Quantcast
RELATED

In a recent report by Blacktech Week, the data showed Memphis is among the top three cities for black entrepreneurs in the country. This month marked my first trip to the Southern city just before their bicentennial anniversary. Much like my hometown of Atlanta, you see beautiful black faces everywhere, which is no surprise given Memphis is 64 percent black.


What I loved about the city (aside from the food) was getting to spend my dollars with black businesses. Here are seven black-owned companies to support the next time you're visiting Memphis Ten.

Hattiloo Theatre

The Hattiloo is a national treasure. As one of four freestanding Black repertory theatres in the country, thanks to the vision of Ekundayo Bandel. Named in honor of Ekundayo's two daughters, the theatre has grown from a small storefront with a three-person staff to engaging over 5,000 patrons a year. Season 14 will gear up August 9th and run through June 14th of 2020.

The Collective

Founded by Victoria Jones, the CLTV has become an art space in Memphis' historic Orange Mound that has created a safe space for artists of all types to share their work. Don't forget to take a look at their pop-up shop on the way out. "The Corner Store" has apparel, prints, and handmade jewelry all made by the artists it serves.

Chings

Before I landed in Memphis, I'd heard about honey gold wings. As someone who grew up on iconic lemon pepper wings, I didn't think this city could touch us, but I was proved wrong. Lemon pepper will always be my first love, but honey gold is now at the top of my list.

The Four Way

This historic restaurant is the oldest soul food eatery in town, opening its doors in 1946. Having served legends like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the civil rights era, the Four Way, now run by Patrice Bates Thompson, serves up crispy fried chicken, baked mac and cheese, and my all-time favorite — fried green tomatoes.

Cheryl Pesce The Lifestyle Store

Cheryl Pesce nearly got all of my coins. Much like the shops I mentioned above, this boutique located at Crosstown Concourse showcases the work of local makers as well as books filled with brown faces for the little ones.

Mbabazi House of Style

Located on Broad Street, an up and coming area with sidewalks and cute shops, I stumbled upon Mbabazi. The shop is filled with fair trade clothing handmade by Ugandan women at great price points.

Payne's BBQ

Though I didn't get a chance to visit Payne's myself, Victoria (founder of The Collective) made sure we had what she said is "the best BBQ in town." I had a pulled pork sandwich topped with their mustard slaw, and it was everything Victoria said it would be.

Featured image by Getty Images

Want more stories like this? Sign up for our newsletter here and check out the related reads below:

Our Guide To Everything To Eat, See & Do In Portland

A Trip To Austin May Be The Foodie-Inspired Vacay You Need

Everything To See, Eat & Do In Havana

Are Day Trips Worth It? What Happened On My Day Trip To Santa Barbara

 

RELATED

 
ALSO ON XONECOLE
Sagittarius-zodiac-sign-October-2025-horoscopes

December is about letting go. We end the year with the need for more peace, reflection, and rejuvenation, and that is exactly what December is providing for us. The Sun is in Sagittarius, and anything is possible. This is the month to believe in that and to know that the universe is supporting you. With a Supermoon in Gemini as we begin the month as well, we have an opportunity to gain the closure we have been looking for this year and to wrap up old projects, ideas, and communication breakthroughs.

This is the month to make your peace the priority and let go of trying to control the way the tides are turning. Trust in your new beginning, and give yourself time to prepare for it this month.

KEEP READINGShow less
Do You Expect Others To Read Your Mind? Here's The Problem With That.

Omniscience. If someone were to offer you $100 right this second for the definition of that word, could you immediately provide it? If you’re not sure, basically omniscience is about being able to know everything — and to those who believe in God, only he is given that honor. For those who believe in Satan? Not even he is omniscient (as much as he would like people to think otherwise).

Sometimes, it might feel that otherwise because some beings and even people are truly masterful when it comes to reading body language, observing patterns, and picking up on cues. Still, no matter how much it might seem like someone can read someone else’s mind, they can’t. It is literally impossible — and I will briefly expound on that in just a moment.

KEEP READINGShow less
LATEST POSTS