August marks National Black Business Month, and while we spotlight these locally-owned businesses all year long, we wanted to create a helpful guide on some spots to check out for your next day out on the town.
Shops
Eros Hat Co., 45 E. Main St. | This woman-owned spot offers customized hats, permanent jewelry + vintage denim — check out various community events the store puts on.
Blue Boys Barber Shop & Beauty Salon, 734 E. MLK Blvd. | Check out this shop in the heart of downtown for your next fresh haircut.
BarberKings The Original, 517 E. MLK Blvd. | Whether it’s hair or beard care you’re in the market for, this spot will take care of you.
Escential Things, Online | This small business opened in 2020 + offers handcrafted candles and home fragrances.
SOL Rejuvenated, Online | Cleanse your mind, body, and spirit with handcrafted items like soaps, candles, serums, and body butters — check out its Instagram for where to find the products in-store locally.
Mooshi Mugs, Online | Brought to you by local artist Genesis the Greykid, these handmade tea and coffee mugs will bring art to you every morning.
Food + drink
Cocoa Asante, Online (storefront coming soon at 4300 N. Access Rd.) | Get your sweet fix with this local artisanal chocolate company that went viral on TikTok.
Marckita’s Munchies, Online | Get customizable cakes or cupcakes for your next event from a third-generation baker.
Blue Orleans, 1463 Market St. | This spot has been downtown for 17 years, serving up Creole-inspired dishes.
Uncle Larry’s, Locations vary | Opened by Larry Torrence in 2017, you can expect classic southern comfort food items at all locations.
Mac’s Subs and Fries, Locations vary | This food truck offers hearty items like the Philly Cheesesteak sub + loaded steak or chicken fries.
Fūd Vybez, Locations vary | This truck specializes in Caribbean and southern-fusion dishes + can be booked for small and large events.
Chatt Taste Food Tour, Locations vary | Taste a little bit of everything around town with a guided tour while learning more about the culture and history of the city.
Bad Wraps Incarcerated, 426 E. MLK Blvd. | Enjoy various tasty wraps from this downtown spot.
Chatterbox Cafe, 6801 Shallowford Rd. | Chow down on classic smoked meat dishes like wings, barbecue, and brisket.
Neutral Ground, Online (stay tuned for a new location) | This spot offers Afro-Creole inspired dishes brought to you by chef Kenyatta Ashford, a Food Network “Chopped” champion + is currently operating on catering orders only.
Plant Power Cafe & Juice Bar, 6215 Lee Hwy. | Enjoy your next meal at “Chattanooga’s best rated vegan cafe.”
SixEighteen, 618 Georgia Ave. | This late-night venue with food offerings is currently open Thursday-Saturday after rebranding + has themed live music on the weekend.
Chattanooga Cigar & Hookah Lounge, 1518 Market St. | Have a hand-rolled cigar with your speakeasy-style craft cocktail at this cigar and cocktail lounge — note: dress code requirements apply.
The Green Bean Coffee Co., 806 E. 12th St. | This coffee shop offers plant-based coffees, matchas, and teas.
Sweet or savory, these local spots have it all.
Photo by @cocoaasante
Collective groups
Noir Nooga | This group aims for “spotlighting + supporting the forgotten and ambitious black middle class” in Chattanooga.
Chattanooga Business Elite | While informing and networking with Black entrepreneurs in the city, this group provides business + youth development initiatives and community engagement.
Other
Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E. MLK Blvd. | Visit this museum to learn more about the African American history and culture in Chattanooga.
Cempa Community Care, Locations vary | Get different health screenings and care at any location — keep an eye out for the organization’s community outreach + mobile services.
Chattanooga Segway Tours, 204 Walnut St. | Explore the Scenic City via a segway, bike, or walking tour — just look for the folks with the capes.
The Chattery, 1800 Rossville Ave. | Take a variety of informational + recreational classes at this women-founded nonprofit.
Southern Soul Yoga, Locations vary | Take guided yoga classes for all level types at this studio.
Adventure Pediatric Dentistry, 6413 Lee Hwy. | This dentistry focuses on providing care to children of all ages in a “safe, comfortable, compassionate, and kid-friendly environment.”
River City Restoration, LLC., Location by request | This family-owned business offers its cleaning services (power washing, gutter cleaning, etc.) to Chattanooga + surrounding areas for home and commercial buildings.
Sharp Slingshot Rentals, 6111 Shallowford Rd. | Take a joyride around Chattanooga on three-wheeled roadsters — renters must be 21+. Bonus: Check out the owner Euwayne Bennett’s mobile auto repair shop.
The Sweet Spot Waxing Co., 6925 Shallowford Rd. |This spot offers skincare, makeup + body waxing services from licensed estheticians.
Winnie Paris, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty, 7158 Lee Hwy. | If you’re in the market for a new home, check out this local realtor who can help you with your search.
Syndicate Studios, 6802 Ringgold Rd. | This “luxury recording studio” is rentable for local musicians and podcasters.
Millicent Garland Photography, 4030 Brock Rd. | Get professional snapshots done for any occasion (think: family portraits, senior photos, book for an event, etc.) by a local family photographer.
Magnolia Consignment, 7801 Nashville St., Ringgold | This shop in nearby Ringgold, GA deals in upscale children’s, women’s + men’s clothing items — learn about donating items.
Bonus: Check out this directory of Black-owned businesses + artists curated by the Hunter Museum of American Art and the museum’s bi-monthly networking event Black Professionals at The Hunter.
Know of a business you want us to add to this list? Let us know.
