Spend local: 15 Black-owned businesses you can support right now
Silas Sloan, Knoxville News Sentinel
5 min read
Supporting Knoxville's Black-owned businesses is important every month.
It keeps dollars local, creates jobs and helps Black entrepreneurs narrow the wealth gap.
Knoxville consumers who want to spend their dollars with Black entrepreneurs in our community have a great resource in the Knoxville Black Business Directory, which lists companies by name and industry.
Want to recommit to supporting diverse local businesses and nonprofits? Here are a few to get you started. Visit knoxvilleblackbusiness.com to find more.
Chris Battle is photographed at BattleField Farm in East Knoxville on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. BattleField Farm is an urban farm and community garden fighting food insecurity in East Knoxville.
If you're looking for some farm-fresh produce that also helps fight food disparity in Knoxville, visit BattleField Farm and Garden.
Founded by Chris Battle, the nonprofit Urban Farm was created to provide farm-fresh food to the East Knoxville community, which lacks in fresh food options. You can support the farm by volunteering or donating to its delivery truck fund.
Big O's owner Kenneth Oglesby combined his love of cooking for others and his dream of opening a restaurant. Once his wife Philander gave her blessing, the food truck was born.
The food truck serves up slow-smoked meats with its homemade rub and sauce. Since it travels, use Facebook to find out where it's serving up next.
Owned by self-taught baker Cheriya Scott, Brown Sugar Sweets bakes custom-order cakes and desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. From cakes to pies to cookies, Brown Sugar has any sweet treat you could want, and in just about any flavor. Special orders are available upon request.
Andre Bryant, owner of Burger Boys, peeks out of the service window of the restaurant's patio on Chapman Highway in South Knoxville, Tenn. on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. The two-person operation serves up an assortment of fresh, homemade burgers and foods like wings, gizzards and French fries.
Burger Boys
If you order a burger at Burger Boys, you can guarantee it was made by owner Andre Bryant. The bright white and red drive-thru has been open since 2018 and serves all of its burgers with free fries.
To no surprise, it's known as "home of the free fries," which is displayed on the storefront
If you're looking to catch a show, check out a production from The Carpetbag Theatre. The nonprofit, run by executive director Jonathan Clark, works with local artists, activists and more to put on original shows.
The company aims to, "give artistic voice to the issues and dreams of people who have been silenced by racism, classism, sexism, ageism, homophobia and other forms of oppression," according to its website.
Co-owned by Alexia Frazier and Tina Drake Fresh Kale Bath and Boutique offers stylish clothing, accessories and bath products. Not sure what style to go with? Fresh Kale provides a styling service with "a great team of stylist that love fashion, style sessions and a good conversation."
Appointments can be arranged at home, online or in store.
Enjoy dishes such as fried chicken tenders, Philly cheesesteak quesadillas, then some deep-fried Oreos for dessert. Follow them on Facebook to check their location.
Owners Tariku "Mike" and Terualem "Terri" Woldemichael, both Ethiopian immigrant, opened up Gosh in 2011. This restaurant serves spiced meat and vegetables including beef, lamb and lentils.
Tanika Harper, found member of The Women Foundation, on Sunday, June 28, 2020.
Starting with a passion for natural skincare and its benefits, Tanika Harper founded Harper's Naturals. The online store carries bathing essentials like soap and shampoo, as well as items like bath bombs to treat yourself to a relaxing soak. All products are made from natural ingredients and have no toxic chemicals.
Looking to add some new looks to your wardrobe? Marc Nelson Denim specializes in small-batch, hand-sewn denim and high-end clothing. Founded by Knoxville native Marcus Hall, this denim store can help you find clothing to upgrade your style.
For almost a quarter century, Mer-Mer's Bakery has served scratch-made cakes to Knoxville residents from their Gay Street location. Owned by Chandra Baker and best known for their creative cake designs, Mer-Mer's only bakes in small batches to ensure everything comes out just right. While cakes are their specialty, Mer-Mer's bakes everything from cookies to cinnamon rolls.
James Brown, aka Mr. Cool, poses for a portrait at Mr. Cool Collision on Gleason Dr. in Knoxville, Tenn. on Friday, April 16, 2021. Brown has been repairing cars for over 45 years, 25 of those years here in Knoxville. His Kingston Pike location was one of the first black-owned businesses in West Knoxville.
James Brown opened what is possibly one of the first Black-owned businesses in West Knoxville about 25 years ago. Brown started a mobile air-conditioning repair service out of a van and has been a Knoxville staple ever since. Mr. Cool's specializes in transmission, brake and auto air conditioning repair.
This food truck, owned by Trevor Guydon, serves BBQ with a southwest twist. Oakwood specializes in brisket, but also serves smoked turkey and pulled pork with sides like smoked macaroni and cheese and Mexican-style street corn. The truck moves around, so check its website to track it down.
Jade Adams, owner of Oglewood Avenue, is a house plant expert. Her shop, located on North Broadway, has plenty of plants, pots and tools to keep plants healthy.
Looking to spruce up your home or office with some plant life? Oglewood Avenue, owned by Jade Adams, offers a wide selection of plants and gardening tools. Oglewood Avenue also provides interior styling services to help you choose the right plants and where to put them.
Pure Essence was founded by owner Chantra Barfield and has been cultivating a community hub in Knoxville for 10 years. The salon prides itself in being able to work with any kind of hair, from textured and curly to thin and fine. A wide range of hairstyling services and products are available.