Become Royalty while in the Queen City
Charlotte, North Carolina, affectionately known as the Queen City, is a growing city with a rich history and a dynamic cultural scene. From its thriving arts community to its vibrant culinary landscape, Charlotte is a city that seamlessly blends Southern charm with modern innovation. As the city continues to grow and diversify, it has become a hub for Black-owned businesses that are redefining what it means to be an entrepreneur in the South. A great blend of transplants from all over and locals are bringing a new and diverse energy to the city. The mild climate, gorgeous views, and friendly people make Charlotte one of the top destinations for travel.
In this guide, we’re spotlighting some of the standout Black-owned businesses in Charlotte that are making waves —from food and drink to arts and culture. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these businesses offer a unique way to experience the heart and soul of Charlotte, each one contributing to the city’s rich tapestry in its own distinct way.
The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture is a cornerstone of Charlotte’s cultural scene, dedicated to celebrating the contributions of African Americans to the arts. Named after Charlotte’s first African American mayor, the center serves as a vibrant hub for the community, offering a diverse array of exhibitions, performances, and educational programs. The Gantt Center’s mission is to preserve and promote the history and culture of Black Americans, with a particular focus on the visual arts, music, dance, and film.
Leah and Louise is a modern juke joint located in Charlotte’s Camp North End, offering a fresh take on Southern cuisine with a focus on the flavors of the Mississippi River Valley. Founded by award-winning chef Greg Collier and his wife Subrina, the restaurant is named after Greg’s late sister and grandmother, honoring their legacy through food. The menu features innovative dishes that blend tradition with creativity, such as the River Chips—crispy chicken skins served with pimento cheese. Leah and Louise is not just a restaurant but a cultural experience, where the soulful atmosphere and thoughtfully crafted dishes come together to celebrate the richness of Southern heritage.
Jinya Ramen Bar in Charlotte offers an authentic taste of Japan with a modern twist, specializing in slow-cooked ramen that has garnered a loyal following. Founded by Tomonori Takahashi, Jinya is known for its meticulously crafted broths, which are simmered for over ten hours to achieve a rich, deep flavor. The Charlotte location is owned by Jahzmin French, a veteran of the restaurant industry who found Jinya would be a great fit and unique proposition for the area. The franchisee benefits from a menu that features a variety of ramen options, from the signature Tonkotsu Black to the vegan Spicy Creamy Ramen, as well as small plates like crispy chicken and gyoza. The sleek, contemporary design of the restaurant creates an inviting atmosphere for diners to enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of ramen. Jinya Ramen Bar is a must-visit for ramen enthusiasts and anyone looking to explore the flavors of Japan from the comfy confines of the Queen City.
Bird Pizzeria is a standout in Charlotte’s vibrant food scene, offering a unique and creative approach to pizza. Kerrel and Nkem Thompson are thoughtful about how each of their pies is created. Each pie is made with carefully selected ingredients, from house-made dough that took two years to develop; to fresh, locally sourced toppings. The menu is concise and so each pie is about the quality with ingredients like calabrian peppers and arugula as options. They have begun expanding, but carefully as is their fashion, and remain one of the best places to get pizza and a gem in Charlotte’s Food Scene.
Famous Toastery is a popular breakfast and brunch destination in Charlotte, known for its commitment to fresh, made-to-order meals and exceptional service.The breakfast culinary concept was a perfect fit for Justin Griffith, a former NFL player and coaching assistant because of its quality and work life balance. The menu features a wide range of breakfast classics, including omelets, pancakes, and avocado toast, as well as lunch options like sandwiches and salads. What sets Famous Toastery apart is its focus on customer experience, with servers trained to provide attentive and friendly service. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely brunch or a quick breakfast, Famous Toastery offers a welcoming environment and consistently delicious food.
Pastry chef Jasmine Macon began making doughnuts in 2014 after earning her pastry degree. Honing her skills, she worked at Leah and Louise while developing her recipes. She would then do pop up shops until meeting with the Raydal Hospitality Group. This connection would provide space and back office support for Jasmine to grow Beyond Amazing Donut Shop. Now her shop is known for its great from scratch flavors like Brown Butter with Sorghum, Black Garlic Everything, and the classic Old Fashioned. They also have limited edition flavors that supplement their every day lineup and are just as delicious.
Mariah’s Taco Spot is a beloved food truck in Charlotte that serves up authentic Mexican street food with a personal touch. Founded by Mariah Brown, the truck is known for its flavorful tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, all made with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. The birria taco took the trend by the horns and ran with it, garnering a following that still exists to this day. She didn’t stop there though, as she would create birria wings and crafted lemonades that continue to stand out amongst the Charlotte food options.
Havana Smoke & Reserve is a premium cigar lounge in Charlotte that offers a luxurious and relaxed setting for cigar enthusiasts. The lounge features an extensive selection of fine cigars, along with a curated menu of top-shelf spirits, wines, and cocktails. Founded by a group of cigar aficionados, Havana Smoke & Reserve aims to create a space where guests can unwind and enjoy the finer things in life. The lounge’s elegant décor, comfortable seating, great views, and attentive service make it an ideal spot for both seasoned cigar smokers and those new to the experience. It’s a place where tradition and sophistication meet, offering a taste of Cuban culture in the heart of Charlotte.
Jimmy Pearl’s is a modern Southern seafood restaurant in Charlotte, bringing the flavors of the Virginia Tidewater region to the Carolinas. Founded by cousins Oscar Johnson and Daryl Cooper, the restaurant offers a menu that celebrates the rich culinary traditions of the South, with a focus on fresh, sustainable seafood. Signature dishes like the Crab Cake Sandwich and the Shrimp and Grits showcase the restaurant’s dedication to quality and flavor. With its laid-back atmosphere and commitment to Southern hospitality, This James Beard Semifinalist provides a dining experience that’s both comforting and refined, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers.
Popbar Charlotte offers a refreshing twist on frozen treats with its handcrafted gelato on a stick. This location is owned by Husband and wife duo, Kia and Clarence Lyons. Each pop is made fresh daily and can be dipped and topped to your liking, with options ranging from classic chocolate to nuts, sprinkles, and even waffle cones. The options are all delicious and high quality. The couple has also worked through all sorts of disruptions, including the pandemic but has put in tons of work to keep their locations open and even operate a food truck for the brand. The bright and cheerful atmosphere of Popbar Charlotte makes it a fun destination for all ages, offering a sweet and satisfying way to cool down in the Queen City.
Renaldo’s Culinary experience is one of the best places for comfort food in the Queen City. The options are numerous with wild pizza options like their famous Oxtail Pizza, Curry Chicken and Marley Supreme. They also have flavorful pastas and more including a vegan burger for those who don’t want to have meat. If you’re a foodie, then you won’t want to miss this shop that might not be on some travel guides.
Moving from Hip-hop to the burger game isn’t just the realm for Bun-B and Trill Burgers. In Charlotte, Tigo Faulkner and Lamont Heath were both partners in the music business when the pandemic shut everything down. The two didn’t let that stop them and just pivoted, working on crafting some of the best tasting vegan burgers before buying a food truck and getting started. In a short time they have opened two brick and mortar locations in addition to their truck and continue to make a name for themselves and their brand in the Charlotte area.
The Black Boat Club is a membership-based organization in Charlotte that offers a unique way to enjoy the city’s beautiful waterways. Founded with the goal of making boating more accessible to the African American community, the club provides its members with access to a fleet of boats, along with training, events, and social gatherings. It is also a great place to charter a boat ride for you and your friends on lovely Lake Norman. The club is dedicated to fostering a sense of community among its members while promoting safe and responsible boating practices. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or new to the water, Black Boat Club offers a welcoming environment to explore the joys of boating in and around Charlotte.
Spice is a vibrant restaurant in Charlotte that offers a menu that features world cuisine.The restaurant is known for its bold flavors, creative presentations, and commitment to using high-quality ingredients. The menu features a wide range of dishes, from classic favorites like Butter Chicken and Biryani to innovative fusion options that blend Indian spices with global influences. Inspired by popular world and nightlife destinations like London and Miami, it features a stylish interior and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Spice is an ideal spot for both casual dining and special occasions when you are in the Charlotte area.
Tattooz and Booz is one of Charlotte’s most unique nightlife destinations, combining a tattoo studio with a lively bar. This one-of-a-kind venue from Kristen and Matthew Williams, offers guests the chance to get inked by talented artists while enjoying craft cocktails, beers, and a fun, social atmosphere. The bar features a rotating menu of creative drinks, along with live music, DJ sets, and other entertainment that keep the energy high. Whether you’re in the market for new body art or just looking for a night out with friends, Tattooz and Booz provides an unforgettable experience that blends creativity and culture.
If you’re visiting Charlotte and you are a wine connoisseur, Bliss and Blends is a great way to spend some time in the Queen City. This Black Woman Owned business offers ways to try wine in a variety of fun settings. From yoga events, sip and paints, and even Bingo, you will enjoy friends and fine wine. If your visiting with family and friends you can also book a private event. When your interested in wine, but want some fun along with it, Bliss and Blends is the way to go.
