Spend the Day in Memphis Supporting Black Women-Owned Businesses

Continue celebrating Black History Month and highlighting the accomplishments of Black women.

Here's a list of 11 local businesses owned by Black women. This curated itinerary will show you how to intentionally spend the day supporting these remarkable women!

*This list isn’t indicative of all the phenomenal black owned businesses in Memphis. Just a sample (for now). If you’re anything like me, I love options, so I provided a few options per category! Much like Memphis, this list shows there’s something for everyone!

Coffee

Anti-Gentrification Coffee Club

761 National St, Memphis, TN 38122 | IG: @antigentrificationclubcoffeeclub

Renata Henderson founded Cxffeeblack with her husband Bartholomew Jones, with one mission in mind: answer the disparity gap of Black representation in the coffee industry. Their shop provides both a relaxing but educational space to learn more about their coffee and roots.

Muggin Coffeehouse Uptown

606 N Main St #101, Memphis, TN 38105 | IG: @muggin_coffee

Mary Olds, alongside her husband Ken founded Muggin Coffeehouse in 2020.  They opened Muggin as a homage to their community and bring the much needed java to the area, with finding out residents were driving out to Southaven for their caffeine fix. 

Juice

Electrolyfe Juice Bar

 1417 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38106| IG: @electrolyfejuicebar

Quavisa Henderson, owner of Electrolyfe Juice bar is the only Black owned juice bar in Memphis. Electrolyfe is a one stop shop serving an array of juices, smoothies, and select menu items.

Breakfast

Biscuits and Jams

5806 Stage Rd, Bartlett, TN 38134 | IG: @biscuitsandjams901

Opened in mid-2021 by co-owner Monique Williams, Biscuits and Jam is a culinary haven in Memphis. From the irresistible strawberry crunch French toast to the savory shrimp and crawfish creole Benedict, each dish reflects Monique's creativity. Stay tuned as her second location will be opening Downtown soon. Additionally, she co-owns Trapfusion, a Southern restaurant with a healthy twist, ensuring a diverse and delectable dining experience for every palate. 

Lunch/ Dinner

TrapFusion

Whitehaven: 4637 Boeingshire Dr, Memphis, TN 38116 | IG: @trapfusion901
Cordova: 670 N Germantown Pkwy #14, Cordova, TN 38018

Co-owner Monique Williams, alongside her business partners and chefs, founded Trapfusion to bring healthier food options to the Whitehaven area. With an extensive menu of both southern classics like fried green tomatoes, and healthier alternatives menu with vegan and vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone at Trapfusion.

Alcenia’s

317 N Main St Memphis, TN 38103 | IG: @alceniascookbook0506

In 1997, BJ Chester-Tomayo brought the heart of Memphis to life with the establishment of Alcenia's, a culinary gem that pays homage to her mother. Named after her beloved matriarch, Alcenia's serves up authentic southern home-cooked meals using her mother’s recipes. What sets Alcenia's apart isn't just the delicious food; it's the embrace of hospitality that greets you at the door, making Alcenia’s feel like home away from home.

Feast and Graze

New Location Coming Soon at Brooks Museum | IG: @feastandgraze

Opened by Christina McCarter, Feast and Graze is a luxe snacking experience with the most unique combinations that brings out the inner foodie in us all. Flavors such as hot honey goat dip, a large cheese selection, and a wide range of options if you wanted to personally curate your own board, Feast and Graze is the perfect spot to grab and go or savor the moments while exploring Memphis.

Riko’s Kickin Chicken

1329 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104 | rikos_kickin_chicken  

Tiffaney Wiley, alongside her husband, Mariko, opened Riko’s Kickin Chicken as a food truck, but expanded into a store front in 2017. Known on several best wings lists in Memphis, Riko’s Kickin Chicken is a for sure don’t miss meal while exploring the 901. Although we are known for barbeque, the real best kept secret are the wings.

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A post shared by TONE (@tonememphis)

Tone

4571 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116 | @tonememphis

Tone was co-founded by Victoria Jones to allow creatives the space to connect, showcase their work, a forum to host talks, and a truly inspiring environment to dream. Their gallery, opened through out the week features artwork that entices you to want to stay longer.

 

Dessert

Suga Mama Snoballs

1717 E Holmes Rd, Memphis, TN 38116 | @sugamamasnoballs

Owner, Marci Clark has been keeping Memphis’s residents icy since 2016 through her dessert shop, Suga Mama Snoballs. However, Suga Mama Snoballs serves more than just snoballs with a large dessert variety of cheesecake, banana pudding, and anything else you could think of. At Suga Mama, you have a large selection of flavors and additional toppings that make this visit a sweet treat!

 

Nightlife

Paula & Raiford's Disco

14 S 2nd St, Memphis, TN 38103| @paularaifordsdisco

Started by Paula and her late father, this duo opened doors to Paula & Raiford in 2009. Paula & Raifords is a disco-themed non-stop part in the heart of downtown Memphis. With glitzy lights, smoke machines, and the best beats, Paula and Raiford’s is a great nightcap to supporting Black women business owners.

Lil Buck jumps in air in front of I Love Memphis heart mural
Alex Shansky

As we celebrate Black History Month, let's amplify the voices and successes of Black women entrepreneurs who are shaping the vibrant tapestry of Memphis. The 11 businesses highlighted here are just a glimpse into the rich diversity and creativity thriving in our community.

Consider this not just a list, but an invitation to explore, support, and share the stories of these remarkable women. Join us in making every month an opportunity to celebrate, uplift, and patronize these businesses, contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

Share your experiences, spread the word, and let's continue to build a legacy of support for black women-owned businesses in Memphis and beyond. #BlackWomenBusinessMemphis #SupportLocal

About the Author

Hi, I’m Ashanti! I am a freelance writer, travel enthusiast, foodie, etc! My career journey has taken me from the realms of healthcare to tech, to marketing, to eventually the creation of my own food blog on Instagram. My path may seem like a mere abbreviation with "etc.", but the impact of each twist and turn has shaped the person I am today.

As you may have noticed, I have various interests so you can find me around town either playing tennis, working out, trying a new coffeeshop or bar, or hanging with friends at Railgarten!

 

Why do you love Memphis?

I resonate with Memphis in a lot of ways that it is complex and doesn’t conform to fitting into any particular box. It’s loud, it’s gritty, and it possesses an unmistakable heart and soul. In its complexity our city holds pain, and yet, it’s the very birthplace of blues and rock’n’roll.  The longer I've called Memphis home, the more I've uncovered its hidden treasures – whether in the form of unique dining spots, unexpected opportunities, or connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Through the art of storytelling, my goal is to peel back the layers and celebrate the multifaceted beauty of Memphis and its phenomenal communities.

 

Build your perfect Memphis meal: One thing I think the French do really well at, is multiple courses so I’m going French style. Buckle up as we’ll be going around town!

Aperif and Hor D’oeuvres: Coastal Fish Company – Glass of wine and oysters from Coastal Fish Co

Main Course: Suga Shack – Catfish, macaroni, and yams with a live jazz band (the BEST)

Dessert: Houston Levee Creamery – I’ll end the night having 1 (okay 2), affogatos!

 

What's your Memphis hot take: We’re not necessarily known on the top foodie list for anything other than the barbecue, but the real hidden gem is the wings and other fusions of food!!! We have amazing wings, great Vietnamese, Thai, Caribbean food, and more dessert shops you can think of. Memphis isn’t a “in your face” city with various food restaurants. We’re a “get to know you slowly” kinda city!

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