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55 Black-Owned Tampa Bay Businesses to Support
One of the best ways to support the Tampa Bay Black community is to shop small. Here is a list of Black-owned restaurants, shops, crafters and more from around the Bay area.
This is a growing list. Please email mckenna.kelley@tampamagazines.com with additions. Special thanks for research assistance to Green Book of Tampa Bay, a directory of Tampa Bay Black-owned businesses.
FOOD & DRINK
7th and Grove
1930 E. 7th Ave.
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 649-8422
@7thandgrove
7th and Grove is gearing up to celebrate its one-year anniversary of serving Southern comfort food in Tampa. The restaurant recently debuted a new summertime menu featuring a “fry-fecta” of Southern sandwiches. Check out 7th and Grove’s menu here.
Ladies of the Sea
2705 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33610
(813) 247-2722
@ladiesofthesea2705
This family-owned seafood restaurant mixes soul and the sea. Check out their Instagram highlights for their menu and soulful side dishes.
The Jerk Hut
Locations in Seminole Heights, South Tampa and USF area
@jerkhut
This Jamaican restaurant is no stranger to Tampa, with three locations in Seminole Heights (its newest), South Tampa and one near USF’s campus. The iconic restaurant specializes in jerk chicken, sweet plantains, oxtail stew, Jamaican beef patties and its fan-favorite rum punch.
Al’s Finger Licking Good Soul Food or Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que
2302 E. 7th Ave. Tampa, FL 33605 (Soul Food)
1609 Angel Olivia Sr. St. Tampa, FL 33605 (Bar-B-Que)
(813) 515-5036 (Soul Food) or (813) 956-0675 (Bar-B-Que)
@alssoulfoodtampa
Al’s Tennessee-style barbecue began in 2003 as a concession stand and has since moved up to the beloved Ybor restaurant. The family restaurant has two locations in Ybor: Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que and Al’s Finger Licking Food Soul Food.
Flavaz Jamaican Grille
6467 U.S. 301
Riverview, FL 33578
Phone: (813) 488-5114
@flavazjamaicangrille
Flavaz Jamaican Grill was opened in 2017 after the owners could not find good, authentic Jamaican food in their area. The restaurant provides savory Jamaican food, including vegetarian options.
Three Generations Food Truck
(727) 254-8104
@threegenerationsfoodtruck
Chef Melly is the owner of this gourmet food truck that makes stops around the Tampa Bay area. Three Generations Food Truck has just reopened after taking a small hiatus to upgrade the truck for COVID-19 safety precautions.
Mama’s Southern Soul Food Restaurant
3701 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33610
(813) 769-9552
@mamas_soul_food_restaurant_2
The restaurant’s two chefs, Reaves and Katrina, focused their menu around decades of family recipes and traditions. They often visit their guests’ tables to make sure they’re loving their dining experience.
Island Crew Restaurant and Catering
2210 E. Hillsborough Ave.
Tampa, FL 33610
(813) 237-1968
@islandcrewtampa
The owner of Island Crew Restaurant and Catering, Chef Pappy, grew up in the Bahamas, where he learned traditional Caribbean dishes and family recipes. Island Crew’s menu features island cuisine served fresh daily.
The Hall on Franklin
1701 N. Franklin St.
Tampa, Florida 33602
(813) 405-4008
@thehallonfranklin
Within The Hall on Franklin, there are seven different culinary experiences all cohabiting within the space. The hall encourages its guests to wander around and visit each establishment or order from all vendors from their table. The Hall on Franklin is scheduled to reopen June 12, after closing for COVID-19. To check out each establishment’s menu, visit their website.
Kay’s Kitchen
11124 N. 30th St.
Tampa, FL 33612
(813) 368-5196
@Kays_chicken_kitchen
Kay’s Kitchen is all about Chicago-style cuisines, from fried chicken to catfish. Kay’s Kitchen also features an authentic Chicago-style mild sauce. So if you’re craving the flavors of the Windy City, you can check out the menu here.
Chief’s Creole Cafe
901 22nd St. S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 498-8979
@ChiefsCreoleCafe
Owners Elihu Brayboy and Carolyn Brayboy are serving Creole-inspired meals that honor Elihu’s late mother. His mother grew up in Louisiana, and it’s where she learned to cook in the Creole style. The Brayboys are serving lunch from 11 to 4 p.m. and dinner from 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Pop Goes the Waffle
@popgoesthewaffle
This pop-up waffle shop stops all across St. Petersburg. To find out where the food truck will be next, make sure to follow Pop Goes the Waffle’s socials. The innovative waffle shop can even cater your next event.
COPA
1047 Central Ave.
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Phone: (727) 623-9199
@copa.dtsp
The wine bar is open Wednesday through Sunday for drinks, tapas and hookah. The lounge was designed by brothers and owners Maxim and Sebastion Thuriere to provide an upscale atmosphere while also paying homage to their cultural influences as children.
Heavy’s Food Truck
(727) 280-3651
@heavyscatering
Heavy’s Food Truck serves soul food across the Tampa Bay area in its restaurant on wheels. The food truck is run by two chefs with a combined 31 years of experience. If you’re looking to try Heavy’s food, make sure to check out their socials for where they’ll be parked next.
Ray’s Vegan Soul
(727) 697-7685
@Raysvegansoul
Chef Ray has taken traditional soul food recipes and transformed them into plant-based options. During COVID-19 closures, Ray’s Vegan Soul launched “Soul to Go,” prepackaged meals with new options each week.
Rush Hour Chicken & Waffles
2140 34th S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33711
(727) 440-7817
@rushhourrestaurantandlounge
Rush Hour serves more than just its namesake, chicken and waffles, including shrimp and grits, full platters and other soul foods. Recently, the restaurant has been providing a drive-in experience by showing family-friendly movies in their parking lot.
Island Flavors and Tings
800 2nd Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 (St. Pete Pier)
1411 49th St. S., Gulfport, FL 33707
(727) 804-1849 (St. Pete Pier) and (727) 804-1849 (Gulfport)
@islandflavorsandtings
Island Flavors and Tings is inspired by the flavors of the Caribbean islands and acts as a restaurant, grocery store and catering service. Now, because of COVID-19, Island Flavors and Tings asks that you order ahead for pick up orders. To view their menu, you can visit their website.
Hogg Batch Coffee
2327 Central Ave.
St. Petersburg, FL 33713
(727) 210-5029
@hoggbatch
Hogg Batch Coffee puts a boozy twist on coffee roosting. Each batch of coffee is soaked in a unique kind of alcohol to pick up the unique depth of flavors provided by the liquor. They have coffee beans soaked in whiskey, gin, Jamaican rum and other types of alcohol. Check out their website for more flavors and to order your own coffee.
PattyeCakes
(813) 444-3602
@PattyeCakesLLC
PattyeCakes was created in 2019 by Pattye L. Sawyer after deciding to share her family recipes with St. Petersburg. Sawyer’s menu of baked goods can be found on her website, where you can also order online.
Cephas’ Juice Bar
1613 E. 7th Ave.
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 247-9022
The longtime Ybor City favorite Cephas’ Hot Shop recently moved and reopened as a juice bar, serving up fresh aloe vera shakes, coconut water, herbal teas and sugar cane juice.
M&R Cafe
3320 E. Osborne Ave.
Tampa, FL 33603
(813) 234-2333
The Rumlin family is serving up home-cooked Southern cuisine Friday through Sunday at this walk-up spot in Seminole Heights. Their food is known to sell out, so call ahead or go online to preorder oxtails, meatloaf, garlic herbed baked chicken or their weekly special, plus sides like mac and cheese, collard greens and candied yams.
ARTS, CULTURE & FASHION/RETAIL
Blue Sage Boutique
@bluesageboutique
Christina, a Tampa native, founded this website-based candle boutique. Each candle is made with hand-poured soy wax that are made with different essential oils. Blue Sage Boutique believes in reducing its carbon footprint, so each shipment is packaged using recycled materials to reduce waste. To check out Blue Sage’s website, click here.
African Extravaganza
@africanextravaganza
African Extravaganza features authentic African clothing, accessories and decorations on its website. You can shop for the entire family because they sell men, women and kids clothing. Check out their selections here.
Best Richardson African Diaspora Literature Museum
1463 Tampa Park Plaza
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 944-2112
@moadsf
This nonprofit museum, bookstore and gift shop provides its guests with artifacts and readings on African Diaspora literary and cultural history. You can tour their museum by booking online here, or you can purchase books or gift items from their website.
Accents Styles Boutique
5508 N. 50th St., Suite 34
Tampa, FL 33612
(813) 461-5888
@accentboutique
Accent Styles Boutique is an online boutique that allows each purchase to help to provide a child in Kenya with an education. Each product sold on its website is handpicked and handcrafted from Kenya. To view Accents Styles Boutique’s products and to find out more about how it is helping children in Kenya, visit their store or website.
Cultured Books
Pop-up bookstore location: The Well
833 22nd St. S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 328-4822
This St. Petersburg-based children’s bookstore has a mission to promote self-love for people of color. The bookstore hosts story times, book clubs and community events. On Sundays, Cultured Books can be found on 22nd St. S. in St. Petersburg, or you can visit their website to purchase books.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum
2240 9th Ave. S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 323-1104
@WoodsonMuseum
The mission of this museum is to teach and preserve African American history to a diverse audience through museum activities. The African American history of St. Petersburg is a constant and central focus of the museum, but the museum also features different exhibits focused on African American history. Because of COVID-19, the museum is currently closed; continue to check their socials for openings and hour changes.
Coopers Hill Boutique
910 McMullen Booth Road
Clearwater FL, 33759
(727) 619-9182
@coopershillboutique
Coopers Hill Boutique sells clothing inspired by European, Caribbean and New York fashion. The culmination of styles is available in regular and plus sizes. The size-inclusive brand wanted to offer fashionable and affordable clothing for all body types.
Debonair Prints
4011 E. 21st Ave.
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 488-6409
@debonairprints
This screen printing shop located in Tampa, near Ybor, works with its clients one-on-one to create something unique. Debonair Prints prints for events, business and local creatives looking to get their ideas out there.
Kilgore
1327 E. 7th Ave. Unit B Suite 2
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 842-7575
@kilgorethebrand
Led by Kyle Kilgore, this fashion and photography studio produces and designs its own custom apparel. The high-fashion Tampa brand is known for collaborating and hosting events with its client-base. To check their exclusive designs and avant-garde face mask collection, head to their website.
Everything Ariel Boucor
@eaf813_
13542 N Florida Ave Ste 214
Tampa, FL 33613
(813) 816-2812
Everything Ariel Boucor has an assortment of women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. In addition, the boutique also offers a selection of home decor that includes wall art, canvases and more.
JC’s Boutique
@shopjcsboutique
Owner Jessica Collins is based in Wesley Chapel and does most of her business online through the boutique’s website. JC’s Boutique specializes in bright fun colors while also offering comfortable clothing. Each item sold online is available for free and local pick up.
Timari Candle Collection
(813) 803-0714
timaricandle.com
@timaricandleco
Timari Candle Collection is an all-natural Tampa-based home fragrance company that is committed to bringing non-toxic fragrances into your home. Their products are made in small batches to ensure that each home receives a quality product. Lots of care and attention to detail is given to each and every product.
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Body Butters By Design
@bodybuttersbydesign
Vanessa Byrd created Body Butters by Design after she realized that many commercial beauty products were not made with safe and sustainable products. All products are made with all-natural ingredients, including Byrd’s body butters, which are made from mango butter.
Annie’s Beauty Supply
920 22nd St. S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 343-9582
@annies_beauty_supply_store
Annie’s Beauty Supply strives to be its customers’ one-stop-shop for all products needed for natural hair. The St. Petersburg store is temporarily closed, but you can shop on their website.
Locs of Wisdom
4939 E. 7th Ave.
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 284-6908
This full-service hair salon focuses on keeping its clients’ hair and scalp healthy. The salon offers cuts for all hair types and the entire family, offering children’s haircuts.
Central Station Baberbshop and Groomer
2325 Central Ave.
St. Petersburg FL, 33713
(727) 317-3701
@centralstationbarbershop1
This St. Petersburg barbershop is currently accepting bookings on booksy.com after closures for COVID-19. To help out its community, Central Station Barbershop and Groomer gave out free haircuts to all medical workers on May 31 and raised money for medical workers.
Blue Hibiscus Organics
@blue.hibiscus.organics
Owner of Blue Hibiscus Organics Larease Trotman struggled with skin products causing her skin to break out, so she created her own skincare line that can be purchased online. If you’re thinking ahead, the Tampa Bay-based business is offering Father’s Day bundles that include your choice of soap and beard oil.
Pink Butterfly Bush Steam Lounge
1025 Professional Park Drive
Suite 2, Brandon, FL 33511
Phone: (813) 461-4107
@PinkButterflyBush
Pink Butterfly Bush Steam Lounge had its official opening on June 3. This new business offers holistic feminine care to women of all backgrounds. Each product used in their treatments are organic and catered to each individual’s needs. To find out more about their services, you can visit their website.
My Shade & Texture
4202 E Busch Blvd.
Unit 1, Tampa, FL 33617
(813) 984-4569
@myshadeandtexture
My Shade and Texture describes itself as a “beauty bar for naturalistas.” The goal of this store is to offer affordable and attainable products to all women. The store’s Beauty Curators are there to assist anyone in finding the best products for a person’s color and texture. You can order products online or choose curbside pick-up.
Pure With Love
pure-with-love.square.site
@purewithlove
After noticing many store-bought soaps weren’t made with wholesome ingredients, Jasmine Elhaddad created Pure With Love. Now she’s making natural and handmade soaps, bath products, moisturizers, cosmetics, skincare and more. For now, order via her site; Pure With Love will open a retail location later this year.
CurlyCoilyTresses
(813) 575-2249
@curlycoilytresses_
This Tampa-based natural hair care brand nurtures the hair and scalp and delivers lasting moisture and hydration to help curls look their best. The treatments, moisturizers and serums are available in sets or singles and come with a satisfaction guarantee.
Caribbean Mystique Spa
8909 Regents Park Drive
Suite 415
Tampa, FL 33647
(813) 991-7390
facebook.com/CaribbeanMystiqueSpa
The island-inspired spa has been helping people go on a tropical getaway without leaving Tampa since 2013. Led by owner Andrea Nash, Caribbean Mystique offers massages, facials and skin care, waxing and sugaring, and body wraps and scrubs. Select a spa package for a mini-vacation, or ask about the Invest in Your Health membership program for special pricing on services.
SERVICES
Bricks & Bubbles
(813) 419-3979
Cleanliness has never been more important. Sara and Shane Jones run this full-service janitorial company, which offers all kinds of custodial services, floor care, special event services and COVID-19 disinfecting.
Bee Sure Heating & Cooling
5668 Fishhawk Crossing Blvd. #328
Lithia, FL 33547
(813) 423-0084
Tiffany and OJ Mitchell keep Tampa Bay homes and businesses cool. They service residential and commercial A/C systems, coolers, ductwork systems, repairs, installations and new construction.
Kingdom Seminars
@learn227
Kingdom Seminars is a business specializing in a number of coaching services. These services include finances, human services, mental health and more. To read about all of their services check out their Facebook page.
America’s Most Reliable Movers
@americasmostreliablemovers
2300 4th Ave South
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Pinellas: 727-434-2278 | Hillsborough: 813-293-MOVE (6683)
This moving company can help you with any space, be it your office or home. They offer moving services in the Tampa Bay area and will help you move across Florida. For more information on their services, check out their website.
Creative Kidz Learning Academy Preschool
6130 Florence Street
Gibsonton, Florida 33534
(813) 677-1300
This preschool is located in Gibsonton and would be perfect parents looking for childcare in the Riverview area. To find out more information on their childcare services, you can call the preschool at (813) 677-1300.
CWworks
(813) 214-5726 and (813) 803-2245
Created by Michael Wiggs and Cecil Coleman, CWworks is here to provide all your cleaning and janitorial needs. They strive to make their customers happy. If you’re not happy, they’re not happy. They are a certified, licensed, and insured cleaning company and would love the opportunity to discuss being your dedicated cleaning provider. They currently offer commercial, residential and disinfecting services.
CHARITIES & NONPROFITS
Pinellas County Urban League
333 31st St. N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33713
(727) 327-2081
The Pinellas County Urban League serves all 24 Pinellas county municipalities. Its goals are to encourage economic development, encourage education, provide housing and healthcare. To learn more about Pinellas County Urban League’s initiatives and work, you can visit their website.
St. Pete Strong
@iamstpetestrong
This nonprofit organization is sponsored by the Dreamfaith Foundation, which is a 501c3 nonprofit meant to empower families in under-served areas. St. Pete Strong celebrates and recognizes St. Petersburg natives who have excelled in their communities and jobs. The money raised for St. Pete Strong goes toward scholarships, educational workshops and the expansion of Dreamfaith Youth Conferences. To learn more about the organization, you can click here.
Deuces Live St. Pete
833 22nd St. South, Suite A
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
(727) 433-8237
Deuces Live is a nonprofit organization created with the goal of revitalizing South St. Petersburg’s historic 22nd Street. The street, nicknamed “The Deuces,” is a a hub of African American life in the city, and Deuces Live St. Pete is meant to encourage its prosperity and continued growth. To find out more about its mission and its initiatives, check out Deuces Live St. Pete’s website.
The Make It Out Foundation
P.O. Box 530133
St. Petersburg, FL 33747
(727) 275-0358
@themakeitoutfoundation
The Make It Out Foundation is intended to help incoming freshmen, graduate students and transfer students hailing from St. Petersburg who are pursuing higher education at Florida A&M University. The foundation provides a scholarship, dorm essentials, education, mentorship and more. If you’d like to find out more, click here.
Young Kings and Queens College Prep & Mentoring
(727) 804-6289
@youngkingsandqueensinc
Young Kings and Queens College Prep & Mentoring provides mentoring to African American youth. The goal is to help encourage kids to pursue secondary education and to explore their post-high school graduation options. To find out more about their mission, you can visit their website.
Sources: Green Book of Tampa Bay, @ava.gray, @hollyeasters
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