Downtown Phoenix has an array of Black-owned businesses, many of which are institutions in Phoenix’s cultural fabric. Here are 21 you can support:
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Straw and Wool
Hats off to these awesome Phoenicians. Straw and Wool’s mission is to bring a sense of style and pride to Downtown Phoenix and beyond, while providing the best shopping experience and a variety of quality headwear and accessories. The business is celebrating its one-year anniversary in Feb. 2021 and recently moved to Roosevelt Row.
610 E. Roosevelt St., Ste 144, Phoenix, AZ
Phone: 602-888-4761
Chic Chef Co.
Across from the Heard Museum, Chic Chef Co. specializes in gourmet olive oils, specialty spice blends, vinegars, sauces, chef boxes and more. The brain child of Chef Nik Fields, every product is 100 percent organic and gluten free. You can order products online, or check out the new shop just north of McDowell Road on Central Avenue. Follow the Chic Chef Instagram page for opening date details.
2302 N. Central Ave., Ste. #3, Phoenix, AZ
Phone: 1-866-630-0010
Nanny’s Chicken
For years Andrea Nebors and her husband traveled across the Valley in their popular food truck serving hot fried fish, chicken shrimp and more. The couple has recently opened Nanny’s their first restaurant Downtown. Currently, Nanny’s is offering dine-in and carryout with online ordering.
Onyx Sweet Shoppe
This family-owned and operated shop has a plethora of decadent yet healthful treats, including many vegan options. Vernon and Kathi Williams are just as sweet as their baked goods, and see want to be a source of support for small businesses and artists in the area. Standout treats include the vegan vanilla bean doughnut, the apple coffee cake. They’ve also got a vast drink menu including Dalgona coffee and frozen horchata. Order online, or better yet, stop in the meet them in person.
Grassrootz Books and Juice Bar
Ali Nervis and Tremikus Muhammad opened Grassrootz Books 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 has reopened with new titles and has recently added a selection of comic books. There is something here for everyone.
Black Theatre Troupe
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 African-American 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. Shows will be tentatively returning in May with “Sistas the Musical.” You can purchase tickets or make a donation online.
Stardust & Sage
This crystal shop is located in the Roosevelt Row Arts District offers oracle readings, divination, guided meditation, sound baths, herbal baths, remedies and more. Owned by Havana Hunt, the store also carries a variety of crystals, candles, smoke cleansing sticks and spiritual colognes.
Since 2016, the local collective Archwood Exchange has hosted the bi-weekly Buy Black Marketplace to support Phoenix-based Black businesses. Founded by the owners of Grassrootz Bookstore and Straw & Wool, the marketplace takes place on the first and third Saturday of every month in the Roosevelt Row Arts District. The Marketplace features many products from Black-owned businesses in Phoenix, including art, jewelry, clothing, beauty products, food and more. Learn more about Archwood Exchange.
Hustle PHX
Founded by husband and wife team, Oye and Crys Waddell in 2013, Hustle Phoenix describes itself as a “faith-inspired nonprofit focused on counseling and promoting Phoenix entrepreneurs who may be outside the mainstream lines of support that many others rely on in launching their businesses.” It’s funded mainly through charitable donations, support from foundations, a small fee-based income for some of their services, churches, banks and city partnerships. Learn more about Hustle PHX.
The Larder + The Delta
Frequently lauded as one of the best restaurants in Phoenix, The Larder + The Delta is a spot you shouldn’t miss. Chef Stephen Jones, the whiz behind the biz, grew up on Southern cooking and puts his signature sophisticated twist on dishes like fried chicken, Hoppin’ John, crispy pigs ears, fish and chips, and more. If you’re a locavore, you’ll love that most of his ingredients are sourced from local producers and purveyors. Jones was recently named a finalist of the James Beard Awards — they’re like the Oscars of the dining industry.
200 W. Portland St., Ste. 101, Phoenix, AZ
Brownstone Spa
In need for some self-care? Brownstone Spa is the spot to escape your everyday stresses and emerge with rejuvenated skin. Owned by licensed esthetician, Stacy Best-Nervis, Brownstone Spa focuses on customized skincare services for the face and body including hyperpigmentation, chemical peels, micro & hydro dermabrasion, and customized facials.
610 E Roosevelt Rd Unit 136 Second Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Andy’s Shoe Shine
Located on the ground floor of the Orpheum Lofts, Andy’s Shoe Shine has been in operation in Downtown Phoenix for over 13 years. Whether you need your shoes shined, a stiletto repaired, or your shoes re-soled, Andy and Grace can help you out, and they always do it with a smile.
Phone: 602-264-6592
Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles
Fried chicken and fluffy waffles. What’s not to love? Lo-Lo’s has been a staple in the Phoenix food scene for more than 22 years. Named after Lo-Lo (Larry) White, grandson of the same Mrs. White with the Golden Rule Cafe. Take a seat inside the original location of the down-home restaurant, and drink Kool-Aid from a jar as you satiate yourself with some good old fashioned soul food. Order online.
1220 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ
Monroe’s Hot Chicken
Downtown Phoenix may be 1,635 miles away from Nashville, but you don’t have to travel far to sink your teeth into Music City’s signature spicy dish. Monroe’s Hot Chicken — the latest concept by Larry “Lo-Lo” White (of Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles) — spiced up the Downtown Phoenix food scene with his Nashville-style hot chicken when it opened in February 2019. Located on the ground floor of the Luhrs building, Monroe’s is the brainchild of Larry “Lo-Lo” White, the namesake and owner behind the famous Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles.
45 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003
Trapp Haus BBQ
If you’re looking for fall-off-the-bone ribs, we’ve got your spot. Trapp Haus, the brainchild of Phil “The Grill” Johnson, is the first barbecue spot to open in Downtown Phoenix. Frequently lauded for its killer traditional American BBQ meats and savory sides, Trapp Haus is located just east of Fifth Street on Roosevelt. Stop into this cozy, rustic hangout for amazing ribs, Philly ‘crack’ wings, hickory smoked brisket, hand pulled pork, cured pastrami and more.
511 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, AZ 85004
Tru Ultra Lounge & Track Club
Alterations and Creations
Whether you need a dress altered, a suit dry cleaned or some custom tailoring, TinaMarie has you covered. She has been at the helm of this Downtown Phoenix business since opening in 2001. The space also serves as a small retail boutique with clothing, accessories and stunning African wrap skirts designed by TinaMarie herself.
214 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: 602-277-9952
Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe
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. Now 97 years old, Mrs. Elizabeth White has the help of her granddaughter, Kiana White, who manages the restaurant, but the focus is the same: quality, taste and consistency. 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.
808 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85034
Loc’d Art Hair Lounge
This member-based upscale natural hair salon specializes in loc cultivation and care services. Located in the Roosevelt’s Arts District the salon was founded by Braxton Keith whose mission is to create a community helping individuals to stay “Loc’d” — committed and dedicated — to their personal hair care journeys.
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