Black-Owned Businesses to Boost in Atlanta

Atlanta has long been recognized as a hub for Black excellence, and the data supports this claim. According to 2023 statistics from the Atlanta Regional Commission’s 33N initiative, the metro area is home to over 13,700 Black-owned employer businesses, accounting for 11.3% of all firms in the region. This is the highest percentage of any major U.S. metropolitan area and continues to grow. Despite the challenges that Black entrepreneurs often face, Atlanta’s business landscape remains vibrant and increasingly inclusive.

For visitors and locals alike, there are countless reasons to support Black-owned businesses in the city. From dining out to shopping, seeking legal counsel, or enjoying nightlife, there are numerous options that reflect the cultural richness and entrepreneurial spirit of the community.

Restaurants

Atlanta offers a wide array of Black-owned restaurants that serve delicious meals inspired by global and Southern cuisines:

• The Busy Bee Café – A historic soul food spot established in 1947, known for its fried chicken and role in the civil rights movement.
• Slutty Vegan – Founded by Pinky Cole, this plant-based restaurant has gained national attention with playful names like “One Night Stand.”
• Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours – Chef Deborah VanTrece blends global flavors with traditional Southern cuisine.
• Paschal’s Restaurant – A legendary spot since the 1940s, it served as a meeting place for civil rights leaders.
• Bomb Biscuits – Known for its Southern breakfast specialties, including biscuits and cinnamon rolls.
• Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks – Offers authentic Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks and is involved in local philanthropy.
• Oreatha’s At The Point – Another creation by Chef Deborah VanTrece, offering globally inspired comfort food.
• Old Lady Gang Southern Cuisine – Run by Kandi Burruss of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” serving family recipes with a warm atmosphere.

Bars and Nightlife

Atlanta's nightlife scene is also rich with Black-owned bars and lounges:

• Bar Vegan – A plant-based cocktail bar founded by Pinky Cole, known for theatrical drink presentations.
• Hippin Hops Brewery – Georgia’s first Black-owned brewery, blending Caribbean-inspired cuisine with craft beers.
• CRU Urban Lounge – One of the largest Black-owned nightlife franchises in the country.
• Our Bar ATL – A welcoming space for live music and community engagement.
• Sovereign Sweets – Combines a dessert lounge with a sophisticated bar setting.
• The Beverly – An upscale lounge featuring craft cocktails and Southern-inspired dishes.

Nightclubs and After-Hours Spots

For those looking for an energetic night out, these venues offer a mix of music, dance, and cultural experiences:

• Josephine Lounge – Known for Afrobeat rhythms and a vibrant ambiance.
• The BQE Restaurant & Lounge – Merges Southern cuisine with lively nightlife.
• Boogalou Restaurant & Lounge – Features unique décor and dynamic music scenes.
• Apt 4B – A vinyl bar celebrating Afro-Caribbean culture through food and music.
• Kats Cafe – A cozy spot for live jazz and open mic nights.
• Negril ATL – Offers Caribbean-inspired nightlife with a dance floor and live DJs.
• Suite Food Lounge – Hosts themed nights and live performances.
• Magic City – An iconic gentlemen’s club with a history in hip-hop.
• Southern Fried Queer Pride (SFQP) Events – Celebrates Black and brown queer communities through arts and events.

Theaters and Performance Spaces

Atlanta is home to several Black-owned theaters and performance spaces that showcase diverse talent:

• Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company – Dedicated to producing works by Black playwrights.
• Atlanta Black Theater Festival – An annual event highlighting Black theater talent.
• New African Grove Theatre Company – Focuses on plays centered around African American experiences.
• Youth Ensemble of Atlanta (YEA) – Provides performing arts training for young people.
• APEX Museum – Explores African-American history and culture.

Salons and Barber Shops

For grooming needs, Atlanta has several Black-owned salons and barbershops:

• MDB Grooming – A one-stop shop for men’s grooming, emphasizing education and product knowledge.
• Tony’s Barber Studio – Honors the legacy of Black barbers with a focus on heritage and style.
• Cutters Lounge – Offers premium grooming services with an all-Black team of barbers.
• Tender Headz Children’s Salon – Specializes in hair care for children.
• Salon Moraee – Known for skilled professionals and quality service.
• SKYHH Salon – Focuses on locs and personalized styling.

Retail Stores

From fashion to home decor, Atlanta’s Black-owned retail stores provide unique and diverse options:

• The Village Retail – A curated marketplace featuring products from over 150 Black-owned brands.
• The Sistah Shop – A boutique dedicated to Black women-owned brands.
• Souk Bohemian – Blends minimalistic and bohemian aesthetics with artisan-crafted goods.
• BRNS – A leisurewear brand rooted in ’80s fashion.
• The Beehive – A platform for independent designers and artists.
• The Taste Boutique – Offers homeware and apparel with a blend of comfort and style.
• Laine London – A Black woman-owned bridal rental shop.
• Humans Before Handles – Creates affordable, culturally inspired jewelry.

Grocery and Convenience Stores

For fresh produce and health-focused items, these stores cater to the community:

• Wadada Healthy Market & Juice Bar – Promotes wellness through organic juices and health foods.
• Patchwork City Farms – An urban farm offering fresh, locally grown produce.
• Sevananda Natural Foods Market – A community-owned co-op supporting local farmers.

Gyms and Fitness Studios

Atlanta has several Black-owned gyms and fitness studios focusing on inclusivity and wellness:

• E.F.F.E.C.T. Fitness – Offers high-intensity workouts and community outreach programs.
• Gymnetics Fitness – Atlanta’s first Black woman-owned fitness center.
• Stretch ATL – A Pilates studio focused on physical alignment and wellness.
• ProjectBody ATL – Women-only Pilates and barre studio.
• The Fitness Collective ATL – Offers a range of movement classes and holistic wellness services.
• Level3 Yoga – Classes rooted in Black culture, including hip-hop and twerk yoga.
• KTX Fitness – High-energy cycling and boot camp classes.
• Fitsquad Studios – Provides personal training and wellness consultations.

Law Firms

For legal services, these Black-owned law firms offer expert representation:

• Thomas Kennedy Sampson & Tompkins LLP – Georgia’s oldest Black-owned law firm.
• Kouyate & Associates – Focuses on immigration, personal injury, and criminal defense.
• The Clair Firm, LLC – Specializes in family law, personal injury, and criminal defense.
• The Fairley Firm, LLC – Provides strategic legal solutions in criminal defense and family law.

Real Estate Firms

For real estate needs, these Black-owned firms assist in buying, selling, and managing properties:

• NorLuxe Realty – A luxury real estate firm focused on making homeownership accessible.
• T. Dallas Smith & Company – One of the largest Black-owned commercial real estate firms.
• Strive Realty Group – Female-led and community-focused.
• Executive Realty Solutions Inc. (E.R.S.) – Manages HUD foreclosure properties and offers property solutions.
• APD Urban Planning + Management – Specializes in urban development and community revitalization.
• Indigo Road Realty – Offers residential brokerage services with a focus on design.
• H.J. Russell & Company – A pioneering Black-owned real estate and construction company.