Supporting Black-Owned Businesses in New Orleans: A Local Spotlight

New Orleans nurtures a dynamic community of African American entrepreneurs, with a profound heritage of black-owned enterprises dating back centuries. From iconic eateries to cutting-edge startups, these businesses play a pivotal role in the city’s economy and cultural fabric. Patronizing black-owned businesses not only generates jobs and stimulates economic growth but also celebrates the diverse talents and contributions of the African American community in New Orleans.

TL;DR

• New Orleans boasts a wide range of notable black-owned businesses across various sectors, including food service, retail, health, and wellness.
• Several organizations and initiatives within the city provide resources, funding, and educational opportunities to support black entrepreneurship and help these businesses thrive.
• Locals and visitors alike can explore and support black-owned businesses through online directories, mobile apps, guided tours, and community events.

Notable Black-Owned Businesses in New Orleans

Restaurants and Food Service

Dooky Chase’s Restaurant is an iconic Creole eatery with a storied past. Established by Emily and Dooky Chase, Sr. in 1939, the restaurant has served as a gathering place for civil rights leaders, celebrities, and politicians. Renowned for its delectable Creole cuisine, Dooky Chase’s offers a popular lunch buffet throughout the week. The restaurant is situated at 2301 Orleans Avenue and is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 am to 3 pm.

Backatown Coffee Parlour is a cozy cafe that serves locally roasted coffee, pastries, and light fare. Owner Jessica Knox has cultivated a welcoming space that celebrates New Orleans’ coffee culture and community. The cafe is located at 301 Basin Street, Suite 1, and is open daily from 7 am to 3 pm.

Addis NOLA brings the flavors of Ethiopia to New Orleans. Chef Biruk Alemayehu’s menu showcases traditional dishes like doro wat (spicy chicken stew) and veggie combos served with injera bread. The restaurant is situated at 2514 Bayou Road and is open Wednesday through Monday from 11 am to 9 pm.

Retail and Shopping

Defend New Orleans is an apparel store that celebrates the city’s resilience and unique culture. Owner Jac Currie’s designs feature iconic New Orleans imagery and phrases, with a portion of proceeds benefiting local charities. The store is situated at 1101 First Street and is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.

Stella Jones Gallery showcases the works of African American artists from New Orleans and beyond. Owner Stella Jones has been a champion of black art for over two decades, hosting exhibitions and events that promote emerging and established talent. The gallery is located at 201 St. Charles Avenue, Suite 132, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm.

Community Book Center is a bookstore that specializes in African American literature, history, and culture. Founded by Vera Warren-Williams in 1983, the store offers a wide selection of books for all ages, as well as African-inspired clothing, jewelry, and accessories. The bookstore is situated at 2523 Bayou Road and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm.

Health and Wellness

Magnolia Yoga Studio is a black-owned yoga studio that promotes mindfulness, self-care, and community. Owner Adrianne “Ajax” Jackson offers a variety of classes for all levels, including vinyasa flow, restorative yoga, and meditation. The studio is located at 3443 Esplanade Avenue and offers classes throughout the week.

NOLA Organic Spa is an eco-friendly spa that provides natural beauty treatments using organic, locally sourced products. Owner Yolanda Reaux’s services include facials, massages, and body wraps, all designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa is situated at 2042 Magazine Street and is open Tuesday through Saturday by appointment.

New Orleans Healing Center is a holistic health center that houses various black-owned businesses, including a yoga studio, acupuncture clinic, and herbal apothecary. The center’s mission is to promote wellness and community through alternative healing modalities. It is located at 2372 St. Claude Avenue and is open daily with varying hours for each business.

Supporting Black Entrepreneurship in New Orleans

Organizations and Initiatives

The New Orleans Business Alliance provides resources and support for black-owned businesses, including access to capital, technical assistance, and networking opportunities. The organization’s Minority Business Enterprise program helps to connect minority-owned businesses with corporate partners and government contracts.

Fund 17 is a non-profit organization that offers microloans and business education to entrepreneurs of color in New Orleans. The organization’s mission is to promote economic opportunity and empowerment in underserved communities. Fund 17 provides loans ranging from $500 to $20,000, as well as workshops and one-on-one coaching to help businesses succeed.

PowerMoves NOLA is an accelerator program for high-growth minority-owned startups. The program provides access to capital, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses. PowerMoves NOLA has helped to launch and grow several successful black-owned startups in New Orleans, including Resilia and Torsh.

Events and Networking Opportunities

New Orleans Black Restaurant Week is an annual event that promotes black-owned eateries throughout the city. The week-long celebration features special menus, discounts, and events at participating restaurants, showcasing the diversity and talent of black chefs and restaurateurs in New Orleans. The event typically takes place in the fall, with dates and participating restaurants announced on the official website.

The Black Business Expo is an annual showcase of local black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. The event features vendor booths, workshops, and networking opportunities, providing a platform for businesses to connect with customers and each other. The expo usually takes place in the spring at various locations throughout the city.

NOLA Black Professionals Meetup is a networking group for black professionals and business owners in New Orleans. The group hosts monthly events, including happy hours, speaker series, and skill-building workshops, providing opportunities for members to connect, collaborate, and support each other’s endeavors. Meetups are announced on the group’s social media pages and website.

Discovering Black-Owned Businesses in New Orleans

Online Directories and Apps

BlackNOLA is a comprehensive online directory of black-owned businesses in New Orleans. The website features listings for restaurants, shops, services, and more, making it easy for users to find and support black-owned businesses in their area. The directory is updated regularly and includes user reviews and ratings.

The EatOkra app is a mobile directory that helps users find black-owned restaurants nationwide, including in New Orleans. The app features user-friendly search filters, maps, and reviews, making it simple to discover and support black-owned eateries on the go. EatOkra is available for free on both iOS and Android devices.

The official New Orleans tourism website features a section dedicated to black-owned businesses, including restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. The website provides a curated list of notable businesses, along with descriptions, contact information, and links to their individual websites or social media pages.

Local Tours and Guides

Free Chow Baby Tours offers food tours that highlight black-owned restaurants in New Orleans. The tours provide a unique opportunity to sample dishes from several eateries while learning about the history and culture of African American cuisine in the city. Tours are offered on weekends and can be booked through the company’s website.

The Black Heritage and Jazz Tour is a guided walking tour that explores the African American history and cultural contributions in New Orleans. The tour includes stops at significant landmarks, such as Congo Square and the Backstreet Cultural Museum, as well as visits to black-owned businesses along the way. Tours are offered daily and can be booked online or through local hotels.

The Black-Owned Business Walking Tour is a self-guided tour that showcases black-owned shops, restaurants, and galleries in the Tremé and French Quarter neighborhoods. The tour includes a map and descriptions of each business, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace and support black entrepreneurs along the way. Maps can be downloaded from the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation website.

Economic Impact and Community Empowerment

Black-owned businesses have been a vital part of New Orleans’ economy for generations, and their growth and success continue to drive job creation and community development. According to a report by the New Orleans Business Alliance, black-owned businesses account for over 40% of all businesses in the city, generating millions of dollars in revenue each year.

Supporting black-owned businesses helps to circulate dollars within the African American community, creating a multiplier effect that benefits the entire city. By patronizing these businesses, customers are not only supporting individual entrepreneurs but also investing in the economic empowerment of the black community as a whole.

The success stories of black entrepreneurs in New Orleans are a testament to the resilience, creativity, and determination of the African American community. From Leah Chase, the legendary chef and owner of Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, to Iam Tucker, the founder of ILSI Engineering, a successful black-owned construction firm, these entrepreneurs have overcome countless obstacles to build thriving businesses that create jobs, inspire others, and contribute to the rich tapestry of New Orleans.

By shining a spotlight on these businesses and the organizations that support them, we can help to create a more equitable and inclusive economy in New Orleans, one that celebrates the diversity and strength of the African American community. As customers, we have the power to make a difference with every dollar we spend, and by choosing to support black-owned businesses, we are investing in the future of our city and the success of our fellow citizens.