Downtown Phoenix is home to an array of Black-owned businesses, many of which are institutions in Phoenix’s cultural fabric. As we honor Black History Month, here are 10 Black-owned businesses you can support in Downtown Phoenix:
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ACRES Retail Store
Location: 610 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Founded by local nonprofit Archwood Exchange, the ACRES Community Creators Marketplace is the organization’s latest effort to empower our community by developing and supporting local small Black-owned businesses. Located in the Roosevelt Row Arts District in Downtown Phoenix, this store is the home to over 30 local businesses, including Maddie B’s Chicago Style Gourmet Popcorn and Marlee’s Lemonade, while working towards paving the way for new entrepreneurs and building generational wealth.
Afi Like Taffy
Afi Maita is a talented stylist, influencer, and cultural curator who uses her platform to celebrate Black excellence and amplify African heritage. As the founder of Afi Like Taffy, she merges her love for fashion, beauty, and storytelling to create a space where style is a powerful form of self-expression. Afi’s keen eye for design and her commitment to empowering the Black community through fashion have made her a standout in the industry. During Black History Month, Afi’s work serves as an inspiration to embrace one’s roots while confidently stepping into the future, blending tradition with trend. For more information or to book a styling appointment visit www.afiliketaffy.com
AP & Associates
AP & Associates specializes in crafting strategic initiatives aimed at elevating client revenue streams and maximizing ROI. With a focus on commercial real estate and high-profile acquisitions, their team excels in developing meticulously planned alliances with Government bodies, Fortune 500 corporations, venture capital firms, and private equity partners. By leveraging strategic partnerships, AP & Associates not only expands their clients’ market share but also optimizes their bottom line while significantly reducing ROI timeframes. For additional information, visit apscottsdale.com/.
Big Bacon’s
Location: 719 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, AZ 85006
Big Bacon’s is bringing classic, home-cooked meals from the Midwest to Downtown Phoenix. Located on the corner of Roosevelt and Seventh Streets, their menu offers Chicago-inspired soul food made with fresh ingredients.
Black Theatre Troupe
Location: 1333 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034
Celebrating more than 50 years in the Eastlake Park neighborhood, the origins of the Black Theatre Troupe date back to ‘70s, when the Valley’s Black community needed a creative and artistic space during times of racial tension. Fun fact: During the ‘80s it became the first real artistic anchor of the Roosevelt Row Arts District. You can purchase tickets or make a donation online.
Grassrootz Bookstore and Juice Bar
Location: 1145 E. Washington St., #200, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Ali Nervis and Tremikus Muhammad opened Grassrootz Bookstore and Juice Bar in the Eastlake Park Neighborhood in 2019. Since then the store has received national attention including a nod on Oprah Daily. Filled with shelves and shelves of books by Black authors and on the Black experience, it’s also home to a juice bar and coworking space where community members can host meetings and events. The store always has new titles and has recently added a selection of comic books.
HeroZona Foundation
HeroZona Foundation is a non-profit organization that empowers Heroes in the community through entrepreneurship, employment, and education. HeroZona Foundation works with veterans, first responders and those that bring social good to future generations and under-served communities. Programs include The Bridge Forum, Play-It-Forward, Veterans Reach to Teach, Heropreneur Academy, Phoenix Tools 4 Schools, Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway and more. For additional information about HeroZona Foundation, visit herozona.org/.
Monroe’s Hot Chicken
Location: 45 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003
Located on the ground floor of the Luhrs City Center, Monroe’s Hot Chicken serves Nashville-style hot chicken dishes including: A fried chicken sandwich with slaw and pickles served on a buttery brioche bun; a hot chicken Belgian waffle sandwich served with a warm side of maple syrup; and chicken tenders and fries. M-Sat 11am-4pm.
Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe
Location: 808 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85034
Feed your soul with some of the best Southern comfort food this side of the Mississippi. A low-key Phoenix institution, Mrs. White’s has served down-home classics since 1964. Fried catfish, fried chicken, smothered pork chops, and savory sides like black-eyed peas, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens are just some of the items on the menu. While the space is modest, it has plenty of character with the handwritten notes from its guests on the walls, numerous newspaper clippings and the menu, written on an old-school chalkboard.
Stadium Sports Bar & Lounge
Location: 50 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003
Offers a wide selection of drinks, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere to enjoy your favorite games with friends and fellow fans.
Stardust & Sage
Location: 610 E. Roosevelt St., #136, Phoenix, AZ 85004
This crystal shop located in the Roosevelt Row Arts District offers oracle readings, divination, guided meditation, sound baths, herbal baths, remedies and more. Owned by Havana, the store also carries a variety of crystals, candles, smoke cleansing sticks and spiritual colognes.
SugarJam The Southern Kitchen
SugarJam The Southern Kitchen is a Southern-inspired brunch restaurant in North Scottsdale that serves breakfast, lunch, baked goods and cocktails. Known for its unique Southern cuisine, SugarJam features a range of traditional and elevated Southern favorites including its signature French Toast N’ Fried Chicken and its Creole Shrimp N’ Grits. Guests can also pick up a sweet treat from the SugarJam bakery and enjoy one of SugarJam’s many craft cocktails. In addition to Southern brunch, SugarJam also features a live DJ for Fresh Friday and for its Brunch N’ Vibe weekend experience on Saturdays and Sundays who plays all your favorite hits. SugarJam is owned and operated by Dana Dumas, an African American woman and female entrepreneur, who works every day to bring top-quality Southern cuisine to the people of Phoenix. SugarJam The Southern Kitchen is open every Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information on the SugarJam The Southern Kitchen, visit https://www.sjsouthernkitchen.com/.
Tap That Downtown
Location: 909 N. 5th St., Phoenix, AZ 85004
This self-serve taproom offers a rotating selection of 35 draft beverages. Explore and pour your craft beer, and definitely try the wings and poutine. In addition to drinks, Tap That Downtown offers a full menu of delicious pub food and flatbreads.
Yoga Hause
Location: 200 E. Van Buren St., #417, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Experience rejuvenation at Yoga Hause Studio. Offerings include sound healing, yoga, meditation, and breathwork for every skill level.
