SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — There are so many ways you can support the African American community during Black History Month and one of those is supporting Black-owned businesses.
Savannah hosts several black-owned establishments from restaurants to studios, here is a list of those businesses in the city.
The Grey
Mashama Bailey and Johno Morisano are the co-owners of The Grey located at 109 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, with Bailey as the executive chef.
Bailey found the passion for cooking from the women in her family, attending the Institute of Culinary Education in New York, she spent years honing her craft in the Big Apple.
As the head chef at The Grey, she received the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef Southeast award in 2019 and serves as Vice Chairman on the board of the Edna Lewis Foundation.
NaRobia’s Grits and Gravy
Owned by Renee and Howard Reid, family-owned NaRobia’s serves up traditional southern soul food located at 2019 Habersham St.
With 4.4 stars on Yelp, NaRobia’s brings the atmosphere and the food to downtown.
Geneva’s Famous Chicken and Cornbread
Owned by head chef Geneva Wade and cornbread master Kenny Wade, this family-owned and operated business is located at 1909 E Victory Dr, serving Savannians since 1983.
Known for their famous fried chicken they serve southern-style recipes beloved by the community, with raving reviews on Tripadvisor.
They are currently remodeling and will announce their reopening in early 2024.
Footprints of Savannah Walking Tour
Making sure the history of urban slavery in Savannah is never forgotten, owner Vaughnette Goode-Walker takes visitors on a journey through the past.
Goode-Walker delves into the economic impact of slavery as well as the ‘footprints’ left to this day.
Her 90-minute walking tours are full of education and stories in remembrance of the city’s past.
Black History Tours Savannah
Rita Fuller-Yates is an educator, historian and entrepreneur who facilitates black history tours in various cities expanding her tour to Savannah in 2023.
Her motivation comes from the stigma and boredom experienced some have when learning about black history she began a tour narrating the past through stories.
Savannah Black History Tours goes through the struggles of the slavery generations, segregation and the successes of the black community and its leaders.
The Beach Institute African-American Cultural Center
Founded by W.W. Law, a crusader of the civil rights movement and attorney began the King-Tisdell Cottage Foundation Inc. to preserve the rich history of Savannah’s past.
Housing art, books and events the institute looks to explore the multifaceted history and culture of African Americans and their contributions to society.
Belford’s Savannah Seafood and Steaks
Owned by Marcie Hill and co-owned by Kevin McPherson Belford’s is known for their southern seafood, steaks and fine wine located at 315 W Saint Julian Street.
Alix Baptiste Studio
Moving to Savannah from Haiti, Alix Baptiste had his start as a street painter which evolved into his own story located at 307 W. St. Julian Street.
With a colorful Caribbean twist, his artwork depicts the nature and culture of Haiti.
Work from Baptiste has been featured in magazines like Black Enterprise, Ebony and Upscale with his original pieces selling for thousands.
Diane’s Knitting Studio
Owned by Diane Parham, who crafts unique knit patterns also sells knitting supplies, and holds classes at 308 West Saint Julian Street.
Sigma Graphics
Owned by Jeffrey Berry, this print shop was established in 2001 to provide marketing products to the community.
Located at 3202 Skidaway Rd, they offer services for apparel, wood products, signage, accessories and more.
The Garage at Victory North
A unique space serving creative drinks and eclectic Southern foods, owner Colin Motlagh‘s establishment has been featured on the Food Network and Savannah Magazine.
Located at 2605 Whitaker St., their slogan is “Everyone feels like a welcomed guest,” with their inclusive atmosphere.
The Ashford Tea Shop
Wayne Ashford owns and operates the tea shop located at 406 E Oglethorpe Ave, to share his love for a good cup of tea.
Discovering new loose teas, how they are grown and the health benefits he shares his brew with Savannah as an entrepreneur and motivational speaker.
Dottie’s Market
Owners Chris Meenan and Ericka Phillips fell in love with each other and the host city, bringing with them culinary culture and history at Dottie’s Market located at 207 W Broughton St.
Named after Philips’s great-grandmother, Dottie’s Market celebrates the love of food and southern cuisine as a place where people can gather and walk into a space welcomed.
Find more black-owned businesses at Visit Savannah.