1. Slutty Vegan – Atlanta, GA
Slutty Vegan isn’t just a burger joint—it’s a movement. Founded by Pinky Cole in 2018, this plant-based burger spot has transformed how people think about vegan food. With lines wrapping around the block, it’s clear that the flavors keep customers coming back for more. Cole started the business as a delivery service, but demand skyrocketed, leading to multiple locations across Atlanta. The restaurant’s signature burgers, like the “One Night Stand” and “Fussy Hussy,” are packed with flavor and attitude. But it’s not just about food—Slutty Vegan promotes healthy eating in the Black community while proving plant-based options can be just as indulgent. Celebrities like Shaquille O’Neal and Snoop Dogg have raved about the brand, adding to its cult-like following. The atmosphere inside is just as electric, with hip-hop blasting and employees hyping up customers as they order. Beyond the restaurant, Cole has used her success to give back, paying off student loan debts and helping Black entrepreneurs get their start.
What makes Slutty Vegan truly special is its commitment to the community. Cole has been vocal about uplifting Black businesses, offering scholarships, and creating opportunities for others. During the pandemic, she provided free meals to essential workers and those in need. The restaurant also hires formerly incarcerated individuals, giving them a second chance at success. Her foundation, the Pinky Cole Foundation, continues to support underserved communities through various initiatives. The brand’s expansion outside Atlanta proves its staying power, with locations popping up in cities like Birmingham and Brooklyn. The hype never seems to die down, and it’s clear this business is built for longevity. Cole’s vision isn’t just about selling food—it’s about changing lives. Every new store opening feels like a block party, with the community coming out to celebrate. The brand’s merchandise, from t-shirts to sauces, sells out just as quickly as the burgers. Slutty Vegan is more than a restaurant; it’s a cultural phenomenon.
2. Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books – Philadelphia, PA
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books is the kind of place that feels like home. Founded by author and activist Marc Lamont Hill in 2017, this cozy shop in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood is more than just a bookstore. It’s a community hub where people come to read, learn, and engage in meaningful conversations. Named after Hill’s real-life Uncle Bobbie, who instilled in him a love of reading, the shop was created to bring literature and culture to an underserved area. The bookstore offers a carefully curated selection of books, focusing on Black authors and diverse voices. But it’s not just about the books—the café serves up high-quality coffee and delicious pastries, making it the perfect spot to spend an afternoon.
What makes Uncle Bobbie’s so special is its dedication to education and activism. The shop regularly hosts author talks, panel discussions, and community events that draw in people from all over the city. It’s a safe space where difficult conversations about race, politics, and social justice happen in real time. When the pandemic hit, Uncle Bobbie’s adapted, offering online book sales and virtual events to keep the community engaged. The store also provides free books to kids and partners with local schools to promote literacy. Even as large bookstore chains struggle, Uncle Bobbie’s proves that independent bookstores can thrive with the right mission. Hill’s vision has expanded beyond Philadelphia, with pop-up shops and speaking engagements spreading the brand’s impact. Walking into Uncle Bobbie’s, you’re not just stepping into a bookstore—you’re stepping into a movement.
3. The Spice Suite – Washington, D.C.
The Spice Suite is a dream turned reality for owner Angel Gregorio. What started as a spontaneous idea after walking past a vacant shop has become one of D.C.’s most beloved spice boutiques. The shop isn’t just a place to buy seasonings—it’s a sensory experience. Gregorio travels the world to curate the best spices, bringing flavors from Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond to her customers. The store’s walls are lined with jars of unique blends, and visitors are encouraged to smell, taste, and experiment. What makes The Spice Suite stand out is its commitment to the community. Gregorio uses her shop as a platform for other Black women entrepreneurs, hosting pop-up shops that give them space to sell their own products.
Beyond selling spices, Gregorio has built a movement centered around empowerment and entrepreneurship. She refers to her community as “SpiceGirls,” fostering a sisterhood of women supporting women. The shop’s workshops teach people how to cook with bold flavors and create their own blends. During the pandemic, Gregorio pivoted to online sales, allowing her to reach customers across the country. Her innovative approach to business has led to features in major publications and national recognition. Despite the success, she remains deeply involved in her community, frequently giving back and mentoring young entrepreneurs. The Spice Suite proves that a small business can be both profitable and purpose-driven.
4. BLK MKT Vintage – Brooklyn, NY
BLK MKT Vintage is a treasure trove of Black history and culture. Founded by Kiyanna Stewart and Jannah Handy, this vintage shop in Brooklyn specializes in artifacts, memorabilia, and collectibles that celebrate Black life. From old Jet magazines to vintage HBCU paraphernalia, every item in the store tells a story. The duo started collecting as a passion project before realizing the demand for Black-centric vintage goods. What sets BLK MKT Vintage apart is its intentional curation of items that preserve history.
The store has become a must-visit for collectors, historians, and everyday people looking to reconnect with their roots. Stewart and Handy view their work as a form of activism, ensuring that Black stories are preserved and passed down. During the pandemic, they expanded their online presence, allowing people across the country to shop their unique collection. Their dedication to authenticity has earned them a loyal following and media recognition. BLK MKT Vintage is more than a store—it’s a living archive.
5. Compton Vegan – Los Angeles, CA
Compton Vegan is proving that healthy eating belongs in every neighborhood. Founded by Lemel Durrah, this plant-based business is on a mission to bring nutritious, flavorful food to the streets of Compton. Durrah started small, cooking vegan soul food out of his home and delivering plates to locals. His goal was simple: make vegan food accessible and delicious.
Word spread quickly, and soon, Compton Vegan was a household name in the area. The brand now serves dishes like vegan mac and cheese, BBQ jackfruit, and Cajun pasta that keep customers hooked. Durrah is passionate about food justice, often speaking on the importance of healthy eating in Black communities. He also mentors young entrepreneurs, showing them how to turn passion into profit. Compton Vegan isn’t just about food—it’s about changing lives.
6. Brooklyn Tea – Brooklyn, NY
Brooklyn Tea is bringing high-quality loose-leaf tea to the heart of Bed-Stuy. Founded by Alfonso Wright and Jamila Wright, this tea shop offers an extensive selection of organic teas from around the world. The couple wanted to create a space where tea lovers could gather, learn, and relax.
Brooklyn Tea isn’t just about drinks—it’s about education and community. The shop regularly hosts tea tastings and wellness events, teaching people about the benefits of different blends. The brand has expanded online, shipping teas nationwide and gaining a cult following. Their commitment to quality and culture has made Brooklyn Tea a standout in the wellness space.
7. Hot Sam’s – Detroit, MI
Hot Sam’s is a Detroit institution, serving as the city’s oldest Black-owned men’s clothing store. Established in 1921, this legendary shop has been outfitting stylish men for over a century. Current owners Tony Stovall and Cliff Green took over in the ’90s, continuing the store’s legacy while modernizing its approach. From sharp suits to custom accessories, Hot Sam’s is the go-to spot for anyone looking to dress with confidence. The store has dressed everyone from local professionals to national celebrities, cementing its reputation as a fashion powerhouse. But beyond selling clothes, Hot Sam’s stands as a pillar of the community, offering mentorship programs and workshops for young entrepreneurs.
Stovall and Green see their business as more than just a retail shop—it’s a legacy that must be preserved. They regularly host events highlighting Black designers, keeping the tradition of Black excellence in fashion alive. The duo also created an in-house brand, The Hot Sam’s Collection, which features custom designs made with Detroit in mind. When the pandemic hit, they pivoted to online sales and virtual styling consultations to keep business booming. Hot Sam’s is proof that a Black-owned business can withstand the test of time with passion and perseverance. With over 100 years in business, it continues to thrive, proving that Black entrepreneurship is built to last.
8. House of Hoodoo – New Orleans, LA
House of Hoodoo isn’t just a shop—it’s a spiritual experience. Owned by modern-day rootworker and spiritualist Jessyka Winston, this apothecary in New Orleans is dedicated to preserving the traditions of African and Caribbean spiritual practices. The store offers handcrafted oils, candles, and herbs, each made with intention and deep cultural roots. Winston’s approach to spiritual work is about empowerment, helping people reconnect with ancestral practices that have been passed down for generations. House of Hoodoo has become a sanctuary for those seeking guidance, healing, and a deeper understanding of their spiritual paths.
What sets House of Hoodoo apart is Winston’s commitment to authenticity and ethical practices. Every product is handmade in small batches, ensuring the highest quality and spiritual potency. The shop’s social media presence has helped demystify Hoodoo, educating people on the cultural significance of these sacred traditions. Despite growing popularity, Winston remains deeply connected to her craft, often turning away mass production in favor of intentional work. Customers travel from all over to experience the shop in person, but House of Hoodoo also ships its products worldwide. It’s more than a business—it’s a bridge between the past and present, helping to keep ancestral wisdom alive.