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Celebrate Black History Month in Downtown Phoenix

In honor of Black History Month this February, Downtown Phoenix Inc. [DPI] is spotlighting small business owners and influential visionaries by sharing their stories and amplifying Black leadership.

For the entire month, we invite everyone to join us in honoring the rich culture, contributions, and history of the Black community through inspiring stories, helpful resources, and opportunities to support local Black-owned businesses. 

Dive into the powerful history that has shaped our city, join us for a special event filled with culture and connection at CAN I KICK IT?, and explore ways to uplift the incredible entrepreneurs and creatives who make Downtown Phoenix the best place to be. Together, let’s celebrate, educate, and empower.

Want to learn more about Black business owners in DTPHX? Follow us on Instagram @DowntownPhoenix and subscribe to the DTPHX Insider to read their unique stories highlighted throughout the month.

Want to Learn More About Black History in DTPHX?

Check out the blogs we have produced (linked below) that highlight local spots linked to African-American heritage and community.

Eastlake Park Provides Cultural Connections for Phoenix's African-American Community

10 Places Tied To African-American Heritage in Downtown Phoenix

CAN I KICK IT?

February 22, 2025 at Civic Space Park

Roll out your park blanket and join us for a screening of the movie Men in Black (1997) with live scoring from DJ Duo Shaolin Jazz, shopping from Buy Black Marketplace by Archwood Exchange, and a fashion show hosted by The Garment League.

About This Event

Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses

Discover Black-Owned Businesses to Support in Downtown Phoenix

Downtown Phoenix currently has 32 Black-owned businesses and counting, 12 of which opened in the past year. 

*—Indicates Phoenix Community Alliance (PCA) membership

1
ACRES Retail Store*
610 E Roosevelt St
Phoenix, AZ 85004

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, including Maddie B's Chicago Style Gourmet Popcorn and Marlee's Lemonade, while working towards paving the way for new entrepreneurs and building generational wealth.


2
Archwood Exchange & Buy Black Marketplace*
1401 E Van Buren St, 602-257-1915
Phoenix, AZ 85006

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.


3
Yoga Hause
200 E Van Buren St, #417
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Gabbrielle Veasy opened Yoga Hause to offer a studio where Downtowners can experience rejuvenation. Offerings include sound healing, yoga, meditation, and breathwork for every skill level. Located on the 4th floor of the 200 EVB building.


4
The Grind by Chic Chef
45 W Jefferson St, Suite J
Phoenix, AZ 85003

The Grind by Chic Chef is Nik Fields' third concept, occupying the former Serafina Coffee space in the Luhrs Tower. The coffee shop's name holds multiple meanings, nodding not only to the coffee-making process but also to the chef and owner's journey from bank executive to private chef to restaurateur.


5
Dough Boy Pizza Co.
455 N 3rd St
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Rhea Williams, Dough Boy Pizza Co. Franchise Owner, is adding a slice of flavor to Downtown's Arizona Center. Pizza lovers will appreciate their inclusive, chef-driven menu, with vegan crust options available. This pizza powerhouse features a unique menu made with fresh, artisanal ingredients served in a fast-casual restaurant setting.


6
Zoni Girls
455 N 3rd St, Unit 1110
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Zoni Girls is a women owned Skate Shop, Pop-Up Roller Rink and Venue started by Paige, Tashi, and Sasha: three sisters with a passion for laughter, health and community. Zoni Girls prides itself on supporting brands whose focus is COMMUNITY. Which is why they primarily supply products from local, women owned, small businesses and other "underdog" brands who share the love of making strides within their community!


7
Tap That Downtown*
909 N 5th St
Phoenix, AZ 85004

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.


8
Midwest Wings XL
201 E Washington St
Phoenix, AZ 85004

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!


9
Big Bacon's
719 E Roosevelt St
Phoenix, AZ 85006

Adriane Harris opened Big Bacon’s to bring classic, home-cooked meals from the Midwest to Downtown Phoenix. Located on the corner of Roosevelt and Seventh Streets, their menu offers Chicago-inspired soul food made with fresh ingredients. 


10
UR Tangled Truth
200 E Van Buren St, Suite 4001
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Brittany Sharp is a holistic wellness practitioner and yoga instructor dedicated to guiding individuals on their journey towards inner balance, healing, and self-discovery through a wide range of services like massage therapy, sound healing, and more.


11
Monroe's Hot Chicken & Lo-Lo's Chicken & Waffles
45 W Jefferson St
Phoenix, AZ 85003

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.


12
Andy's Shoe Shine & Sweet Crimes Candy Vault
114 W Adams St
Phoenix, AZ 85003

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.


13
Bake Media Productions
1 E Washington St
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Bake Media Productions is a full-service videography and event production company founded by husband and wife duo Lee Baker and Jessika Baker. The media company specializes in documentary and product videography, event planning and on-site production services, and hosting various live-streamed events.


14
Stardust & Sage*
610 E Roosevelt St, Unit 136
Phoenix, AZ 85004

This crystal shop located in the Roosevelt Row Arts District offers oracle readings, divination, guided meditation, sound baths, herbal baths, remedies and more. Owned by Havana, the store also carries a variety of crystals, candles, smoke cleansing sticks and spiritual colognes.


15
Straw & Wool*
610 E Roosevelt St, Unit 144
Phoenix, AZ 85004

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.


16
Track Club Fitness
915 N Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Whether it’s time for a workout or a cocktail, head to the DeSoto Building at Central Avenue and Roosevelt Street. Owned by Pasquale “Pat” Brocco who opened Track Club Fitness after losing more than 300 pounds and sharing his fitness journey with “Ellen,” “Good Morning America” and other media outlets.


17
Grassrootz Bookstore and Juice Bar
1145 E Washington St, #200
Phoenix, AZ 85034

Ali Nervis opened Grassrootz Books and Juice Bar in the Eastlake Park Neighborhood in 2019. Since then the store has received national attention including a nod on Oprah Daily. Filled with shelves and shelves of books by Black authors and on the Black experience, it’s also home to a juice bar and coworking space where community members can host meetings and events. The store always has new titles and has recently added a selection of comic books.


18
The Thread & Do The Damn Thing*
130 N Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Owner and CEO of The Thread and Do The Damn Thing, Tiffany Largie is an entrepreneurial powerhouse, using her leadership and experience to create, inspire, and make a difference in the community. The Thread is a secondhand store that believes every piece of clothing deserves to continue the story.


19
3Eighteen Training
200 E Van Buren St
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Coach Micki offers training sessions that focus on the fundamentals of fitness: mobility, flexibility, endurance, and muscle development. She believe an athlete is built from the inside out, and her approach is direct, open, and honest.


20
Latha Restaurant & Bar
628 E Adams St
Phoenix, AZ 85004

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.


21
Stadium Sports Bar & Lounge
50 W Jefferson St
Phoenix, AZ 85003

Que Quinn, Owner of Stadium Sports Bar & Lounge, opened for business on the second story of CityScape in 2024. Their mission is to be the leading sports bar in the community, providing the ultimate tailgate experience for all fans. Stadium strives to deliver top notch customer service, entertainment and an inviting atmosphere for bonding over all things sports & entertainment.


22
University of Speed, Agility, Quickness (S.A.Q.)
620 W Adams St
Phoenix, AZ 85003

Brandon Gallimore, Owner of University of S.A.Q., created a space that is cultivated by independent contractors, offering a one-stop shop for all of your self-care needs. Reach your goals like a pro with services like personal training, yoga, Zumba, and even esthetician services available.


23
Black Theatre Troupe
1333 E Washington St
Phoenix, AZ 85034

Celebrating more than 50 years in the Eastlake Park neighborhood, the origins of the Black Theatre Troupe date back to ‘70s, when the Valley’s Black community needed a creative and artistic space during times of racial tension. Fun fact: During the ‘80s it became the first real artistic anchor of the Roosevelt Row Arts District. You can purchase tickets or make a donation online. IG: blacktheatretroupeDetails: 1333 E. Washington St.


24
The Garment League*
815 N 1st Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85003

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.


25
Industry Standard
128 E Roosevelt St
Phoenix, AZ 85004

The team behind Industry Standard includes partners Mike Cheathem, Mike Bodow and Jordan Hudgens, along with executive chef Edward Mclachlan. The restaurant concept offers a carefully-curated menu that touches on memories and roots from the team, stretching from Southern California to Africa.


26
Alterations and Creations
214 W Roosevelt St, Suite C3
Phoenix, AZ 85003

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. 


27
Weight Room
620 W Adams St, Suite B
Phoenix, AZ 85003

“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.


28
Mrs. White's Golden Rule Cafe
808 E Jefferson St
Phoenix, AZ 85034

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.


29
Glow Frame Initiative*
455 N 3rd St
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Led by industry veteran Irin “Iroc” Daniels, owner of Marmera Films, Glow Frame Initiative's program immerses participants in various aspects of AV technology and filmmaking. From LED video wall technology and live sound engineering to cinematography and film production, they tailor their training to the interests of each participant, equipping them with the skills they need to succeed.


30
Blok Photo Studio
1002 E Pierce St
Phoenix, AZ 85006

Founded in 2015 by Matt Martian and Hassan Rasul, two photographers in search of a studio with clean aesthetic and beautiful natural light. What initially started as a co-working studio quickly developed into a full-scale business dedicated to helping others in the creative industry. Since, Blok Studio has grown to offer three locations that serve as a hub to create content for any project, production support to help streamline any shoot and education services designed to empower creatives.


31
MuseTease Prints
1 E Washington St
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Muse's love of the arts began at a very early age where she was inspired by her mom’s entrepreneurial skills and her fathers love for carpentry which sparked the artist within. She has a great passion for youth, the liberation of Black women, racial justice, HBCU(Historically Black Colleges and Universities) advocacy, educating and volunteering with teen girls of color, and all things Arts related.


32
Vegan Social
918 N 2nd St
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Jozh Watson created Vegan Social, an all-vegan monthly open-air feast in Phoenix, AZ that is free and open to the public. This open-air feast offers food, produce, drinks and essentials in the morning and evening, every second and third Saturday of the month with a break June-August, resuming September of each year. Vegan Social features 50+ vegan and vegan-friendly vendors each month.


33
Chilte
765 Grand Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85007

Lawrence "LT" Smith and his wife, Aseret Arroyo, started Chilte as a food truck and opened their first brick-and-mortar restaurant at the Egyptian Motor Hotel in February 2023. Chiltes menu blends traditional Mexican flavors with global influences, crafting dishes that are both adventurous and rooted in authenticity.