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25+ Must-Visit Black-Owned Businesses Revolutionizing Charlotte, NC In 2025

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The entrepreneurial spirit of the Queen City is thriving, and the landscape of Black-owned businesses in Charlotte, NC, is more vibrant and dynamic than ever before. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, a new wave of innovative and culturally significant establishments is reshaping neighborhoods from Uptown to West Charlotte, making it an essential time for residents and visitors alike to discover and support these local ventures. This comprehensive guide highlights the freshest, most impactful businesses across dining, retail, and culture, ensuring your support is directed toward the most current and compelling Black entrepreneurs in the area.

Charlotte's commitment to fostering a diverse business ecosystem is evident in the growth of its Black entrepreneur community. This list, updated for the current date, December 23, 2025, moves beyond the usual suspects to showcase the newest culinary concepts, the most authentic cultural spaces, and the most dynamic retail brands that are driving economic empowerment and enriching the city's unique identity. Whether you are looking for an upscale dining experience, a unique piece of apparel, or a community-focused coffee shop, the businesses detailed here represent the best of Charlotte's Black-owned movement.

The Culinary Renaissance: Must-Try Black-Owned Restaurants and Food Concepts

The dining scene in Charlotte has been dramatically elevated by Black-owned establishments, moving well beyond traditional soul food to encompass global cuisine, innovative vegan concepts, and high-end dining. Supporting these local food businesses is one of the most direct ways to invest in the community.

The BayHaven Restaurant Group’s Expanding Empire

No discussion of Charlotte's Black-owned dining scene is complete without mentioning the monumental impact of the BayHaven Restaurant Group, led by the acclaimed Chefs Gregory and Subrina Collier. Their commitment to culinary excellence and community building has made them a cornerstone of the Queen City's food culture.

  • 3rd & Fernwood (Metropolitan Charlotte): Opened in 2024, this spot is one of the newest additions to the group, showcasing their signature blend of sophisticated Southern flavors in a prime location.
  • Leah & Louise (Camp North End): Their flagship, known for its "modern juke joint" cuisine, remains a must-visit for its elevated takes on Southern dishes.
  • Camp North End Expansion: The group is set to open four new concepts at Camp North End, diversifying their portfolio with offerings that include a dedicated seafood spot, a chicken sandwich concept, a donut shop, and a speakeasy. This massive expansion is a testament to their success and a major win for the local food scene.
  • Uptown Yolk: A popular and critically acclaimed brunch spot that is part of the BayHaven portfolio, perfect for a weekend outing.

Fresh and Diverse Dining Entities

Beyond the BayHaven group, a host of other Black-owned restaurants are making their mark with unique menus and community focus:

  • JuaMoto Sunfired Cuisine: A highly anticipated addition to University City, specializing in vegan and plant-based offerings that cater to the growing demand for healthy, conscious dining.
  • Spice: Located in Uptown Charlotte, this popular restaurant is inspired by global travels, offering a high-end dining experience that brings new heights to international flavors.
  • LuLu's Express Fry: A local favorite known for its quick, delicious, and satisfying fried comfort food.
  • Cheesecake Carousel: A family-owned bakery originally from New York City that has been serving its signature cheesecakes in Charlotte since 2007.
  • @Don's Restaurant: Another key entity in Uptown, providing a popular spot for the business crowd with its all-day breakfast, brunch, and lunch menu.

Retail, Apparel, and Lifestyle: Black-Owned Shopping Destinations

Charlotte's Black entrepreneurs are shaping the retail landscape with unique brands that celebrate local pride, cultural heritage, and specialized niche markets. These businesses offer everything from streetwear to specialized grooming products.

The Queen City’s Signature Brands

Supporting local Black-owned retail means buying products that are deeply rooted in the Charlotte community and its culture.

  • 704 Shop: This is Charlotte's original lifestyle and apparel brand. Co-founded by former UNC Charlotte roommates Scott Wooten, Jerri Shepard, and Christopher Moxley, 704 Shop fuses contemporary streetwear design with undeniable hometown pride. You can find their gear, which resonates deeply with the Queen City’s culture, in South End and at the airport.
  • 3Six92: A growing retail presence, especially noted for contributing to the community focus at Northlake Mall.
  • BÈL FLAME CANDLES: A featured business in the local Black entrepreneur directories, offering handcrafted candles for home and lifestyle.
  • KOSHIE O / LOLA ADE: These are two examples of Black-owned fashion and accessory brands gaining visibility in the Charlotte market, offering unique style and design.
  • NATURAL GIRL WIGS: Catering to the beauty and hair care market, this specialized retail entity provides high-quality wig and hair products.

Grooming and Specialty Services

Black-owned businesses also dominate the personal care and specialty service sectors, offering expert care and unique products.

  • TAFARI MEN'S GROOMING: A premier spot for men's grooming, highlighting the high standards of Black-owned service providers in Charlotte.
  • No Grease! Barbershop: A well-established and respected barbershop that is a community staple, with a presence in locations like Northlake Mall.
  • Curio, Craft & Conjure: A unique specialty retail entity that supplies personalized mystical and spiritual supplies, adding a fascinating dimension to the city's diverse offerings.
  • Charlotte NC Tours: For those looking to explore the city, this Black-owned service provides guided tours, offering a unique perspective on Charlotte's history and landmarks.

Cultural Hubs and Community Spaces: The Heart of Black Charlotte

The newest Black-owned spaces in Charlotte are not just about commerce; they are vital community anchors that foster culture, history, and connection. These cultural entities are essential for building topical authority and preserving the city's unique heritage.

Archive CLT: Coffee, Culture, and Community

Located on Beatties Ford Road in West Charlotte, Archive CLT is far more than just a coffee shop. Founded by Cheryse Terry, this Black woman-owned café serves as a dynamic cultural hub.

  • The Vibe: It is an unapologetic celebration of Black culture, featuring a curated archive of vintage magazines, historic homages to respected Black writers and creators, and a "poppin' playlist."
  • The Mission: Archive CLT is dedicated to being West Charlotte's home for coffee, community, and the preservation of Black history. It is a perfect example of a business that is simultaneously a retail space and a cultural institution.

Wellness and Gathering Spots

New and expanding businesses are also focused on wellness, community gathering, and accessible social spaces:

  • Thrive Hub: The founder of a popular Black-owned tea bar in Charlotte has opened this second location at 1017 Beatties Ford Road. Thrive Hub provides a dedicated, charming space for community connection and wellness-focused beverages.
  • Black Owned Charlotte Inc. (BOCI): While not a storefront, BOCI is a crucial organization dedicated to empowering and uplifting Black-owned businesses through networking, collaboration, and events, helping to create a thriving entrepreneur ecosystem.
  • CLT Black Owned Directory: This platform is a key resource for consumers, making it easier than ever to discover and connect with local Black-owned service providers and creatives across the city.

Supporting the Ecosystem of Black Entrepreneurs in Charlotte, NC

The current growth trajectory of Black-owned businesses in Charlotte, NC, is a powerful indicator of the city's future. From the innovative culinary concepts by the BayHaven Restaurant Group to the cultural preservation efforts at Archive CLT and the community-focused retail of 704 Shop, these entrepreneurs are driving economic development and shaping the city's identity. By choosing to spend your money at these establishments, you are directly contributing to closing the wealth gap and fostering a more vibrant, equitable, and diverse Queen City. Make it a point in 2025 to explore these entities and experience the best of what Black Charlotte has to offer.

25+ Must-Visit Black-Owned Businesses Revolutionizing Charlotte, NC in 2025
black owned businesses in charlotte nc
black owned businesses in charlotte nc

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