Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses
In honor of Black History Month, we celebrate the vibrant Black-owned businesses that enrich the communities. These enterprises not only offer exceptional products and services but also contribute significantly to the cultural and economic fabric of our towns. We encourage you to support and explore these local gems, not just this month, but throughout the year.
Maplewood
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A Paper Hat Art + Design Supply
Owner: Mika
Address: 410 Ridgewood Road, #3
Established in 2016, this creative supply shop offers well-made art supplies, stationery, and gifts for all ages and abilities.
Website:https://apaperhat.com
Barn Bird Kitchen
Owners: Chef Emeka Onugha with his wife Jafrania Onugha and business partner Chukah Morah
Address: 147 Maplewood Avenue
Barn Bird Kitchen celebrates the classic comfort food, fried chicken, as an ode to its essence. It was inspired by Chef Emeka’s passion for showcasing the art and expertise required to create delectable fried chicken.
Website: https://barnbirdkitchen.com
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Cornbread
C0-Founder: Aden Bayoh & Zadie Smith
Address: 1565 Springfield Ave
They are a fast-casual farm-to-table restaurant specializing in authentic, savory soul food while incorporating innovative technology for a unique and welcoming dining experience.
Website:https://cornbreadsoul.com
Noiré Dispensary
Owners: Giovanni and Sharquana
Address: 171 Maplewood Ave
A minority- and female-owned family cannabis business, Noiré Dispensary aims to change the stigma of cannabis and educate customers on its benefits.
Website: http://noiredispensary.com
City Workshop Men's Supply Co.
Owners: Roger and Josefina
Address: 104 Baker Street
This men's casual lifestyle shop offers high-quality, uncommon products, starting with American-made denim and expanding globally.
Website: https://cityworkshopmsc.com
Crabbae
Owner: Kashif Jones,
Address: 165 Franklin Terrace(Also in WO & Kenilworth
Kashif Jones, the visionary behind Crabbae, elevates seafood cuisine with expertly crafted, boldly seasoned dishes that redefine the crab experience.
Website: https://crabbae.com
Freeman's Fish Market
Owners: Reggie and Shawn
Address: 155 Maplewood Ave
Providing the area's freshest seafood since 1989, Freeman's Fish Market handpicks all fish daily from the historic Fulton Fish Market.
Website: https://freemansfishmarket.com
Palmer's Bakehouse
Owners: Kia and Joan
Address: 1 Highland Place
Specializing in small-batch, handcrafted sweets and savories, Palmer's Bakehouse offers a rotating menu based on seasonal ingredients.
Website: https://palmersbakehouse.com
South Orange
Concepts Dance Academy
Owner: Debbie Rembert
Address: 50 S. Orange Ave 2nd Floor
Debbie Rembert, owner of Concepts Dance Academy, believes all dancers, regardless of race or social status, should have access to professional training that can lead to successful careers.
Website: www.theconceptsdanceacademy.com
Elitist Coffee
Owners: Sharon & Shauna Arnette
Address: 154 Valley Street
This mother-daughter duo offers a paradise for coffee enthusiasts, serving premium coffee beans sourced from farmers committed to ecological health and fair labor practices.
Website: https://www.elitistcoffee.com
Little Shop of Hip Hop
Owner: Ron "Boogie" Brown
Address: 111 South Orange Ave
A former recording artist, Ron's deep passion for all aspects of Hip Hop culture inspired him to open this unique shop.
ShiCares Beauty
Owner: Yashica Smith
Address: 228 S. Orange Ave., Ground Floor
Board Certified Nurse Practitioner for cosmetic procedures and weight loss services for any body concerns you may have.
Website: https://shicaresmedspa.com
S.O.C.A. Tattoo Shop
Owners: Chris Chery & Byron George
Address: 74 South Orange Ave, Suite 206-207
As the first tattoo studio in South Orange, S.O.C.A. provides a welcoming space for clients seeking unique body art.
Village Dental Group
Owner: Dr. L. Dawn Christian, D.D.S
Address: 71 Valley Street • Suite 100
Dr. Christian, owner of Village Dental Group and a 1984 graduate of Howard University College of Dentistry, leads a team of specialists dedicated to patient education, trust-building, and comprehensive dental care.
Website: https://southorangedentist.com
Walia Ethiopian Restaurant
Owner: Shewaye Yassin
Address: 11 Village Plaza
Shewaye Yassin, a long-time South Orange resident, opened Walia in 2013 to share authentic Ethiopian cuisine. Her passion for food and hospitality makes diners feel like family.
Website: https://waliarestaurant.com
CannaBoy Tree House
Owner: Brenda Hopper and Tatiyana Lofton
Address: 57 W S Orange Ave
In order to subdue stress, reduce pain, and ensure positive moments in your life, you must achieve optimal wellness. Choose CBD as your vehicle to a more fulfilling life.
Website: https://cannaboytreehouse.com/home-1
Little Brain Lab
Owner: Ese Crosett
Address: 76 S Orange Ave Ste 04
The first and only play space of it’s kind in the South Orange and Maplewood area.
Website: https://www.littlebrainlab.fun
The Grapevine Mobile Bar
Owners: Sebastien & Chade Pierre
Address: South Orange NJ
A full-service bar catering option that can elevate any private or corporate event in the New Jersey and New York City metro area.
Website: www.grapevinemobilebar.com
Papillon 25
Owner: Yanick Ranieri
Address: 25 Valley Street
Originally from Haiti, Yanick Ranieri brings a global culinary experience to Papillon 25, a sophisticated restaurant and martini bar. She strives to provide her customers with the perfect meal and best experience.
Website: https://papillon25.com
Silked the Salon
Owner: Bonita Abakah
Address: 75 South Orange Ave, Suite 210
A creative and music lover, Bonita provides a serene space where clients leave feeling refreshed and styled to perfection.
The Gallery at Vose
Owner: Bernard Jackson
Address: 9 Vose Ave
An artist with a Masters in Fine Arts, Bernard believes art enhances the mind and body by providing self-expression and reducing stress.
Website: www.artistbernardjackson.com
West Orange
Harper's Café
Owner: Garan Dickson
Address: 134 South Valley Road
Harper's Café is a charming establishment in West Orange, known for its fresh, fairly priced, and flavorful food. It's a cozy spot to enjoy a delightful meal in a welcoming atmosphere.
Website: https://www.harperscafenj.com
Llewellyn Parq Bar and Grill
Owners: Marc Thompson & Anthony Sharperson
Address: 104 Harrison Avenue
Llewellyn Parq is a casual yet classy bar and grill offering a diverse menu of American cuisine with a touch of soul food. With over 20 years of hospitality and entertainment experience, the owners have created an ambiance unmatched in the area.
Website: http://llewellynparq.com
Check out other list of Black-Owned Businesses in West Orange
CLICK HERE
How Delish
Owner: Laiquan Harvey-Davis
Address: 55 Kingsley St
How Delish HD offers the best vegan and gluten-free desserts
Website: www.howdelishhd.com
OKO FINE CUISINE
Owner: Cliff Mills
Address: 437 Main Street
Oko Fine Cuisine has been recognized as one of NJ.com's 21 best Black-owned restaurants to try in New Jersey. This establishment offers a unique dining experience, though specific details about the cuisine and ownership are limited.
Instagram: @okofine_cuisine
Millburn
Adrienne L. Davis, Esq.
Address: 159 Millburn Avenue
(973) 258-9200
(973) 412-5269 (cell)
(973) 258-0666 (fax)
adrienne.davis@spectorfoerst.com
Website: www.spectorfoerst.com
Bombshell Beauty Bar
Owner: Melissa Downer
Address: 356 Millburn, Suite 7
Bombshell Beauty Bar extends beyond just offering exceptional services; it's about empowering clients to embrace their beauty and feel confident in their skin.
Website: https://bombshellbeautybar.vip/
Montclair
Crêpes Chantal
Owner: Chantal Bolivar
Address: Various locations (Sankofa Cafe, Montclair Farmers’ Market, etc and online delivery) ,
Chantal Bolivar is a French native and Montclair resident , offers organic sweet and savory French crêpes.
Website: www.crepeschantal.com
Montclair Brewery
Owner: Leo and Denise Sawadogo
Address: 101 Walnut Street
A husband and wife-owned microbrewery offering an eclectic mix of beer styles, some inspired by their roots in West Africa and the Caribbean.
Website: www.montclairbrewery.com/
Sankofa Cafe
Owner: Jessica Troupe
Address: 319 Orange Road
Cafe that serves single-origin and unique coffee blends & teas, as well as pastries.
Website: https://sankofacafenj.com/
VANGUARD THEATER COMPANY
Founder/Co-Founder: Janeece Freeman Clark and Daryl Stewart
Address: 180 Bloomfield Avenue
Changing social and cultural narratives through theater dedicated to DREAM: Diversity, Reciprocity, Education, Activism & Mentorship.
Website: www.vanguardtheatercompany.org
Dem Two Hands
Owner: Marion Lake
Address: 4 South Fullerton Avenue
Celebrating over 30 years in business, it is an online boutique selling Bohemian clothing, shoes & accessories
Website: https://demtwohands.com
Montclair Diner
Managing Owner: Eliot Mosby
Address: 613 Valley Road
A staple in Upper Montclair since 1923, known for traditional diner classics, popular dishes include French toast, crab cake benedict, and chicken and waffles.
Website: www.montclairdiner.com/
Montclair Pediatric Dental Care
Dr. Tyra J. Manso, Board-Certified pediatric dentist.
Address: (31 Valley Road, 2nd Floor
MPDC is a prevention-focused dental office. All of our patients receive a cavity risk assessment, oral hygiene instruction, and an age appropriate prevention plan.
Website: www.montclairpediatricdental.com
Sweet T's Southern Eatery
Owners: Dre Perrin and Tonza Houston
Address: 387 Bloomfield Avenue
Specializing in healthy and authentic soul food, Sweet T's offers a menu that brings a modern twist to traditional Southern cuisine. Co-owners Dre Perrin and Tonza Houston, along with Chef Carlos Swepson, have created a welcoming atmosphere where patrons can enjoy dishes reminiscent of home-cooked meals. The cornbread is a must-try.
Website: https://www.sweettseatery.com
Here’s the guide to Black Owned Businesses in Montclair.
Livingston
A Mother's Touch Bistro & Catering
Owners: Chef Melanie & Andre Stewart,
Address: 36 West Mount Pleasant Avenue
As Livingston's first Black-owned restaurant, A Mother's Touch offers a delightful fusion of soul food and Jamaican cuisine.
Website: https://amotherstouchbistro.com
Bloomfield
Cafe MoBay
Address: 1039 Broad Street
A Caribbean café and restaurant serving authentic Jamaican cuisine, Cafe MoBay offers popular dishes like curry goat stew, codfish fritters, jerk chicken, and braised oxtails. The vibrant atmosphere is complemented by reggae music and colorful décor, creating a true island experience.
Website: https://cafemobaynj.com
These businesses exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit and cultural richness of our community. By supporting them, we honor their contributions and help sustain the diversity that makes our communities thrive. Make it a priority this month—and every month—to shop, dine, and invest in Black-owned businesses in our towns.