Black-Owned Businesses Food Network Stars Recommend
Leading chefs and tastemakers spotlight must-visit Black-owned food brands, eateries, and artisanal shops across America.
Across the United States, Black-owned restaurants, artisan food brands, and specialty shops are setting new trends and standards in the food industry. Recognizing and supporting these businesses not only fuels diversity but also brings remarkable flavors and innovation to American cuisine. Food Network stars and culinary professionals routinely advocate for these enterprises, sharing personal favorites and encouraging everyone to explore and uplift them.
Why Support Black-Owned Businesses?
Choosing Black-owned businesses is more than a transaction—it’s a meaningful way to bolster economic empowerment, nurture community creation, and celebrate culinary excellence. Supporting these establishments helps to:
- Promote economic growth within minority communities.
- Highlight cultural food heritage and traditions often underrepresented in mainstream media.
- Encourage innovation and diverse perspectives in food production and hospitality.
- Build stronger communities through shared experiences and culinary storytelling.
Food Network Stars’ Top Picks for Black-Owned Restaurants
Food Network personalities have shared their favorite Black-owned dining spots, many of which have achieved national acclaim for their creativity and impact. The following are frequently highlighted destinations:
The Garage at Victory North – Savannah, GA
This Southern eatery spotlights inventive dishes like Jerk Quail and a unique Collard Green Caesar, drawing both locals and travelers through its creative, high-quality menu.
Doro Soul Food – Washington, DC
Bringing Ethiopian spices to classic soul fare, Doro Soul Food is known for fried chicken with mitmita and berbere sauces, or a soulful Doro Wat macaroni and cheese. Local chefs consistently praise its deft fusion of traditions.
Leah & Louise – Charlotte, NC
An acclaimed Southern restaurant infusing local heritage with bold, modern touches. Its menu, led by Chef Greg Collier, is frequently featured in culinary publications for its fresh take on Southern classics.
Kann – Portland, OR
Kann offers a Haitian-inspired dining experience. Chef Gregory Gourdet crafts dishes that blend Caribbean flavors with Pacific Northwest ingredients, earning widespread critical acclaim.
Jones Bar – Chicago, IL
Jones Bar, with its celebrated barbecue menu, stands out as a gathering place for both classic and inventive flavors. Smoked meats, sides, and sauces honor tradition while pushing boundaries.
Rising Stars: Black-Owned Businesses to Watch
Food Network stars continually seek out new and innovative Black-owned food businesses. Below, find a list of those generating buzz for their unique offerings and dedication to quality:
- Tatiana (New York, NY) – Chef Kwame Onwuachi’s Afro-Caribbean concept boasts dishes like egusi dumplings and hamachi escovitch.
- Fat Fowl (Brooklyn, NY) – Chef Shorne’s specialized comfort food includes the famed oxtail grilled cheese, spurring social media attention.
- Lucille’s (Houston, TX) – This Southern staple pays homage to Lucille B. Smith, embracing soul food traditions with a contemporary twist.
- Roots Southern Table (Farmers Branch, TX) – Chef Tiffany Derry’s restaurant reflects her Texas roots, with made-from-scratch dishes and fresh interpretations.
- Ubuntu (Los Angeles, CA) – A plant-based spot celebrating West African ingredients and sustainable dining.
- LATHA (Phoenix, AZ) – Pan-African flavors drive LATHA’s creative, seasonal menu.
- Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar (Atlanta, GA / College Park, GA / Conyers, GA) – Known for authentic Gullah Geechee cuisine.
- Le Petit Marche (Atlanta, GA) – A beloved local breakfast and lunch cafe recognized for supporting the Atlanta community and its diverse culinary landscape.
Beloved Brands: Black-Owned Food Companies Food Network Stars Recommend
Apart from restaurants, several Black-owned food and drink brands have gained nationwide recognition for their distinct flavors, responsible sourcing, and entrepreneurial drive. Select companies frequently promoted include:
- Partake Foods – Delicious allergen-free cookies and snacks, founded by Denise Woodard to provide safe, flavorful treats for all.
- McBride Sisters – The largest Black-owned wine company in the United States, known for award-winning blends and empowering female entrepreneurship.
- BLK & Bold – Specialty coffee and tea brand crafted from responsibly sourced beans, committed to social impact and premium quality.
- Trade Street Jam Co. – Innovative jams and preserves with bold flavor profiles, featured on ‘Shark Tank’ and praised by celebrity chefs.
- Pipcorn – A family-run snack business specializing in heirloom corn products, including mini-popped popcorn and crackers.
- A Dozen Cousins – Line of healthy, ready-to-eat beans inspired by Creole, Caribbean, and Latin flavors.
- Golde – Plant-based superfood wellness products meant to elevate daily routines and nurture wellbeing.
Discover More: Directories and Guides
For those seeking to delve deeper and find more businesses to support, resources and directories are available:
| Resource Name | Description | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| AfroBizWorld | The largest U.S. directory for Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and events. | All categories |
| EatOkra | App to discover Black-owned restaurants in major U.S. cities. | Restaurants & Cafes |
| Feed the Malik | Food blog highlighting diverse culinary voices and reviews. | Food Experiences |
| Black Restaurant Week | Annual event enhancing visibility for Black-owned food establishments. | Restaurants |
Beyond Restaurants: Unique Destinations and Experiences
The impact of Black entrepreneurship in food extends to hotels, museums, markets and more. Notable mentions include:
- The Ivy (Baltimore, MD) – A luxury, Black-owned hotel celebrated for hospitality, community engagement, and culinary excellence.
- Black Memphis – Guide to exploring Black food, history, and culture, ideal for culinary tourism.
- Specialty shops and pop-ups featuring local Black chefs and artisans.
- Farmer’s markets with fresh, locally grown goods from Black-owned farms.
How to Support Black-Owned Food Businesses
There are several proactive ways to back these businesses beyond dining:
- Share your experience on social media, encouraging others to discover new places and products.
- Leave positive reviews on Google, Yelp, and business websites.
- Attend food festivals and pop-ups showcasing Black entrepreneurs.
- Gift products from Black-owned brands for birthdays and holidays.
- Engage with business owners to learn more about their journey and mission.
- Participate in directories and advocacy networks to help businesses reach new customers.
The Power of Storytelling in Black-Owned Culinary Ventures
What sets many Black-owned businesses apart is not only their cuisine but their connection to history, family, and community. Chefs and founders often share:
- Generational recipes passed down through families.
- Regional influences that diversify American culinary heritage.
- Stories of resilience and innovation.
- Mentorship and collaboration with emerging restaurateurs.
- Philanthropy supporting local causes and food access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where can I find a comprehensive directory of Black-owned restaurants?
The AfroBizWorld directory and the mobile app EatOkra provide extensive, location-based lists of Black-owned food businesses nationwide.
How can I best support Black-owned food brands if I’m not local?
Most businesses sell products online, so you can order from anywhere. Additionally, sharing on social media, leaving reviews, and recommending brands to friends help expand their reach.
What are some unique dishes to try at Black-owned restaurants?
Signature dishes often include Jerk Quail, Egusi Dumplings, Oxtail Grilled Cheese, Doro Wat Mac & Cheese, and various plant-based West African specialties.
Are there Black-owned businesses in other categories such as hotels or retail?
Absolutely—there are Black-owned hotels, markets, shops, and farms to explore in addition to restaurants. The Ivy in Baltimore and markets listed on directories like AfroBizWorld showcase this diversity.
How do Food Network stars choose the businesses they recommend?
Chefs and personalities select businesses based on quality of food, impact in the community, unique stories, and personal experience during travel and collaborations.
Additional Resources
- AfroBizWorld.com: Directory for Black-owned businesses in food, retail, wellness, and more.
- Feed the Malik: Insights, reviews, and guides for discovering new culinary experiences.
- Black Restaurant Week: Event calendar, business spotlights, and regional guides.
Get Involved and Make a Difference
Choosing and promoting Black-owned businesses is a step toward culinary inclusivity and social impact. Whether dining, shopping, or sharing, your support helps preserve stories, grow communities, and elevate the nation’s food scene for all.
