ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — In this Week’s WNC Food Scene, we are taking a closer look at Black-owned businesses in Asheville and events celebrating Black history and culture.
AVL Cake Lady
“Making life sweeter, one event at a time,” that’s Shana McDowell’s tagline for her business – AVL Cake Lady. It started as a hobby and officially opened in March of 2019.
AVL Cake Lady thrived through the pandemic, and the business is about as strong as its owner.
“Little girls that look like me, little brown girls can come in and see me behind the counter. And I don’t work here, it’s mine,” McDowell said.
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She said her real passion isn’t baking but decorating and seeing the smile on her customers’ faces.
“We take the ideas of our customers and we create them in sugar. So, if you bring me an idea, you bring me an image, we will make it, and it’s edible,” she said.
She offers dietary restriction options like dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan treats.
AVL Cake Lady specializes in birthdays, business catering, and special events. For more information visit her website.
Grind AVL
Grind AVL is a Black-owned coffee shop, co-working and event space in the River Arts District.
Customers can stop by for an espresso or latte and buy a t-shirt showing support for Black businesses.
The shop is closely-tied to Black Wall Street, a group working to minimize financial disparities in Asheville.
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For more information visit their website.
Grindfest AVL
Mark your calendar for a collaborative event between Grind AVL and Black Wall Street AVL on May 24-26.
Grind Fest celebrates Black business owners with music, entertainment, and food.
For more information visit their website.
Soul Food Supper
Soul Food Supper is another event celebrating Black culture in Asheville. This year’s event happened Thursday at Stephen’s Lee Recreation Center.
The gathering looks back on emancipation celebrations and church gatherings that were so important to Black history.
The event is sponsored by Stephens-Lee alumni and the East End Valley Street Neighborhood Association.
For more information visit their website.