Support Black-Owned KC Businesses
The opportunities to support KC's local Black-owned businesses are vast, from favorite area restaurants to bookstores that foster a connected community of readers. Get started with eight dining recommendations from local foodie Kasim Hardaway.
“I first fell in love with Ruby Jean’s Juicery when I heard the story behind its namesake—the grandmother of the owner and operator, Chris Goode. The ties to family, health and holistic wellness struck a chord within me—I've been a fan ever since.”
“Blue Nile Café is one of Kansas City's oldest Ethiopian restaurants and the first I dined at after moving to the city. I love going for an early lunch on Saturdays after perusing through City Market.”
“From the moment you walk into Gates Bar-B-Q and hear someone yell, ‘Welcome to Gates, how can I help you?’ to the moment you take your first bite of pipin' hot barbecue, you'll know why this is such a cult-classic for Kansas Citians. Get the mixed plate, a combination of ribs, beef and ham, but sub the fries for onion rings and always get a side of beans.”
“If you want an authentic taste of Africa, Fannie's is where you go to get it. From West African Suya, meat skewers or East African Injera with stewed meat, you can get it all at Fannie's African Cuisine.”
"You have to order chicken and donuts. The Chicken & Donut Deluxe sandwich takes a crispy fried chicken breast, fried egg, crispy bacon and sandwiches it all between two donut halves.”
"I could write a 30-page dissertation about Urban Café’s lobster grilled cheese. It's an ooey-gooey mixture of aged cheddar, cognac boursin cheese with lobster claw and knuckle meat, all on toasted sourdough.”
“I live dangerously close to Island Spice and consider it my tropical culinary getaway when I'm craving Caribbean food. I always order the oxtails and curried goat because #gobigorgohome. Both are slow-cooked until they are fall off the bone tender then served with red beans & rice and steamed cabbage.”
“Go to the KC Daiquiri Shop and prepare for a brain freeze you will actually enjoy. With over 30 signature daiquiri mixes, there's something for everyone, but I personally enjoy the Bahama Mama and Purple Passion.”
Meet KC's Black-owned businesses with KC Black Owned
Looking for more ways to get to know KC's Black-owned businesses? Follow @kcblackowned on Instagram for fresh information on a daily basis. Preview what's available here:
Browse many more Black-owned businesses and restaurants in the Kansas City area below. For additional information on Black-owned businesses, vendors and resources in Kansas City, consult our partners at KC Black Owned or Black Privilege.
Know of other businesses that belong on this list? Let us know on Instagram or via email.