Charlotte, North Carolina is a rapidly growing city that is changing every day. It’s no surprise that black business owners are regularly opening up shop in the “Queen City.”
If you have plans to visit Charlotte or if you just relocated, here’s how you can spend a day supporting the black-owned businesses around town.
Wake up with a cup of coffee from Coppa Coffee and Tea
There are three locations in Charlotte for you to try. Owner Jeff Tuning offers unique blends and roast profiles. You can find flavors like banana, blueberry, and even black cherry that are infused during the roasting process. The best part, there are no added sugars.
Enjoy a nice breakfast at The Yolk
Make your way uptown to have breakfast at The Yolk. Greg and Subrina Collier are a husband and wife duo making their mark in the foodservice industry in Charlotte. The pair recently moved their award-winning restaurant from Rock Hill to the 7th Street Market in Charlotte.
Related: Meet The Couple Taking The Charlotte Food Scene By Storm
Check in to your room at Ms. Elsie’s Caribbean B&B
Whether you are on vacation or taking a staycation, Ms. Elsie’s is perfect. This cute bed and breakfast is located just east of Charlotte’s city center. Owner Cheryl Watkins opened this accommodation in honor of her late grandmother, Ms. Elsie. It has been featured with Essence and even named as “Best B&B in the South” by Southern Living Magazine.
Get pampered at Elevation Beauty and Nail Spa
This luxury nail spa is a newcomer to Charlotte, but you will need to make an appointment to get in. What sets this spa apart from the others is that they offer vegan nail polishes, no UV lamps are used, and the pedicure chairs were custom made. Clients are treated to complimentary beverages during their service as well.
AlphaMale nail care is available to pamper the men
This male-only salon provides an atmosphere for any man who wants to take care of his nails while relaxing in a comfortable environment. The salon’s décor mimics a man-cave, while owner Sheena makes sure your hands and feet are looking good.
Get your grub on at Veltree, the Vegan Experience
This vegan soul food take-out spot recently opened in September. Partners Vel and “Tree” have been given the stamp of approval several times by Erykah Badu. The menu offers soul food classics like fried “chick’n” and macaroni n’ cheese, in addition to smoothies and juices.
Grab drinks at Loft and Cellar
This restaurant and bar is located right in the center of all the action. You can catch panoramic views of the city from the upstairs loft while sipping on curated cocktails and craft beer selections until 2 am. Live musicians or an in-house DJ will provide the tunes for the night. They also offer a full menu, so, if you work up an appetite, you can order food as well.
Vibe out at Dupp and Swat
This venue is a safe space, clothing boutique, art gallery and music hall all in one. It is located in Charlotte’s Camp North End which is also home to breweries and other eateries. On any given day you can find creatives coming together for jam sessions and other art-centered events. It is truly an all around feel-good kind of place.
If you need other black-owned food suggestions in Charlotte, check out our list here.
