August marks National Black Business Month, and while we spotlight these locally-owned businesses all year long, we wanted to create a helpful guide on some spots to check out for your next day out on the town.
Shop locally for handmade and regional goods at these spots.
Photo by Eros Hat Co.
Shops
Eros Hat Co., 45 E. Main St. | This woman-owned spot offers customized hats, permanent jewelry + vintage denim — check out various community events the store puts on.
Blue Boys Barber Shop & Beauty Salon, 734 E. MLK Blvd. | Check out this shop in the heart of downtown for your next fresh haircut.
BarberKings The Original, 517 E. MLK Blvd. | Whether it’s hair or beard care you’re in the market for, this spot will take care of you.
Allgood’s Used Books & Coffee, 2420 Glass St. | Spend an afternoon sipping on coffee while perusing books at this small shop.
Escential Things, Online | This small business opened in 2020 + offers handcrafted candles and home fragrances.
SOL Rejuvenated, Online | Cleanse your mind, body, and spirit with handcrafted items like soaps, candles, serums, and body butters — check out its Instagram for where to find the products in-store locally.
Since Birth, Online | This apparel company creates “cultural, factual, and inspirational clothing that represents the unspoken and unheard” — bonus: Shop items through Six and Main.
Mooshi Mugs, Online | Brought to you by local artist Genesis the Greykid, these handmade tea and coffee mugs will bring art to you every morning — bonus: Shop items through Six and Main.
Sweet or savory, these local spots have it all.
Food
Cocoa Asante, Online (storefront coming soon at 4300 N. Access Rd.) | Get your sweet fix with this local artisanal chocolate company that went viral on TikTok.
Marckita’s Munchies, Online | Get customizable cakes or cupcakes for your next event from a third-generation baker.
Blue Orleans, 1463 Market St. | This spot has been downtown for 17 years, serving up Creole-inspired dishes.
Uncle Larry’s, Locations vary | Opened by Larry Torrence in 2017, you can expect classic southern comfort food items at all locations.
Mac’s Subs and Fries, Locations vary | This food truck offers hearty items like the Philly Cheesesteak sub + loaded steak or chicken fries.
Fūd Vybez, Locations vary | This truck specializes in Caribbean and southern-fusion dishes + can be booked for small and large events.
Chatt Taste Food Tour, Locations vary | Taste a little bit of everything around town with a guided tour while learning more about the culture and history of the city.
Bad Wraps Incarcerated, 426 E. MLK Blvd. | Enjoy various tasty wraps from this downtown spot.
Other
Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E. MLK Blvd. | Visit this museum to learn more about the African American history and culture in Chattanooga.
Cempa Community Care, Locations vary | Get different health screenings and care at any location — keep an eye out for the organization’s community outreach + mobile services.
Chattanooga Segway Tours, 204 Walnut St. | Explore the Scenic City via a segway, bike, or walking tour — just look for the folks with the capes.
The Chattery, 1800 Rossville Ave. | Take a variety of informational + recreational classes at this women-founded nonprofit.
Southern Soul Yoga, Locations vary | Take guided yoga classes for all level types at this studio.
Adventure Pediatric Dentistry, 6413 Lee Hwy. | This dentistry focuses on providing care to children of all ages in a “safe, comfortable, compassionate, and kid-friendly environment.”
River City Restoration, LLC., Location by request | This family-owned business offers its cleaning services (power washing, gutter cleaning, etc.) to Chattanooga + surrounding areas for home and commercial buildings.
Sharp Slingshot Rentals, 6111 Shallowford Rd. | Take a joyride around Chattanooga on three-wheeled roadsters — renters must be 21+. Bonus: Check out the owner Euwayne Bennett’s mobile auto repair shop.
The Sweet Spot Waxing Co., 6925 Shallowford Rd. |This spot offers skincare, makeup + body waxing services from licensed estheticians.
Bonus: Check out this directory of Black-owned businesses + artists curated by the Hunter Museum of American Art and the museum’s bi-monthly networking event Black Professionals at The Hunter.
Know of a business you want us to add to this list? Let us know.
