingo events or book a private event at 1811 Sardis Road
Go deeper: Test your sommelier skills at wine bingo in north Charlotte
Couple Corinna DeWitt and Tarrence Dent started their boat rental company, Black Boat Club, in February 2021. BBC is anchored primarily on Lake Norman, but will also travel to Lake Wylie.
If you go: Book your rental or sunset cruise online.
Go deeper: 7 boat rentals near Charlotte
A Plaza Midwood tattoo shop that also offers medical tattoo services.
Stop by: 1514 Central Ave.
A nail salon in Northlake Mall that LaToya Evans named as a way to honor her late daughter.
Stop by: 6801 Northlake Mall Dr.
Go deeper: Charlotte PR expert opens nail salon honoring her late daughter at Northlake Mall
A boutique pilates studio in north Charlotte and Concord.
If you go: Book a session before you visit.
Go deeper: Black-owned Pilates studio in north Charlotte has a waitlist, here's why
A permanent jewelry shop and cafe in South End.
Stop by: 222 West Blvd.
Go deeper: South End's newest jewelry shop
A Charlotte-based rideshare company with a fleet of luxury cars.
If you go: Book your next ride or register your luxury vehicle for others to drive.
Go deeper: Charlotte's new rideshare company Goldsainte only uses luxury cars
A private studio in Camp North End with private dining, cooking classes, podcast production and more.
If you go: Find an upcoming event here.
Owner Marie Cloud's design philosophy is to get to know her clients' passions and attributes to create soulful and curated spaces.
If you go: Book a consultation for your next home project.
Go deeper: 11 Black Charlotte interior designers to support year-round
A day spa offering a list of services from massages to waxing and facials.
If you go: Book your next spa day online before you visit 758 Tyvola Road.
Create custom makeup products during a one-hour workshop.
Stop by: 1811 Sardis Road
Go deeper: Make your own lipstick at Lip N Pour in southeast Charlotte
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Shaun “Lucky” Corbett opened Walmart’s first Black-owned, Black-operated barbershop back in 2019.
Stop by: 3240 Wilkinson Blvd.
Go deeper A Charlotte man named Lucky just opened Walmart’s first Black-owned, Black-operated barbershop
The adult hip-hop dance studio was founded by former Charlotte Bobcats dancer Ana Ogbueze and is currently owned and operated by Kellye Hall.
Stop by: 4109 Stuart Andrew Blvd.
Twin brothers Damian and Jermaine Johnson have built their lives around No Grease! Barbershop, and they've become a model for Black entrepreneurial success in Charlotte.
Stop by: No Grease! has eight locations in the Charlotte area — get the addresses for each and book appointments here.
Go deeper: No Grease barbershop expands again, now with a franchisee who has big goals
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An interactive selfie museum in east Charlotte where you quite literally do it for the 'gram.
Stop by: 5648 Independence Blvd.
A Charlotte startup that hosts special occasions — from birthdays to date nights — in temperature-controlled geo tents.
If you go: You can book Pop Up Datez for your next special occasion here.
Go deeper: Charlotte startup Popup Datez is using temperature-controlled tents to become "the Uber of dates"
A luxury kid spa offering various birthday and spa day-themed packages. Services include manicures, pedicures, makeup sessions, runway shows and putt-putt.
Stop by: 324 Church St.
The Sugar and Spice Spa Bus specializes in unique celebrations, including tea parties, spa parties and paint parties, for children ages 5-17.
If you go: See their party packages and book your spot on their website.
Owner Whitney Mitchell offers a range of spa treatments, from nail trims to fur dyes, for all dog breeds.
Stop by: 9009 J M Keynes Dr.
Go deeper: LaMelo Ball spoils his dog at Whitney's Wittle Wonders in University City and you can, too
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An overnight service for postpartum and postnatal care in Uptown.
If you go: Make reservations in advance for your stay at Le Méridien in Uptown.
Go deeper: Postpartum retreat in Charlotte to offer all-day care for new mothers
More resources:
- Check out @cltblackowned on Instagram, which is committed to building a place "to support, highlight, and increase the visibility of our local Black businesses and services."
- Charlotte also has three Black media outlets: The Charlotte Post, QCity Metro and Pride Magazine.
- You can also visit the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture in Uptown.
- Search this map to filter through finding a Black-owned business near you.