40 Black-Owned Businesses to Check Out in Downtown Richmond

​

Owner: Shari Layman-Brunt

​

What You'll Find: Everything you could want from your favorite sports bar (and more): 20+ draft beers, flat-screen TVs, a patio featuring hookah service and a cigar lounge and more!

​

Owner: Nadira Chase

​

What You'll Find: Browse natural products like bath bombs, hair care, skincare sets and more from this multicultural brand.

​

In the News: 11 Black-Owned Businesses in Richmond, Virginia You Have to Visit

​

Owner: Ashley Williams

​

What You'll Find: A yoga and meditation studio offering space for the mind, body, soul and community.

​

In the News: Black-owned Businesses to Support During a Long Weekend in Richmond, Virginia

​

Owner: Barksdale "Barky" Haggins

​

What You'll Find: Something for all of your musical needs: Gospel music, hard-to-find CDs, DVDs and vinyl selections.

​

In the News: Meet the Faces of Your Downtown

​

Owner: Ralph Dadzie

​

What You'll Find: A fusion of West African and Caribbean cuisine in an upscale lounge setting.

​

Owner: Herman “Big Herm” Baskerville

​

What You'll Find: Take-out featuring hits like Big Herm's wings that make for the perfect to-go lunch spot.

​

What People Are Saying: "One of my favorite spots in RVA ! It’s a little hole-in-the-wall, but the food is great quality and a good price! The catfish basket is out of this world ! Everything on point." - Google

​

In the News: 10 of the Best Places to Eat in Richmond's Jackson Ward, USA Today 10Best

​

What You'll Find: BHMVA offers a dynamic multi-dimensional learning experience which includes history and art exhibitions, community conversations, literary presentations, social gatherings, documentary screenings, historic portrayals and cultural activities.

​

In the News: 18 Black Museums To Visit Across The U.S.

​

Owner: Ajay Brewer

​

What You'll Find: A coffee shop for locals by locals with an extensive list of eats and drinks on the menu.

​

What People Are Saying: "Cute little café in Manchester! The menu is not only stocked with coffee drinks, but a few adult concoctions and food options! Love that the owner, Ajay lives across the street and frequently has his kids running back and forth. I've had a few of the drinks which were really tasty and quenching." - Yelp

​

In the News: Working Lunch: Brewer's Cafe, Style Weekly

​

Owner: Genet Semere and Ghermay Woldeab

​

What You'll Find: A wine bar and a gallery offering art, tapas, an outdoor patio adjacent to the 17th Street Market and more.

​

In the News: 5 American Cities That Thrive on Black Culture

​

Owner: Brandon Jackson

​

What You'll Find: Grilled cheese specialty sandwiches like Harlem of the South, Smoked Robinson, Billie's Holiday and more are on the menu at this 2nd Street spot.

​

In the News: 11 New Spots in Downtown Richmond to Check Out in 2021

​

Owner: Nikko Suavé and Earl Mack

​

What You'll Find: A creative brand offering exclusive collections of merchandise and beyond.

​

What People Are Saying: "I’ve purchased numerous T-shirts and hoodies from this location and I’m very satisfied. Excellent quality, even after numerous washes. I also get a lot of compliments on the clothes. I’ll definitely return! The staff is very helpful!" - Google

​

In the News: Chilalay Brings a Positive Outlook to Richmond Streetwear, RVA Mag

​

Owner: Neverett Eggleston III

​

What You'll Find: A Richmond favorite offering seafood soul food in the heart of Manchester.

​

What People Are Saying: "Who knew soul food and seafood could be so good together?! It's like holy matrimony in wedded food bliss!" - Yelp

​

Owner: Janine Bell

​

What You'll Find: Richmond's resource for all things African World cultural arts.

​

What People Are Saying: "Our cultural capital spot for eye-opening wisdom and knowledge. Beautiful art and artifacts. A Richmond treasure." - Google

​

​

Owner: Ron Stallings

​

What You'll Find: A historic Jackson Ward venue that includes the Speakeasy Grill, Speakeasy Lounge and the renowned Hippodrome Theater that hosts about 250 events each year.

​

In the News: Meet the Faces of Downtown

​

Owner: Jenn Braswell

​

What You'll Find: Hour Cycle offers an inclusive, indoor cycling environment featuring Black instructors and hip hop music with package offers and single sessions starting at only $20.

​

In the News: 15 Downtown RVA Start-ups & Ventures to Keep an Eye On in 2021

​

Owner: Ifé Robinson

​

What You’ll Find: Healthy haircare for a range of different styles and textures from natural to chemically treated.

​

In the News: 38 Barber Shops and Hair Salons in Downtown Richmond

​

What You'll Find: Signature Jamaican fare like jerk chicken, brown stew red snapper, pepper steak, and more.

​

What People Are Saying: "Curry Shrimp was amazing flavorful. Jerk Chicken Roti was great. I would definitely come back. It's hard to find really good Jamaican food in Richmond, this place I would give 10 stars." - Google

​

Owner: Carena Ives

​

What You'll Find: Authentic, slow-cooked Jamaican cuisine serving Richmond since 1994.

​

In the News: A New Home for Jamaica House

​

Owner: Jevata Herman

​

What You'll Find: A recently updated venue and event space that offers distinguished architecture with modern aesthetics.

​

In the News: 15 Wedding Venues in Downtown Richmond

​

Owner: Anthony Bryant

​

What You'll Find: A curated collection of baby and children's clothing, books, toys, and more!

​

Celeb Sightings: Solange Knowles and Leslie Odom Jr.

​

In the News: A Family-Friendly Outfit, Style Weekly

​

Owner: Nicole Clayton

​

What You'll Find: Cathedral windows and high ceilings featuring gorgeous lighting and views of the Jackson Ward neighborhood at this loft-style event space.

​

In the News: 15 Wedding Venues in Downtown Richmond

​

Owner: Natasha Freeman

​

What You'll Find: A holistic healing and wellness center offering services like Reiki Healing, Sound Therapy, and much more.

​

What People Are Saying: "This space embodies healing. From thoughtful and sustainable design, to the programming, products and people, Lucid Living is a vibe more than a studio. Come for the classes, stay for the community." - Google

​

Owner: Velma Johnson

​

What You'll Find: Family-owned and operated in the Historic Jackson Ward neighborhood with a menu full of mouth-watering favorites like catfish, corn muffins, and peach cobbler.

​

Celeb Sightings: Kevin Hart and Tracy Morgan

​

In the News: Great Restaurants to Work For 2019, Food & Wine, A Weekend in Virginia: From Capital to Countryside, Forbes & Five Richmond restaurants recognized by 2019 James Beard Foundation Awards

​

Owner: Jaynell Pittman-Shaw

​

What You'll Find: Signature maple bourbon syrup with waffles any and every way you would want them.

​

What People are Saying: "Soulful. This restaurant warmed my heart and filled my belly. Nice people and fantastic food can do that for me. The interior decor is nice, the staff and service were really good, but the food was a 'wow!'." - Google

​

In the News: Maple Bourbon RVA Shares "Oh Me, Oh My" Bread Pudding Recipe, Virginia This Morning

​

Owner: Robert Charles, Sr.

​

What You'll Find: A family-owned business offering 70+ years experience of laundering services.

​

In the News: Meet Even More Faces of Downtown

​

Owner: Micah Crump and Ashley Ramsey

​

What You'll Find: A handcrafted pizza shop offering signature flatbreads with a Southern twist.

​

Owner: Brittany Garth

​

What You'll Find: 4,000 SF of co-working space, private office suites and an event space for women in business.

​

In the News: 33 Women-Owned Business to Check Out in Downtown Richmond

​

Owner: Jean Boone

​

What You'll Find: A free, weekly newspaper that aims to break down the barriers between readers and the news.

​

Awards: National Newspaper Publishers Association for Best News Pictures

​

In the News: Meet the Faces of Downtown

​

Owner: Javontae Jones

​

What You'll Find: At the Arts District’s newest bar and restaurant, you’ll find happy hour specials, brunch, events and more.

​

In the News: 11 New Restaurants to Try in Downtown Richmond

​

Owner: Derrick Iwuamadi and Brian Iwuamadi

​

What You'll Find: A streetwear shop offering vintage t-shirts, sneakers, hats and more.

​

Owner: Charis Jones

​

What You'll Find: Stand out with Sassy's collection of affordable statement pieces, high-quality handbags, and beauty products.

​

What People Are Saying: "I've been a Sassy Jones customer for at least 3 years. Accessories have always been my thing and these exquisite pieces have totally enhanced my wardrobe. The customer service is impeccable. I recommend this business to anyone looking for a wardrobe upgrade without breaking the bank." - Google

​

In the News: 10 Black Business Leaders You Ought To Know, Black Enterprise & How Charis Jones Crossed the $2 Million Mark with Sassy Jones Boutique, Side Hustle Pro

​

Owners: Mahasin Shakoor

​

What You'll Find: Cultural and ethnic garments, products, artifacts and more.

​

In the News: Shop Local: A Downtown Richmond Gift Guide

​

Owner: Trey Owens

​

What You'll Find: This soul food meets traditional taco hybrid makes for iconic creations like oxtail tacos, hush puppy nachos, and smoked mac and queso-dilla.

​

Celeb Sightings: Guy Fieri for "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives"

​

In the News: Soul Taco Ranked Best Taco Spot in Virginia

​

Owner: Shane Roberts-Thomas

​

What You'll Find: Your favorite dishes from the South like fried okra, shrimp po' boys, catfish and more.

​

In the News: 33 Women-Owned Businesses to Check Out in Downtown Richmond

​

Owners: Cam Hadnot, Alex Tucker, Tyler Chong, Brian Iwuamadi, James Crump, Duane Doku and Derrick Iwuamadi

​

What You'll Find: Joining Broad Street's staple streetwear scene is The Spot - a collaborative and creative coalition of artists.

​

In the News: 11 New Spots in Downtown Richmond to Check Out in 2021

​

Owner: Dawayne E. Taylor

​

What You'll Find: A full-service hair lounge for men, women and kids specializing in haircuts, facials, braiding, deep conditioning treatments, coloring and more.

​

In the News: 38 Barber Shops and Hair Salons in Downtown Richmond

​

Owner: Kelli Lemon

​

What You'll Find: From Richmond's own Kelli Lemon is this social cafe offering culture and connection to go with your Boss Latte.

​

What People Are Saying: "Uplifting and empowering space, welcoming and knowledgeable baristas, chill vibes, wicked strong espresso, donuts worth getting fat for. This cafe is awesome, 100% will be back for more." - Yelp

​

In the News: This Black-Owned Cafe is Redefining the Culture for People in Richmond, VA, Black Enterprise

​

Owner: Jermaine Edwards

​

What You'll Find: Shop streetwear, skateboards and more at this contemporary, hip store.

​

In the News: Shop Local: A Downtown Richmond Gift Guide

​

Owner: David Waller

​

What You'll Find: Jewelry, fraternity and sorority paraphernalia and watch repair services.

​

In the News: Meet the Faces of Your Downtown

​

Owner: James Harris and Ajay Brewer

​

What You'll Find: A creative space dedicated to keeping the essence of Blackwell alive while commentating on the changes the Southside is experiencing as a neighborhood.

​

What People Are Saying: "Amazing art and beautiful staff. Great place to buy new pieces for your home, as gifts or to start a collection for someone. Also a great place for artists and creatives alike to connect and collaborate." - Facebook

​

In the News: Moments of Healing at The Well Art Gallery, River City Magazine & The Well Art Gallery in Manchester Offers a Blend of Art & Waffles, Style Weekly

• 38 Barber Shops and Hair Salons in Downtown Richmond
• The Best of Downtown Richmond 2021
• 11 New Restaurants to Try in Downtown Richmond
• 33 Women-Owned Businesses to Check Out in Downtown Richmond
• 20 Places to Find Street Art in Downtown Richmond
• 15 Downtown Richmond Stores You Can Shop Online
• 15 Downtown RVA Start-ups & Ventures to Keep an Eye On in 2021