61 Black Owned Businesses in Raleigh to Love & Support

Raleigh, North Carolina is not just a vibrant city filled with culture, history, and innovation; it’s also home to a thriving community of Black-owned businesses that contribute significantly to its economic and social fabric.

Did you know that East Hargett St in downtown Raleigh was once known as Black Main Street. At its height in the 20s it was home to 50+ Black-owned businesses namely medical offices, law offices, a hotel, restaurants, barbershops, and retailers.  You can learn more about the history and stories of the businesses via the sidewalk murals on East Hargett Street.

Supporting Black owned businesses is not only a way to promote diversity and inclusion but also an opportunity to invest in the local community and foster economic empowerment.

We’ve curated a list of some outstanding Black-owned businesses in Raleigh across various industries.

These are businesses we know and love across Raleigh, and even further into Wake County. Because why not? It would be silly not to drive 10-20 minutes from your border to support cool Black-owned businesses.

We do encourage you to continue your support of these Black-owned businesses in Raleigh, beyond February – Black History month. And we will continue to update this post throughout the year and share minority owned businesses and stories yearlong in our content.

The good news is there are so many to support in Raleigh, and we probably don’t know them all, so please give a shout out to your favorites in the comments below!

Black Owned Retail Businesses in Raleigh

1. Unorthodox Vintage: Vibrant and fun vintage and secondhand clothing store on Wilmington St, owned by Julian Jacobs and Alexandria Monet. Kalyra and I loved shopping here recently on a teen afternoon in Downtown Raleigh.
2. Liberation Station Bookstore, a newly opened store on Fayetteville S, Downtown Raleigh, is North Carolina’s first Black-owned children’s bookstore. Owned by Victoria Scott-Miller, an award-winning Raleigh-based entrepreneur, the bookstore specializes in children’s literature that centers on Black children and families.
3. Nashona is a fantastic boutique store downtown filled with vibrant African fabrics and products handcrafted from Tanzania, owner Lillian K. Danieli’s homeland.
4. The Pop-Up Shops on Martin St is a innovative effort Downtown Raleigh Alliance, Wake Tech Entrepreneurship & Small Business Center to increase the presence, inclusion, and equity of business ownership in Downtown Raleigh. Inside the shop, you’ll find a collection of Minority and Women-owned businesses Provide affordable retail space in a desirable location, as well as business training through Wake Tech. The mission is to empower transition into long term brick and mortar success. Unorthodox Vintage was one of those success stories.
5. Artikle 74 Clothing Company on South St is a one-stop shop for custom design clothing, screen printing and logo design. Their ideas and concepts are inspired by pop culture, music, sports, our history, and their own ideals. You can find them on South St Raleigh
6. Sir Castle Tees on South St is a shoe store that sells new and used Jordan’s, Yeezy’s and more. We also customize shoes and beyond with character and designs that change color with heat or UV light! Michael Phillips runs Sir Castle Tees. He started customizing shoes as a hobby in high school. With nearly 200k followers on Instagram you could also call him a Raleigh influencer!
7. 311 Art Gallery: We love this art gallery and working studios in the Warehouse District. The gallery houses 12 artists’ studios, an exhibition gallery, and an artful gift shop. It’s a great place to visit on First Fridays in Raleigh.

Black Owned Food & Beverage in Raleigh

8. The Black Farmers’ Market Less than 2% of the over 3 million farmers in America are Black. This is a great way to support our Black farmers and entrepreneurs in the Triangle and purchase fresh, healthy food. The Sunday market rotates between Durham (1st & 3rd) and Raleigh (2nd & 4th) to provide access to fresh foods from farms directly to customers. The 2024 market season opens in April
9. Oro Restaurant: A staple of the dining scene in Downtown Raleigh is chef/owner Chris Hylton’s ORO.  I’ve heard nothing but high praise for this Raleigh restaurant. ORO serves dishes that are designed for sharing among friends and are brought to the table steadily and continuously throughout the meal.
10. Bestow Baked Goods: Located in Holly Springs, owner Heather Sutton makes desserts for special occasions that you’ll talk about long after. I can still taste her delicious gluten free cupcakes we had at the Brisket and Bubbles event (husband Kyle, also makes incredible brisket.)
11. Black and White Coffee Roasters is one of our favorite places in Downtown Raleigh for coffee. US Barista Champions Kyle Ramage and Lem Buttler brought their vision for good specialty coffee to Wake County in 2017 with their first coffee shop in Downtown Wake Forest. They now have locations in Downtown Raleigh and Rolesville and a thriving wholesale business.
12. Crema Cafe is a downtown Raleigh favorite, especially amongst the work crowd, for its easy grab and go all day breakfast, fresh salads, coffee and more.
13. Oak City Fish and Chips: From food truck to one of the first tenants at Morgan St Food Hall, Isaac B. Horton dishes up delicious hand-breaded fried fish (and other seafood) and chips (how they’re meant to be called) for Raleigh the Raleigh community.
14. The Davie is a two-story neighborhood bar on the edge of the historic City Market. Its coziness is much loved for date nights and it’s a popular spot for gamedays. They also have fun events like comedy nights and chili cookoffs.
15. GetREEF Virtual Food Hall, RDU This innovative food concept comes from Jason Johnson, the founder of Hubb Kitchens. At Raleigh-Durham airport travelers can order food from nine restaurant concepts on their phones or at Reef kiosks in Terminal 2 and pick up their meals in nearby lockers. You’ll find everything from burgers to salads to wings and one of our favorite local coffee providers, Beyu Caffe from Durham (also Black owned.) Read more in our guide to RDU airport.
16. Cake Town Bakery in Knightdale is owned by husband-and-wife team Tracy and Jason Albert It’s a neighborhood favorite, known for its made from scratch cakes, cookies, cupcakes, lattes, cheesecake, and banana pudding.
17. The Dankery by Ian Burris dishes up American fast style food. It started as a food truck and now has two locations in Raleigh – Hillsborough St and Southeast Raleigh. Students love to go for post-game meals and hanging out with friends. The dank wings with Bacon Queso Fries get rave reviews.
18. Sugar Euphoria: a relative newcomer to North Person St district, Randi creates cakes that are the centerpiece of life’s most memorable events using natural, locally sourced ingredients. You can also purchase bakery treats such as cupcakes, cookie sandwiches and macarons from her store.
19. Azurelise Chocolate Truffles: Reginald O. Savage has been serving the Raleigh community chocolate truffles even Belgians rave about since 2002. You’ll find him on N Boylan Ave. Flavors range from traditional, to Irish Cream, and Blueberry tequila to cherry pistachio.
20. Dames’s Chicken and Waffles: Owners Dame and Randy have perfected this Harlem Renaissance food combo with creative dishes such as What a Classy Hen, chicken and waffles topped with vanilla almond shmear. Originally from Durham, they now have a restaurant in Cary.
21. The Chocolate Boutique Raleigh: Raleigh couple, Kesha and Dozier are serving up delicious handmade chocolates in Lafayette Village. They also support community with chocolate making parties, and events such as date nights, wine tasting, and bourbon and chocolate tasting.
22. Premier Cakes in North Raleigh is from the self-taught husband and wife team Tracy and Bobby Outlaw that Southern homemade from scratch old fashioned cakes & pies, and gourmet cakes & desserts!
23. Jack’s Seafood & Soul Food Restaurant on New Bern Ave has been a local favorite for 30 years for their affordable, delicious seafood, barbeque and fried chicken in a relaxed and friendly setting.
24. Awazé Cuisine has been satisfying bellies in Cary since 2015. Friendly owner, Azeb Mekonnen servces up authentic Ethiopian and Eritrean dishes that has patrons rave about the spicy flavor profiles, the unique dishes, variety of vegan and vegtarian dishes, and friendly service. This has jumped at the top of my list of places to eat at in Cary!
25. The Fish House Seafood Market: It’s worth a drive out to Apex for fresh seafood daily from the NC Coast. Find crab legs, shelled crabs, crab meat, shrimps, scallops, fish, frog legs, and more. Owner Chris Lanier also does a lot for the community and will serve your seafood needs with a smile.
26. Flavors Ice cream on Jones Franklin serves SUPER PREMIUM ice cream from Wisconsin with 24 rotating flavors + milkshakes (including monster ones) and homemade cakes. (gluten free and vegan flavors available) Owner Elisa McLean is an inspiration, not only for bringing joy to community via ice cream, but also running her business as a single mother and a brain tumor cancer survivor.
27. Nafkot on Avent Ferry Road is another Ethiopian Restaurant serving fresh and innovative dishes, our menu specializes in seasonal spices, fresh meat, vegan, and indulgent appetizers. Don’t miss participating in their coffee ceremony, which a sign of friendship or respect.
28. Will Gibbs is owner of Zenith Nightclub on Fayetteville St. retro-themed dance club featuring an extensive drink menu (including non-alcoholic options) and DJS spinning some of your favorite high energetic pop culture tunes.
29. The Venue Raleigh is a tapas Bar and restaurant on W Davie St in the Warehouse District. They have a famous Raleigh Brunch that has just slipped onto my list to experience and often have live music.

Black Owned Food Trucks in Raleigh

30. Bon Fritay: Andre and Dafney share their love of fritay (Haitian street food) across the triangle. Dishes include signature rice bowls, chicken fritay with sides, pulled pork and chicken paninis, sweet plantain nachos (yes please!), and tacos. You know food is good when none other than TREVOR NOAH gives them a double thumbs up. (so jealous they got to meet him. I LOVE him!!)
31. Corner Boys BBQ was founded by CEO and self-taught chef, James D. Sampson. He’s intent on feeding the people in Raleigh delicious Brisket, Ribs, BBQ, and Fish, Shrimp along with soul and heart-filled service.
32. Baton Rouge Cuisine: The Harlem Globetrotters are making their mark on the food truck scene in Raleigh. Former Globetrotter Anthony “Airport” Greenup now serves up Baton Rouge cuisine. From kid-friendly to spicy, expect favorites such as creole, dirty rice, po’ boys, and jambalaya.
33. Davin Kearney of FatBoys Kitchen Food Truck serves delicious array of favorite menu items and specializes in hand-padded angus beef gourmet burgers The Stuffed Fat Burger is a fan favorite. Or perhaps you’d love the southern style burger topped with Mac & Cheese.
34. The Naked Empanada: After years of service in the food industry, Roy Thombs launched his food truck 2015 offering fresh, locally sourced and delicious handmade empanadas.
35. The Shrimp Truck makes its way around the Triangle from breweries to festivals and Durham Bulls games. Air Force veteran Kenny Wade knows how cook shrimp from Lemon butter shrimp, hot and spicy shrimp, shrimp tacos, shrimp baskets and more.
36. Boricua Soul is fusion food from married couple Serena and Toriano Fredericks They blend ingredients of their African and Carribean roots with nouveau Southern-Latino methods of cooking. They also now have a restaurant at the American Tobacco Campus in Durham.

Black Owned Service Businesses in Raleigh

37. Devize Creative: If you’re looking for a creative branding agency, Devon Lewis helps startups create an unforgettable brand to stand out in a competitive marketplace. We know Devon from when he worked at Raleigh Founded (our co-working space) He also helped us create T-Shirt designs (coming soon) We can highly recommend Devon’s excellent design skills, great communication, and professionalism.
38. Mikaya Thurmond: Former WRAL anchor, Mikaya now puts her media skills and PR wizardry to work as a PR strategist for brands, business owners, and entrepreneurs. we’ve also had the pleasure of working with Mikaya and love her! She’s a thought leader and influencer. Watch her TEDx talk on authenticity in public relations.
39. Houseplant Hippie: is a cool mobile unit filled with plants. You’ll find Kay at many local markets. Even better to have her consult with your home and help you create a plant oasis (with tips on how to keep them alive). Her family owns Haven Farms in Wendell, which is a wedding venue, and space for unique and fun community gathering events.
40. No Woman No Girl: Fantastic local non-profit founded by Shirnetta J Harrell to provide essential items to those women and girls in our community at risk.
41. The Raleigh African American History Tour led by Johnny Hackett Jr, owner of Black Friday Market (no longer operating). This walking tour highlights the real story behind the African American influences on downtown Raleigh.
43. TG Floristry is a Black, woman-owned flower shop on Morgan St that prioritizes equity and sustainability through locally grown flowers, small farms, and BIPOC growers. Owned by local, Tiera George who puts the focus on Thoughtfully Curated, Ethically Sourced, Community Centered. Order your flowers here for Valentine’s Day!
44. If you’re looking for a new tattoo, or an art piece, head to Good Trip Ink, on MacDowell St. Chris Evans can help bring your favorite art to life as a tattoo on your body or painting for your wall.
45. Janaya Sadler is the founder of Urban Healing Counseling, which has a location in Raleigh and Knightdale and work to help clients let go of what is not working and embrace a life they feel good about.
46. The newly opened Raleigh Podcast Studio in Downtown Raleigh is Raleigh’s first minority-owned Video Podcast Studio. They provide the media technology, branded designs and content coaching to expand your network and grow your video podcast.

Black Owned Health, Beauty, and Wellness Businesses

47. Anne’s Apothecary is an independent line of skincare products from Anne Suinner-Lawoyin. While the brick-and-mortar store in Downtown Raleigh is no longer there, you can purchase her clean skincare products online.
48. Adara Spa on W Peace St, Downtown Raleigh is a full-service spa and salon offering massages, manicures, facials that stand behind Adara’s meaning of ‘beautiful’ Expect beautiful results and beautiful service.
49. Geometry Curly Hair Studio Andrayah Parker, is the owner of the boutique salon in Mordecai, Raleigh, dedicated to curly hair of all kinds with a mission to help curly individuals learn how to celebrate their waves by loving them the right way.
50. City Market Barber & Style Shop: For 19 years, Owner and professional barber, Richard Bowden has been providing clean comfortable, friendly, and safe environment providing all your grooming and hairstyle needs.
51. Posh Hair Concepts on E Davie St offers outstanding premium organic products and talented hair stylists to help you receive great haircuts and services.

Dreamville Festival

What about one of the biggest festivals in Raleigh, drawing in over 100,000 attendees over this two-day concert featuring some of the best artists in rap, hip hop and R&B?

In its own category is the legendary Dreamville Festival owned and run by J Cole, a Fayetteville native, Grammy Award-winning, and multi-platinum hip-hop artist. It’s one of the most popular and largest artist-curated music festivals in the country and one of the premier North Carolina festivals 

Expect a day of fun listening to some of the best hip hop artists hand-picked by Cole in the beauty of Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh’s signature city park with over 300 acres of public greenspace. Read our guide to the Dreamville Festival 2023.

Black Influencers to Follow in Raleigh

53. We have to start with our absolute favorites, charismatic, and exceptionally kind husband and wife duo living a heart-centered life, Kiara and Terrance Ruth. (listen to our podcast chat here)
    • Kiara Ruth is the founder and voice of @the.bananamoon on both her Instagram and Banana Moon blog, she shares her thoughts and experiences on many aspects of life including being a mother, wife, Christian, who loves travel and food!
    • @DrTerranceRuth narrowly lost in the 2022 Raleigh Mayor election. We’re hoping he returns this year. His podcast Illogical by Truth aims to empower local voters to shape and form the democracy of the are they live in. As a Raleigh thought leader, Terrance infuses everything he does with justice, mercy, and humility.
54. @TrayBiddle is a Video creator who teaches video editors how to find their dream clients and also provides video editing services to other creators. We both spoke at the NC PR annual conference and really enjoyed hearing his story and tips and his fun and kind personality.
55. Briana and Roger Kornegay of @RaleighFoodTrap will take you on a eating journey throughout the town! Expect colorful, large, over the top food experiences that will soon expand with their 2024 venture – opening a The Yard Milkshake Bar location in Seaboard station.
56. Another foodie influencer is @JoyEatsWorld. Joy Caracciolo is passionate about showcasing local restaurants, especially those that are Black and minority owned.
57. Vanessa from @RaleighFoodCrush likes to showcase the local and NC food spots that foodies like to eat!
58. Wendell-based husband and wife team Reko and Nyema Daye from @EveryDayFoodandFun highlights date night ideas, local food, entertainment and the fun to be found in the Triangle.
59. Content creator and entrepreneur, @marcherobinson share glimpses into her daily life, balancing work, her fashion blog The Robison Style, and marriage to her husband, Michael Newell. She now has her own luxury haircare line, Isaline, for textured hair.
60. @TriangleTravelingCaveman shares his travel adventures around the world and across the Triangle. He’s also gluten free so love to follow what he discovers in that world!
61. @RaleighFoodBlog Chelsea is a Raleigh native sharing local businesses (especially food) in Raleigh and beyond.
62. @xomekaharrell Meka shares her inspiration and tips about fashion, lifestyle, motherhood and travel.

Don’t forget to share your favorite Black owned businesses in Raleigh in the comments below. Tell us what they do and why you love them.