10 Black-Owned Businesses to Support in the Boston Area

As Black History Month comes to an end, we’ve compiled a list of local Black-Owned Businesses to encourage support of these businesses not just for the month of February, but for many years to come. While this short list of creatives, restaurants, unique shops, and entrepreneurs features a small portion of the Black-owned businesses in Boston, we also urge you to continuously discover and support the local Black-owned businesses in your own neighborhoods and community.

1. Wally's Cafe Jazz Club
This newly reopened South End classic is among one of the oldest family-owned and operated jazz clubs in existence. Founded in 1947, Wally's has remained a fixture in the community for over seven decades, supporting live music, and amplifying local talent.

2. MIDA Restaurant 
Located on Tremont Street in Boston’s South End, this neighborhood restaurant draws inspiration from simple traditional Italian cuisine and practices. Chef/Owner Douglass Williams is well known not only for his signature housemade pasta dishes but for his long-lasting connections with local diners.

3. Brown and Coconut Skincare
Sisters Letisha and Zeena Brown began their skincare line with a lifestyle blog in 2013. Motivated to create luxurious botanically-based skincare products, the duo continues to create unique plant-based formulas that leave customers feeling revitalized, refreshed, and natural. Their main goal? To “create products that you can’t wait to come home to.”

4. The Urban Grape Wine Shop
The Urban Grape has been serving the greater Boston area with imported and local wines since 2009. The owners, Hadley and TJ Douglass, aim to “make wine less intimidating for the average drinker.” The shop is located on Columbus Ave in Back Bay, and the company website offers online ordering options (with shipping!).
5. Rhythm 'N Wraps
This Allston gem offers an entirely plant-based menu with deliciously crafted signature bowls, tacos, burgers, more. Whether you are a "curious omnivore" or a "gangsta rap enthusiast," this lively and welcoming fast-casual spot offers something for everyone to enjoy. 

6. Isle de Nature Candle Company
Co-founder/CEO Veronica Armstrong created this Boston-based fragrance company so she could create environmentally-friendly products that support honeybee populations and show that “nature and luxury can live harmoniously.” All of the naturally-sourced products— including their signature Dominican beeswax candle — can be found on the company’s website.

7. Styled By Gilda, Personal Stylist
Looking for a total wardrobe revamp? Or maybe thinking about budgeting on your next shopping trip? Personal stylist Gilda Miranda works with men and women of all ages, backgrounds, and fashion experience. By offering customized packages depending on individual client needs, Gilda personalizes her styling experience to best fit your needs.
8. BRED Gourmet
Voted Best of Boston 2021's Best Burger, BRED offers a vibrant menu of gourmet burgers inspired by owner Tambo Barrow's Caribbean heritage and passion for food. These eclectic and mouth-watering flavor combinations are enhanced by BRED's use of quality, grass-fed Maine beef, and locally sourced ingredients. See for yourself in the link above.
9. BREK.ONE DJ 
Local DJ BREK.ONE provides Bostonians with multi-sensory entertainment, combining remixes with lighting and visual effects— making him one of the most notable Boston artists. He’s a multidisciplinary creative, in not only music but art, fashion and beyond. As we all know, the current state of affairs have had a large impact on the entertainment industry and many entertainers have had to come up with creative solutions to drive revenue. Check Brek’s merch in the link above.
10. Frugal Bookstore
A well-known community bookstore in Roxbury, MA, Frugal Bookstore promotes literacy and a love for reading among all ages. Clarissa and Leonard Egerton have been running the shop since 2008— spreading knowledge, awareness, and a genuine passion for books across Massachusetts. They currently offer online and in-person shopping experiences, along with special request book finds.