New Orleans is a city brimming with culture, history, and creativity, where local businesses are the backbone of the community. Among them, Black-owned businesses play a vital role in shaping the city’s unique character. From stylish boutiques to mouth-watering restaurants, these businesses showcase the rich heritage and innovative spirit of the city’s Black entrepreneurs. Supporting these businesses is not just about enjoying incredible food, fashion, and services; it’s also about uplifting the community and promoting economic empowerment.
Here are some Black-owned businesses in New Orleans you should definitely check out.
Baldwin & Co.
Location: 1030 Elysian Fields Ave.
Baldwin & Co. is more than just a bookstore—it’s a cultural hub. Named after the legendary author James Baldwin, this independent bookstore features a curated selection of literature, including works by Black authors and other writers of diverse backgrounds. Beyond books, Baldwin & Co. hosts literary events, book signings, and conversations about social justice, fostering an inclusive space for readers and thinkers.
We Dat’s Chicken and Shrimp
Location: 1407 Canal St.
We Dat’s Chicken and Shrimp has quickly become a favorite spot for fried chicken lovers in New Orleans. Known for their signature wings, shrimp platters, and unique flavors like honey BBQ and spicy ranch, this Black-owned restaurant offers crave-worthy comfort food. Their Canal Street location is always buzzing with locals, and they’re expanding across the city due to their popularity.
NOLA Vegan
Location: Pop-ups around New Orleans
For those seeking plant-based cuisine, Nola Vegan offers a fresh take on New Orleans comfort food, proving that vegan dishes can be just as flavorful and satisfying as traditional fare. This Black-owned food business frequently pops up at local markets and events, providing a rotating menu of creative vegan versions of New Orleans classics, like po’boys and étouffée. They also offer meal kits and cooking classes.
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant
Location: 2301 Orleans Ave.
Dooky Chase’s Restaurant is a New Orleans institution that has been serving Creole cuisine for generations. Founded by Edgar “Dooky” Chase, Jr., and run by the legendary Leah Chase, this restaurant became a gathering spot for civil rights activists and continues to serve incredible dishes like gumbo, fried chicken, and shrimp Clemenceau. Dooky Chase’s legacy of food, culture, and activism lives on, making it a must-visit for anyone in the city.
Cafe Sbisa
Location: 1011 Decatur St.
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Café Sbisa is one of the oldest Black-owned fine dining restaurants in New Orleans. Serving French-Creole cuisine, this upscale establishment combines historical charm with culinary excellence. Whether you’re enjoying their famous gumbo or indulging in crab cakes, Cafe Sbisa is a fine example of the Black-owned culinary prowess in New Orleans.
Community Book Center
Location: 2523 Bayou Rd.
Community Book Center is a beloved Black-owned bookstore and cultural center that’s been serving the Tremé neighborhood for over 35 years. Known as “the People’s Bookstore,” this space offers not only books but also a community gathering place for events, workshops, and discussions on African American culture and history. The bookstore has a vast collection of books by Black authors and also sells artwork, clothing, and cultural gifts.
Vaucresson Sausage Co.
Location: 1800 St. Bernard Ave.
For those who love authentic New Orleans flavors, Vaucresson Sausage Co. is a hidden gem. A family-owned business with roots dating back to the 1890s, Vaucresson Sausage Co. is the city’s only Black-owned sausage maker. Specializing in Creole sausage, this business has been a key player in the New Orleans food scene, known for providing top-quality sausage to restaurants and markets. Recently, they opened a Creole cafe in the 7th Ward, which has become a local favorite.
Queen Trini Lisa
Location: 4200 D’Hemecourt St.
Craving something different? Queen Trini Lisa offers authentic Caribbean food with a New Orleans twist. Owner Lisa Nelson, originally from Trinidad, brings her island’s flavors to the city with dishes like jerk chicken, curry goat, and doubles. Her passion for food and her love for the community come together in this vibrant, Black-owned eatery, offering a unique dining experience you won’t find elsewhere.
Why Supporting Black-Owned Businesses Matters
Supporting Black-owned businesses in New Orleans means investing in the local economy, encouraging entrepreneurship, and fostering economic equality. By choosing to patronize these businesses, you are helping to create jobs, uplift communities, and contribute to the rich cultural fabric that makes New Orleans such a special place. Local businesses, especially Black-owned ones, often face more obstacles in securing loans or accessing resources compared to larger corporations, making your support vital.
When you visit these businesses, you’re not just a customer—you’re a partner in their success and an advocate for a more inclusive, equitable community.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans has a wealth of Black-owned businesses that reflect the diversity, creativity, and resilience of the city. From historic restaurants to cutting-edge boutiques, these entrepreneurs are shaping the future while preserving the past. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, make it a point to explore these businesses and support the incredible work they’re doing in the community.