With the wave of protests that have swept the country, we as a nation are looking at a new Civil Rights era. If you can’t make it to a gathering, there are plenty of other ways to show your support. One of the most important ways is by supporting black-owned businesses in your community; most are small businesses trying to stay open during COVID-19 as well. We rounded up a few of our favorite black-owned Dallas businesses for you to check out. From incredible cheesecake to virtual tutoring services, keep reading to see them all.
Val’s Cheesecakes
Started to honor his mother and fellow baker, who died of breast cancer in 2012, Val’s delicious, creative cheesecakes can be found in two Dallas locations and one in Fort Worth that due to COVID-19, is currently closed. Choose from slices, whole cheesecakes and jars. There’s even an option to have your event catered.
3906 Maple Ave.
Dallas, TX 75219
2820 Greenville Ave.
Dallas, TX 75206
Food Hall At Crockett Row: Closed until further notice.
3000 Crockett St.
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Online: valscheesecakes.com
IG: @valscheesecakes
Da Munchies
A 100% vegan and organic restaurant that serves meatless versions of your favorite comfort food, including chicken and waffles, mac ‘n’ cheese, corn dogs for the kids and even a vegan version of Popeyes chicken sandwich.
4121 N. Westmoreland Rd.
Dallas, TX 75212
Online: damunchiesdfw
IG: @damunchiesdfw
Exclusive Sneaks Shop
If you’ve got a passion for the must-have Yeezy’s or Jordans, Exclusive Sneaks Shop is your spot. Featuring classic Jordans, Adidas and more, there are hundreds of new and gently-used sneakers to browse and buy.
417 N Bryan Belt Line Rd Suite D
Mesquite, TX 75149
Online: exclusivesneaksshop.net
Kookie Haven
Three sisters took their mother’s cookie recipes and re-opened a family business that had been shuttered for over a decade. Stop by the shop to pick up mouth-watering cookies like Butter Toffee Crunch, Ooh Lemon Baby, Muddy Buddy, and of course, just about every variation of Chocolate Chip you can imagine. They also offer cakes and vegan cookies!
337 W Jefferson Blvd
Dallas, TX 75208
Online: kookiehaven.com
IG: @kookiehaven
Peace, Love & Eatz
After Chef James and his wife had switched to a plant-based diet, they realized there wasn’t any place in their neighborhood to eat. So, they opened Peace, Love & Eatz, which serves up incredible plant-based smoothies and smoothie bowls. Make your own bowl or pick one that’s already been perfected. There are also nut milk smoothies.
324 E. Beltline Rd.
Desoto, TX 75115
Online: peaceloveeatz.com
IG: @peace.love_eatz
Sweet Georgia Brown
If you want true BBQ or classic Soul Food, this often overlooked spot is worth a try. Ribs, veggies, greens, broccoli cheese rice casserole, candied yams, mac ‘n’ cheese and more.
2840 E Ledbetter Dr.
Dallas, TX 75216
Online: yelp.com/biz/sweet-georgia-brown-bar-b-que-buffet-dallas
Pan African Connection Bookstore, Art Gallery and Resource Center
This beacon of African culture in Dallas not only sells books, but also African art, clothing and jewelry. They also have events, and many of them are family-friendly, including things like guitar lessons, mini farmer’s markets, cultural celebrations and more. Things have virtual since COVID-19, but be sure to check their website for updates.
4466 S Marsalis Ave
Dallas, TX 75216
Online: panafricanconnection.com
IG: @pac_dallas
The Island Spot Restaurant
The owners of this popular Jamaican restaurant want their patrons to taste the memories of growing up in Spanish Town with every bite. Favorite menu items include jerk chicken, fried plantains, curry dishes and Mama Joyce’s fried chicken and plenty of fun Caribbean-inspired drinks for the adults.
309 W Jefferson Blvd
Dallas, TX 75208
2661 Midway Rd #105
Carrollton, TX 75006
Online: island-spot.com
IG: @theislandspot
Essence Dance Academy
Owned by Dallas Black Dance Theater alum Avis Sauls, Essence Dance Academy features predominantly black instructors and includes the full range of dance genres, including ballet, hip-hop, lyrical and jazz.
Online: essencedanceacademy.com
Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant
Family-owned for more than 20 years, this is reported to be the best Ethiopian food in all of DFW. Big servings of menu items include Doro wat, kitfo, Yebag wat and more.
9191 Forest Ln, Ste 2
Dallas, TX 75243
Academia Tutoring
A professional tutoring service for elementary school kids, Academia is currently offering virtual lessons for kids in light of COVID-19.
3317 Finley Rd.
Irving TX 75062
Online: myacademiatutor.com
TX BBQ & Burgers
This little place serves up big flavor, offering everything from burgers with all the toppings to grilled cheese sandwiches, brisket sandwiches, loaded baked potatoes and even family packs that come with a 2 lb brisket.
3128 Forest Lane
Dallas, TX 75234
Online: mytxbbq.com
Mama Moore’s Gourmet Popcorn
Mama Moore’s takes its popcorn seriously. Flavors include bacon and cheddar, caramel apple, dill pickle, ebony and ivory and more.
5244 S Hwy 360 #310
Grand Prairie, TX 75052
Online: mooregourmetpopcorn.com
IG: @moore_popcorn
—Gabby Cullen
RELATED STORIES:
11 Black-Owned Family Businesses We Love
21 Toys That Encourage Diversity & Inclusion
17 Family Movies That Celebrate Diversity
28 Books for Kids About Racism, Inequality & Injustice in America
Featured Image: istock
