In honor of Black History Month, we are putting the spotlight on black-owned business in an effort to support the entrepreneurial efforts that will lead to the revitalization of our communities. Small businesses are the backbone of every local economy and we want to help black entrepreneurs experience a 21st Century Renaissance similar to what communities like Harlem and Tulsa and South Minneapolis experienced a century ago in the 1920's. Help us put a 21st-Century twist on the Roaring 20's by supporting black businesses wherever and whenever you can.
Black Business Spotlight - Restaurants
In this section, we highlight some our favorite black owned eateries in the Twin Cities. You can find a nationwide list of black owned restaurants at https://www.eatblackowned.com/
Golden Thyme Coffee & Café
Address: 934 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55104
Phone: (651) 645-1340
Menu: https://www.goldenthymeonselby.com/
Co-owned by husband and wife team Mychael and Stephanie Wright, this Rondo neighborhood staple serves up coffee drinks named after jazz greats as well as tea and popular items like dirty grits and breakfast noodles. They also have open mic night every Thursday and often host community conversations.
Handsome Hog
Address: 203 6th St E, St Paul, MN 55101 - Located in the Park Square Court Building
Phone: (651) 340-7710
Menu: handsomehog.com
Reservations: resy.com
Chef Justin Sutherland serves phenomenal traditional soul food dishes with a contemporary twist. Try the black-eyed pea soup, the fried bbq ribs, or the chicken and waffles. All are absolutely delicious!
"Southern cuisine takes center stage at this contemporary Lowertown stop serving traditional fare, hearty sides and pig-centric plates (think crispy pig tails and roasted hog jowls), all washed down with a large bourbon list. Patterned banquettes, bulb lighting and exposed brick walls set the scene." - Zagat Review
Mamma Shelia's Hosue of Soul
Address: 3744 Bloomington Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55407
Phone: (612) 584-3690
Menu: mamasheilashos.com
Mamma Sheila's is a down home soul food restaurant where the service is as good as the food. They have an all-you-can-eat buffet as well as traditional a la carte menu items like fried chicken, greens and oxtails. You can even wash it down with red or purple Kool-Aid!
Let us know your favorite spots, or if you have recommendations for other categories of business let us know that as well.