Interested in supporting black small-business owners in Asheville? From black-owned restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and other types of black-owned businesses in and around Asheville, North Carolina, the list below will point you in the right direction.
Black people and people of color have deep roots in Western North Carolina and helped make Asheville the city it is, from the very beginning. Following the Civil War, blacks formed their own communities in Asheville, especially in the area known as “The Block,” located in the east end of downtown—on Eagle Street, and Market Street. To this day, The Block continues to be a vibrant place for black-owned businesses and community resources. Find other historically black neighborhoods in Buncombe County in Montford, the River Arts District, the Burton Street community in West Asheville, and Shiloh.
Check out this great video by Our State Magazine on Hood Huggers International and how this unique tour showcases the history of black communities in Asheville and the value of supporting our local black-owned businesses, resources, and people.
Local Black Resources
Hood Huggers International Green Book
The Hood Huggers International Green Book serves as a starting guide for anyone interested in supporting the resiliency of the African American community in Asheville. The goal is to highlight and connect the businesses and organizations listed, and to provide career inspiration for our youth. Download the Green Book on their website.
The Color of Asheville
Asheville’s go-to guide for black-owned businesses, business owners, and community connections, sharing information within Asheville’s African American community. It’s a place to share news and events, list local black-owned businesses and professionals as well as community groups that serve the African American community; and celebrate the rich history of African Americans in Asheville. Posting and listing on the website is free. Go to their website.
The Urban News
The Urban News is a print and online newspaper with a mission to impart information that will inspire, engage, and empower the varied communities of Western North Carolina. Coverage includes the latest news, government, education, lifestyles, business, entertainment, events, and op-eds. Go to their website.
YMI Cultural Center
The mission of the YMI Cultural Center is to elevate black communities through cultural, economic, and leadership opportunities and programs. Initially branded as “The Young Men’s Institute,” the YMI Cultural Center is one of the oldest, most unique, and most beautiful black cultural centers in the U.S. Constructed in 1892, the YMI was designed by the site architect of the Biltmore Estate and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Go to their website.
My Sistah Taught Me That
My Sistah Taught Me That (MSTMT) is a young girl's developmental program designed to encourage, inspire, educate, and empower girls ages 11-19, with a special focus on girls growing up in single-parent homes without their fathers. MSTMT provides opportunities, open dialogue, and mentorship. Go to their website.
Hood Huggers
Learn about Asheville’s rich African-American history through this interactive driving or walking tour that tells a powerful story of resilience. Created by artist, poet, and visionary DeWayne… read more
Learn about Asheville’s rich African-American history through this interactive driving or walking tour that tells a powerful story of resilience. Created by artist, poet, and visionary DeWayne Barton, Hood Tours also creates opportunities for grassroots economic development, community green spaces, and initiatives that benefit Black communities in Asheville.
GRIND Coffee
Located in the River Arts District, Grind AVL offers a plush, sophisticated place for good coffee, co-working, community gatherings, and hanging out. Enjoy local coffee and a wide variety of… read more
Located in the River Arts District, Grind AVL offers a plush, sophisticated place for good coffee, co-working, community gatherings, and hanging out. Enjoy local coffee and a wide variety of donuts, pastries, ready-made sandwiches, and hot-press paninis. The creation of entrepreneur and nonprofit leader J Hackett and chef and Black business community leader Gene Ettison, Grind AVL is the first…
Black Mountain Cider & Mead
Crafting ciders and meads from local heirloom apples and honey, this cidery and meadery blend natural flavors for a robust and unique tasting experience. Enjoy small-batch cider flavors like Basil… read more
Crafting ciders and meads from local heirloom apples and honey, this cidery and meadery blend natural flavors for a robust and unique tasting experience. Enjoy small-batch cider flavors like Basil and Cucumber, and Watermelon and Mint with a pinch of sea salt. Their craft meads come in flavors like pistachio, coffee, and strawberry and tarragon.
AVL Cake Lady, West Asheville
This popular West Asheville bakery whips up unique cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other sweet treats for Asheville locals. They take custom orders for wedding cakes, birthday cakes, and holiday… read more
This popular West Asheville bakery whips up unique cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other sweet treats for Asheville locals. They take custom orders for wedding cakes, birthday cakes, and holiday desserts, and also have a big variety of pastries to cure the occasional sweet tooth. A must-try is the banana pudding cupcake!
Haywood Lounge, West Asheville
Dubbed the best wings in Asheville, Haywood Lounge is also a private cocktail lounge open 7 days a week in the heart of West Asheville.
Dubbed the best wings in Asheville, Haywood Lounge is also a private cocktail lounge open 7 days a week in the heart of West Asheville.
Black Folks Camp Too
The mission of Black Folks Camp Too is to remove fear, add knowledge, and invite more Black folks to camp and experience the Outdoor lifestyle with any and everyone. Your race, age, and gender… read more
The mission of Black Folks Camp Too is to remove fear, add knowledge, and invite more Black folks to camp and experience the Outdoor lifestyle with any and everyone. Your race, age, and gender does not matter—we all have something to say around the campfire. Increase more unity in the outdoor community and beyond!
More to Love, Plus-Size Consignment
More to Love offers new, used, and upcycled clothing for women sizes 12 and up. They have more than 3,000 items in our inventory and add 100 new items every week! Come visit them to shop their… read more
More to Love offers new, used, and upcycled clothing for women sizes 12 and up. They have more than 3,000 items in our inventory and add 100 new items every week! Come visit them to shop their entire stock of plus-size clothing.
Tiger Bay Cafe, West Asheville
Located inside Battlecat Coffee Shop in West Asheville, this female-owned, family-run cafe serves up breakfast and lunch, including bagels, waffles, paninis, salads, and more inspired by Southern… read more
Located inside Battlecat Coffee Shop in West Asheville, this female-owned, family-run cafe serves up breakfast and lunch, including bagels, waffles, paninis, salads, and more inspired by Southern, East Indian, and Latin culinary traditions. Try the breakfast bagel or the Cuban panini! Vegan and vegetarian friendly.
The Luxury Wedding Co.
This all-in-one wedding planning company specializes in all-inclusive weddings & elopements for getting married in North & South Carolina! They provide everything from top to bottom so all… read more
This all-in-one wedding planning company specializes in all-inclusive weddings & elopements for getting married in North & South Carolina! They provide everything from top to bottom so all you need to do is show up & enjoy your big day. They offer all-inclusive packages which can be used at any venue or private residence. They also assist you in finding the perfect location,…
SmallCakes Asheville
Located in Biltmore Park in South Asheville, this cupcakery and creamery offer freshly baked gourmet cupcakes, along with housemade ice cream. The cupcakes come in various sizes, and you can add… read more
Located in Biltmore Park in South Asheville, this cupcakery and creamery offer freshly baked gourmet cupcakes, along with housemade ice cream. The cupcakes come in various sizes, and you can add ice cream to create a “SmallCake Smash.” Enjoy 12 signature flavors with regular rotating specialty flavors. Order by the dozen or create a custom cake for special occasions.
Asheville Pro Lash and Salon
Asheville Pro Lash and Salon's goal is to allow for the beautification and uplifting of women and men alike. From natural lash extensions to volume lashes to makeup services, Asheville Pro Lash is… read more
Asheville Pro Lash and Salon's goal is to allow for the beautification and uplifting of women and men alike. From natural lash extensions to volume lashes to makeup services, Asheville Pro Lash is your bridal, photoshoot, special event, and makeup artistry boutique.
Blessed Soul Food Truck
Family-owned and operated, Blessed Soul Food Truck provides catering services to the greater Asheville area. From wings to burgers to sandwiches to dessert, Blessed Soul Food Truck makes… read more
Family-owned and operated, Blessed Soul Food Truck provides catering services to the greater Asheville area. From wings to burgers to sandwiches to dessert, Blessed Soul Food Truck makes everything to perfection.
Della Terra Beauty
Della Terra Beauty specializes in luxury hair styling and makeup artist services for weddings, proms, photoshoots, boudoirs, and any other special occasion you may need. They also provide luxury… read more
Della Terra Beauty specializes in luxury hair styling and makeup artist services for weddings, proms, photoshoots, boudoirs, and any other special occasion you may need. They also provide luxury wedding packages for brides getting married all over the South East!
Dread Life Kitchen, Hendersonville
Serving up soul food in Hendersonville, owner Raynard Walker offers comfort food favorites like wings, shrimp and grits, mac-n-cheese, smoked meats, collards, and more with a Caribbean twist. Dine… read more
Serving up soul food in Hendersonville, owner Raynard Walker offers comfort food favorites like wings, shrimp and grits, mac-n-cheese, smoked meats, collards, and more with a Caribbean twist. Dine in or pick up a meal to bring home, along with homemade lemonade or sweet tea. They also offer catering for events! 3591 Chimney Rock Rd, Hendersonville
Cooking with Comedy Catering
Since 2009, Cooking With Comedy Catering has served the WNC area with delicious, heart-filled meals. Private parties, weddings, corporate events—no matter your catering needs, they've got you… read more
Since 2009, Cooking With Comedy Catering has served the WNC area with delicious, heart-filled meals. Private parties, weddings, corporate events—no matter your catering needs, they've got you covered.
Fusion Day Spa
Fusion Day Spa is a peaceful oasis conveniently located in the West Asheville neighborhood. Enjoy a massage, foot treatment, body wrap, facial, or waxing service.
Fusion Day Spa is a peaceful oasis conveniently located in the West Asheville neighborhood. Enjoy a massage, foot treatment, body wrap, facial, or waxing service.
Hummingbird Candle Co.
A black-owned, women-owned small business, Hummingbird Candle Co. has two locations in Asheville, NC, and Fayetteville, NC. Customers can enjoy a candlemaking experience at their storefront or… read more
A black-owned, women-owned small business, Hummingbird Candle Co. has two locations in Asheville, NC, and Fayetteville, NC. Customers can enjoy a candlemaking experience at their storefront or shop their amazing-smelling candles.
Noir Collective AVL
Located in the historic Black business district known as “The Block” in downtown Asheville, this boutique shop and art gallery was created by and for Black entrepreneurs. It’s a safe space for… read more
Located in the historic Black business district known as “The Block” in downtown Asheville, this boutique shop and art gallery was created by and for Black entrepreneurs. It’s a safe space for Black-Owned Businesses in Asheville to showcase their arts, services, products, and more.
Mountain Trail Soap Company
Mountain Trail Soap Company is a small, locally owned and operated business in Tryon, NC. They take pride in their handmade soaps, as they don't contain harmful, skin-irritating chemicals found in… read more
Mountain Trail Soap Company is a small, locally owned and operated business in Tryon, NC. They take pride in their handmade soaps, as they don't contain harmful, skin-irritating chemicals found in commercial soaps today.
Goombay Festival
This free, family event in downtown Asheville connects community and showcases Black culture, art, food, and entertainment.
This free, family event in downtown Asheville connects community and showcases Black culture, art, food, and entertainment.
