18 Black-Owned Businesses to Support in Downtown Phoenix
by Lauren Potter and Elizabeth Montgomery
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Downtown Phoenix is home to an array of Black-owned businesses, many of which are institutions in Phoenix’s cultural fabric. Here are 17 you can support:
Ali Nervis (left) and Henry Dickerson (right) are co-owners of Straw and Wool hat store in Downtown Phoenix.
Hats off to these awesome Phoenicians. Straw and Wool brings a sense of style, confidence and pride to Downtown Phoenix and beyond. Established in 2020, when you step inside Straw & Wool you gain confidence that only a classic hat can provide. Instagram: @straw_and_wool
Details: 610 E. Roosevelt St., Ste 144. Phone: 602-888-4761
The Diaspora Collective is a place for the collective to celebrate, connect, discover, experience, and honor the food, art, culture, music, and people of Africa and the African diaspora. The reason why is simple: to empower people to be passionate ambassadors for Africa and African diaspora so that we shape the narrative. Instagram: @the_diasporacollective
Latha is a restaurant and bar that celebrates the rich and diverse flavors of Africa and the African diaspora. The menu is rooted in the food traditions of Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean and the Southern US. Ingredients are carefully sourced from local farms, responsible purveyors and fair trade sources, as well as offering a selection of wine, beer, and spirits made, owned or developed by Black artisans.
Details: Heritage Square, Silva House, 628 E. Adams St.
Black Theatre Troupe’s “Respect” performance from 2023. (Photo: Contributed)
Havana, owner of Stardust & Sage in Downtown Phoenix helps her guests find healing one crystal at a time. (Photo: David Wallace)
Tricee Thomas, founder of The Garment League nonprofit. (Photo: Contributed)
This nonprofit provides fashion education and industry resources to the Ariozna-based fashion community. Founded by Tricee Thomas, Phoenix designers can learn the business of fashion, participate in fashion shows, attend creative workshops, and more. The Garment League hosts On Central and Phoenix Swim Week fashion shows. Thomas says the organization’s purpose is to bring attention to local emerging designers and creative talents in the city to place Arizona on the map as one of the leading garment industries in the country.
Details: 815 N. 1st St.
Ali Nervis of Grassrootz Bookstore. (Photo: Grassootz Bookstore)
Lee and Jessika Baker, owners of Bake Media Productions. (Photo: Contributed)
The Buy Black Marketplace hosted by Archwood Exchange happens the first Saturday of every month. (Photo: Archwood Exchange / QuickFlicks Photography)
Since 2016, the local collective Archwood Exchange has hosted the bi-weekly Buy Black Marketplace to support Phoenix-based Black businesses. Founded by the owners of Grassrootz Bookstore, Stardust & Sage, and Straw & Wool, the marketplace occurs monthly Downtown. The Marketplace features many products from Black-owned businesses in Phoenix, including art, jewelry, clothing, beauty products, food and more. To learn more and get the event schedule visit Archwood Exchange.
Andy and Grace (pictured) have been serving the Downtown Phoenix community for more than 13 years. (Photo: Lauren Potter)
Located on the ground floor of the Orpheum Lofts, Andy’s Shoe Shine has been in operation in Downtown Phoenix for over 15 years. Whether you need your shoes shined, a stiletto repaired, or your shoes re-soled, Andy and Grace can help you out, and they always do it with a smile. Recently, the couple embarked on a new venture, Sweet Crimes Candy Vault, located next door. Stop in for candy, cookies, and ice cream.
Details: 114 W. Adams St.
ACRES Store in the Roosevelt Row Arts District. (Photo: Taylor Costello)
Founded by local nonprofit Archwood Exchange, the ACRES Community Creators Marketplace is the organization’s latest effort to empower our community by developing and supporting local small Black-owned businesses. Located in the Roosevelt Row Arts District in Downtown Phoenix, this store is the home to over 30 local businesses while working towards paving the way for new entrepreneurs and building generational wealth.
Details: 610 E. Roosevelt St.
Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles. (Photo: Lauren Potter)
Fried chicken and fluffy waffles. What’s not to love? Lo-Lo’s has been a staple in the Phoenix food scene for more than 25 years. Named after Lo-Lo (Larry) White, grandson of the same Mrs. White with the Golden Rule Cafe. Take a seat inside the original location of the down-home restaurant, and drink Kool-Aid from a jar as you satiate yourself with some good old-fashioned soul food. Instagram: @loloschickenandwaffles
Details: 1220 S. Central Ave.
Larry “Lo-Lo” White of Monroe’s Hot Chicken. (Photo: Fara Illich)
Downtown Phoenix may be 1,635 miles away from Nashville, but you don’t have to travel far to sink your teeth into Music City’s signature spicy dish. Monroe’s Hot Chicken — the latest concept by Larry “Lo-Lo” White (of Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles) — spiced up the Downtown Phoenix food scene with his Nashville-style hot chicken when it opened in February 2019. Located on the ground floor of the Luhrs building, Monroe’s is the brainchild of Larry “Lo-Lo” White, the namesake and owner behind the famous Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles. View a stunning visual of the restaurant as part of our DTPHX In/Flux video series. Instagram: @monroeshotchicken
Details: 45 W. Jefferson St. Phone: 602-872-7100
Tap That in Downtown Phoenix. (Photo: Contributed)
This self-serve taproom offers a rotating selection of 35 draft beverages. Explore and pour your craft beer, and definitely try the wings and poutine. In addition to drinks, Tap That Downtown offers a full menu of delicious pub food and flatbreads.
Details: 909 N. 5th St.
Track Fitness Club in Downtown Phoenix. (Photo: Contributed)
TinaMarie Eaves, owner and operator of Alterations and Creations in the Roosevelt neighborhood. (Photo: Lauren Potter)
Whether you need a dress altered, a suit dry cleaned or some custom tailoring, TinaMarie has you covered. She has been at the helm of this Downtown Phoenix business since opening in 2001. The space also serves as a small retail boutique with clothing, accessories and stunning African wrap skirts designed by TinaMarie herself.
Details: 214 W. Roosevelt St. Phone: 602-277-9952
Known for its Southern comfort food staples, Mrs. White’s Golden Rule has been a downtown dining staple since 1964. (Photo: Lauren Potter)
Feed your soul with some of the best Southern comfort food this side of the Mississippi. A low-key Phoenix institution, Mrs. White’s has served down-home classics since 1964. Fried catfish, fried chicken, smothered pork chops, and savory sides like black-eyed peas, macaroni and cheese, and collard greens are just some of the items on the menu. While the space is modest, it has plenty of character with the handwritten notes from its guests on the walls, numerous newspaper clippings and the menu, written on an old-school chalkboard.
Details: 808 E. Jefferson St. Phone: 602-262-9256
Weight Room is a personal training facility in Downtown Phoenix that provides 1 on 1, small group, and online training. (Photo: Instagram).
“A place of unmatched potential and grace.” This private personal training facility in Downtown Phoenix provides 1 on 1, small group, and online training. Owners also offer nutrition coaching, bodybuilding, and powerlifting prep. Walk-ins are welcome with $10 day passes.
Details: 620 W. Adams St.
Located in the Collier Center, Midwest Wings XL was recently opened by Kiara in 2024. (Photo: Haley Hoekstra)
A Midwesterner through and through, Kiara brought her love for the flavors of the Midwest all the way from Michigan to DTPHX. Look no further for classic comfort food like chicken wings, loaded fries, Detroit-style corned beef sandwiches, or even treat yourself to a cold beer or frozen margarita! New to the Downtown area, you can find this chicken haven in the Collier Center behind Taco Bell Cantina.
Details: 201 E. Washington St. Suite 109
Phone: (480) 597-3471