Black History Month in Chicago
We love celebrating Black-owned businesses all year long, but I wanted to make sure and share some new recommendations for Black-owned Chicago businesses this month! There are so many amazing restaurants, wellness and travel businesses, and voices here in Chicago that deserve some recognition.
Black-Owned Chicago Restaurants
Phlavz Bar and Grille in West Loop is a lively restaurant and bar that specializes in jerk chicken dishes and other Caribbean-inspired bar food and small plates. They also have a counter-serve location in Orland Park that serves their signature jerk chicken dishes. They also offer catering services and have their own food truck!
14 Parish Restaurant & Rhum Bar
14 Parish is another Black-owned restaurant that features a Caribbean-inspired menu along with inventive cocktails. The features of their menu include coconut curry shrimp, jerk chicken pasta dishes, jerk catfish, and salmon. Their specialty menus include a Taco Tuesday menu, Late Night Menu, and a Brunch menu available on the weekends from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. At the bar, you will find over 100 varieties of rum. 14 Parish is conveniently located in the heart of Hyde Park.
Bani’s Beets is a cold-press juicery that features organic ingredients with a focus on beets. Auriel Banister, the founder of Bani’s Beets, is dedicated to promoting foods that combat diseases and illnesses. Bani’s Beets juices can be found on the shelves of many local businesses or at their brick and mortar juicery in the Beverly neighborhood.
Brown Sugar Bakery is a Black-owned Southern-style bakery that handcrafts traditional sweets and custom cakes. There are 2 locations—one on E 75th Street and one at Navy Pier. You can also order cake slices and whole cakes online!
Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat is a vegetarian and vegan soul-food restaurant. They have 3 locations throughout Chicago that serve up a menu of inventive vegan and vegetarian entrees and pizzas!
Wellness & Travel-Focused Black-Owned Businesses
Bettye O Day Spa is located in Hyde Park and specializes in world-class spa treatments. They offer a full menu of facials, massages, manicures and pedicures, and more. The day spa was founded by Bettye Odom, who introduced many skincare concepts to the Black community in Chicago. Bettye O also has its own skincare line that addresses the skin care concerns of people of color.
Gone Again Travel & Tours is a one-of-a-kind storefront travel agency that features Black heritage travel experiences and many other travel services.
Black Chicago Voices To Follow
@fitandfullbykayla – Kayla Jeter is a personal coach and creator of the #100milesummer running crew. She shares lessons on balance, pep talk, and recipes on Instagram.
@mamakfit – Kelita Hollins is a fitness trainer at Train Moment, a minority-owned, inclusive gym with locations in Chicago and Milwaukee. She shares inspiration and moments from her family life.
@dc_hogue – Dustin Hogue is a strength trainer that founded the Live Good Journey, which provides resources for moving, eating, and living good!
@karlaproduces – Karla Huffman is an inspirational Chicago voice that speaks on consistency, recognition, inclusivity, and so much more. She is a community lead for Lululemon Chicago and a yoga instructor. You can view her Forward Momentum yoga series online!
@courtneynphillips – Courtney Phillips shares stories of life and running on her Instagram. She is head of GUMBO Media, a run club called GUMBO Fit, and also co-hosts the Runners Club Podcast!
@kofihuges – Kofi Hughes is a local coach who features inspiration and honest thoughts from his fitness journey.
@goddamngram – Take a look into the world of Aaron Ingram and the world of his run club 7 on Sunday. Follow along for more info.
@caullenfit – Caullen Hudson is a fitness trainer, activist, and creator who shares workouts and co-hosts the Bourbon n BronwTown podcast.
More Black-Owned Businesses to Support
Room43 is a bi-level event venue that can fit up to 450 guests. The event space is located in North Kenwood and is largely customizable for various event types.
Thee Beauty Bar is a Black-owned creative arts bar that houses events with a focus on cocktails, cosmetics, and culture.
More than just a local coffeehouse chain, Sip & Savor is a place where the community can meet and connect over a cup of coffee. Sip & Savor also serve small bites from local bakeries. They also are a part of the restoration of historic buildings in the Southside of Chicago to bring new neighbors to the community.
Add Your Favorite Business to the Map
Do you know of another local small business or voice that deserves some recognition? I’m always looking for more businesses to add to the Biz Recs map and stories to share with the community through my newsletter. So connect with me here to share your recommendations!
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