African-American women are creating their own businesses at a higher rate than other female entrepreneurs in the U.S.
In fact, women of color account for 89% of the new businesses opened every day over the past year, according to the annual State of Women-Owned Businesses Report.
And as more and more minority and woman-owned businesses pop up on the scene, we have decided to round-up a list of coffee-shops and cafes owned by black women!
Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse is a comic book store and coffee shop hybrid located in the Kensington section of North Philadelphia.
Founder Ariell Johnson opened the shop’s doors in 2015 and since its opening, Amalgam has gained the national spotlight because of its commitment to representation and inclusion. Amalgam is the only black-woman owned shop of its kind, and the first black-woman owned comic book store on the East Coast.
Black Swan Espresso In Newark, New Jersey
Black Swan Espresso is Newark’s first Specialty Coffee and Tea Shop. The company was founded in May 2016 by writer and business analyst Laura Mashtaler. The inspiration behind Black Swan Espresso came from how it would take her 10 minutes to describe to coffee shop staff in New York how to make a cortado. The Newark location was chosen because of its proximity to college campuses, business centers, and public transportation.
Black Swan Espresso is named for a species of rare black swans, “Cygnus atratus,” thought to be nonexistent. The restaurant grinds its coffee “by hand” instead of using automatic espresso machines, and highlights single-origin beans and blends from award-winning roasters.
Culture Coffee Too In Washington D.C.
Culture Coffee is a neighborhood coffee house that combines coffee and culture, hosting open mic nights, live music, and artist exhibits.
The coffee shop is the brainchild of Veronica Cooper, known throughout Washington D.C. as “Ms. V”.
“We wish to provide a diverse and exceptional cultural experience to all who step foot through our doors,” said Cooper.
Detroit Sip In Detroit, Michigan
When Jevona Watson created Detroit Sip in 2017, she had the goal of wanting to unite the community one sip at a time.
“The relationships you can develop around something small, like a cup of coffee, are important,” she said. “I saw an opportunity to provide a space where the Detroit community can meet, work, and play.”
Grant Park Coffeehouse In Atlanta, Georgia
Grant Park Coffeehouse is a neighborhood cafe that specializes in organic and fair-trade coffee, gourmet handcrafted sandwiches, breakfast, ice cream, and more.
Owner Rachel Belfield was inspired to create the coffee shop after dreaming of a place where she could take her daughter and have a good cup of coffee and tasty treats.
Sip & Sonder In Inglewood, California
Established in 2017, Sip & Sonder is an entrepreneurial and creative hub that houses a Coffee House and Creative Studio.
While practicing law at the same law firm, Shanita Nicholas and Amanda-Jane Thomas became friends. Eventually, the two women also became business partners, their dreams and passions converging into the creation of Sip & Sonder .
Located in Downtown Inglewood, “the innovative space, programs, events, and partnerships are tangible manifestations of our voice, which is for the community, for the culture,” a statement on the website reads.
Whittier Cafe in Denver
Whittier Cafe is the first African espresso bar and social justice cafe in Denver.
The exclusively African coffee and espresso bar has hand-crafted coffee, food and is now serving African beers and wines as well.
