Black Owned Businesses in Chicago
(Either I know these businesses personally,* or they have been recommended...
by you! Thanks!)
Accounting:
*The Walker Group, LLC (TWG) - a Certified Public Account & Consulting firm that concentrates primarily on performing audits for not-for-profit organizations, local governments and municipalities, and entities regulated by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Services: Auditing; Accounting; Management Consulting; and Business Information Systems. "We Promote Efficiency Within Your Business" TWG - 1431 Huntington Drive Calumet City, IL 60409 (in the rear of the Gareda Building, River Oaks West Business Park) twg@thewalkergrpllc.com, rwalker@thewalkergrpllc.com (708) 868-2545
*The Walker Group, LLC (TWG) - a Certified Public Account & Consulting firm that concentrates primarily on performing audits for not-for-profit organizations, local governments and municipalities, and entities regulated by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Services: Auditing; Accounting; Management Consulting; and Business Information Systems. "We Promote Efficiency Within Your Business" TWG - 1431 Huntington Drive Calumet City, IL 60409 (in the rear of the Gareda Building, River Oaks West Business Park) twg@thewalkergrpllc.com, rwalker@thewalkergrpllc.com (708) 868-2545
Art
*Kilimanjaro International - 1305 E 53rd St. b/t Kimbark Ave & Kenwood Ave in Hyde Park (773) 324-4860 http://oneofakindafrica.com/
*Little Black Pearl Art and Design Academy "The Business of Art" - 1060 East 47th St. (773) 690-5500 info@blackpearl.org www.blackpearl.org
*The Woodshop Art Gallery (Since 1974) - 441 E. 75th St. 773-994-6666 a custom cabinet shop, a custom framing shop and a nationally renowned art gallery which specializes in art by African American, African and Caribbean artists. Open daily except Tuesdays and Sundays.
*Kilimanjaro International - 1305 E 53rd St. b/t Kimbark Ave & Kenwood Ave in Hyde Park (773) 324-4860 http://oneofakindafrica.com/
*Little Black Pearl Art and Design Academy "The Business of Art" - 1060 East 47th St. (773) 690-5500 info@blackpearl.org www.blackpearl.org
*The Woodshop Art Gallery (Since 1974) - 441 E. 75th St. 773-994-6666 a custom cabinet shop, a custom framing shop and a nationally renowned art gallery which specializes in art by African American, African and Caribbean artists. Open daily except Tuesdays and Sundays.
Auto
Gibsons Citco - https://www.mystore411.com/store/view/24181130/CITGO-Phoenix 15221 Halsted St. in Phoenix, Illinois! Gas station hours are Mon-Sat 6am - 10pm, Sun 7am - 10pm. (708) 596-5085 - Gibsons has been serving the community respectfully for nearly fifty years!
Lafrance Service Center - full-service preventive maintenance / automotive repair center. M-F 8am-6pm, S-S 8am-4pm. 510 East Sibley Blvd, Dolton, IL 60419 (708) 849-9300
http://www.lafranceservicecenter.com/
Gibsons Citco - https://www.mystore411.com/store/view/24181130/CITGO-Phoenix 15221 Halsted St. in Phoenix, Illinois! Gas station hours are Mon-Sat 6am - 10pm, Sun 7am - 10pm. (708) 596-5085 - Gibsons has been serving the community respectfully for nearly fifty years!
Lafrance Service Center - full-service preventive maintenance / automotive repair center. M-F 8am-6pm, S-S 8am-4pm. 510 East Sibley Blvd, Dolton, IL 60419 (708) 849-9300
http://www.lafranceservicecenter.com/
Books
*Afri-Ware - 1701 S. 1st Ave. Suite 503, Maywood, IL 60153708-524-8398 Thurs-Fri: 10-6pm, Sat: 10-5:30pm https://www.afriwarebooks.com/
The Underground Bookstore - 1727 E. 87th St. Phone (773) 768-8869
www.theundergroundbookstore.com
*Afri-Ware - 1701 S. 1st Ave. Suite 503, Maywood, IL 60153708-524-8398 Thurs-Fri: 10-6pm, Sat: 10-5:30pm https://www.afriwarebooks.com/
The Underground Bookstore - 1727 E. 87th St. Phone (773) 768-8869
www.theundergroundbookstore.com
Clothing / Jewelry
*Cannon's T-Shirts & More - 347 E. 75th St. - T-shirts, custom t-shirts, socks, hats, jewelry, etc. (872) 303-3644
*Essential Elements - 1640 E. 87th St. (773) 978-1200 - Essential Elements Chicago is an upscale shopping experience nestled on Chicago’s south-east side, near beautiful Lake Michigan. http://essentialelementschicago.com/
*Kayra Imports, 1643 E. 87th St. (773) 768-3003; 101 E. 53rd (773) 363-5280; 706 E. 83rd St. (773) 488-4123 www.kayraimports.com
*Kilimanjaro International - 1305 E 53rd St. b/t Kimbark Ave & Kenwood Ave in Hyde Park (773) 324-4860 http://oneofakindafrica.com/
Legacy Men’s Boutique - 107 E. 47th Street, Chicago, and store hours are Monday-Saturday 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Sundays are by appointment. For more information call 872-228-1871 https://www.facebook.com/legacymens1/
*Maxine's Boutique - 1613 E. 87th St. (773) 221-8308; Lincoln Mall, 257 Lincoln Mall Dr., Matteson, IL 60443 (708) 503-6293 "Maxine's is an upscale women's fashion boutique originally based on the South side of Chicago, in the historical Pill Hill Neighborhood! Maxines has now PASSED THE TORCH To Mora's Fashion, therefore bringing you even more of the looks, that will have you feeling as if you're walking the runway! You can also expect to receive the moderate to high quality designs in apparel and accessories! Ranging from sizes 8-20 (Smaller sizes available upon request)! With over 50+ years in the fashion industry, you should definitely have our 2 Brick and Mortar locations on your TO SHOP LIST!" https://morasfashion.net/
*Sarah Kuenyefu Collection - 1510 E 63rd St. Between S Blackstone Ave and S Park Shore East Ct/S Harper Ave in Woodlawn (773) 324-6858 https://www.sarahkuenyefu.com/
*The Goree Shop, African Specialty Import Boutique - 1122 E 47th St. in Bronzeville. African fashions, alterations, fabric and jewelry. (773) 285-1895.
Wesley's Shoes - "Shoes of Distinction for the Entire Family." - 1506 E. 55th, Hyde Park Shopping Center, (773) 667-7463 www.wesleyshoes.com
*Cannon's T-Shirts & More - 347 E. 75th St. - T-shirts, custom t-shirts, socks, hats, jewelry, etc. (872) 303-3644
*Essential Elements - 1640 E. 87th St. (773) 978-1200 - Essential Elements Chicago is an upscale shopping experience nestled on Chicago’s south-east side, near beautiful Lake Michigan. http://essentialelementschicago.com/
*Kayra Imports, 1643 E. 87th St. (773) 768-3003; 101 E. 53rd (773) 363-5280; 706 E. 83rd St. (773) 488-4123 www.kayraimports.com
*Kilimanjaro International - 1305 E 53rd St. b/t Kimbark Ave & Kenwood Ave in Hyde Park (773) 324-4860 http://oneofakindafrica.com/
Legacy Men’s Boutique - 107 E. 47th Street, Chicago, and store hours are Monday-Saturday 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Sundays are by appointment. For more information call 872-228-1871 https://www.facebook.com/legacymens1/
*Maxine's Boutique - 1613 E. 87th St. (773) 221-8308; Lincoln Mall, 257 Lincoln Mall Dr., Matteson, IL 60443 (708) 503-6293 "Maxine's is an upscale women's fashion boutique originally based on the South side of Chicago, in the historical Pill Hill Neighborhood! Maxines has now PASSED THE TORCH To Mora's Fashion, therefore bringing you even more of the looks, that will have you feeling as if you're walking the runway! You can also expect to receive the moderate to high quality designs in apparel and accessories! Ranging from sizes 8-20 (Smaller sizes available upon request)! With over 50+ years in the fashion industry, you should definitely have our 2 Brick and Mortar locations on your TO SHOP LIST!" https://morasfashion.net/
*Sarah Kuenyefu Collection - 1510 E 63rd St. Between S Blackstone Ave and S Park Shore East Ct/S Harper Ave in Woodlawn (773) 324-6858 https://www.sarahkuenyefu.com/
*The Goree Shop, African Specialty Import Boutique - 1122 E 47th St. in Bronzeville. African fashions, alterations, fabric and jewelry. (773) 285-1895.
Wesley's Shoes - "Shoes of Distinction for the Entire Family." - 1506 E. 55th, Hyde Park Shopping Center, (773) 667-7463 www.wesleyshoes.com
Eateries / Restaurants:
See more at: http://beansouptimes.com/five-amazing-black-owned-bakeries-in-chicago-area/#sthash.HX14OxWW.dxQg9dBE.dpuf
*Ain't She Sweet Cafe - 526 E. 43rd St. (773) 373-3530. Yummy sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads, shakes, smoothies, and desserts! Open: Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm, Saturday 11am - 6pm http://www.aintshesweetcafe.com/
Akhirah's Praline Candy & Coffee House - 1845 S. State Street, Chicago, Illinois 60616 - https://akhirahs-praline-candy-coffee-house.myshopify.com/
*Angelica’s Bakery - 17535 South Kedzie, Hazel Crest, Il 60429 (708)206-0970. Delicious treats can be ordered online, in her shops and at select retail stores. https://angelicasbakery.com/
*Brown Sugar Bakery - 328 E 75th St (773) 224-6262 brownsugarbakerychicago.com/
Dan's Soul Food and Cafe, 2523 W. 79th St. (773) 737-6695 https://danschicagosbest.com/
*Dat Donuts - "Too good to dunk!" - 8251 S. Cottage Grove Chicago, IL. 60619. Also serves breakfast sandwiches, fruit smoothies, coffee & tea, milk & juice. Call 773-723-1002. Open 24 hours. Closed Sunday at 5pm - http://www.datdonut.com
Eat Moore Cakes - Specializes in custom made–to-order designer cakes for all occasions, with 24-hour online ordering and quick email response. Eat Moore Cakes – 937 S. Hamilton Lockport, IL, Call 888-713-2176. https://www.eatmoorecakes.com/
*Ja' Grill Hyde Park - 1510 East Harper Court 773-752-5375 (JERK) www.jagrill.com
Lem's Bar-B-Q House - 311 E 75th St. (773) 994-2428 http://lemsbarbq.com/
Luella’s Southern Kitchen - 4609 N. Lincoln Ave. (Chicago’s Lincoln Square) is a casual independent restaurant owned by Chef Darnell Reed. Luella’s serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Weekend brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday; dinner is served until 10 p.m. on Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sunday. All major cards are accepted. Luella’s is a BYOB establishment; no corkage fee is charged. Takeout and delivery service are available. (773) 961-8196 www.luellassouthernkitchen.com.
*Norman's Bistro - 1001 East 43rd Street (at Ellis) 773 - 966 - 5821. Fine dining in an elegant / jazzy atmosphere with a charming host. Recognized by locals as one of the top restaurants in the Hyde Park and Kenwood area, Normans Bistro offers an American Creole Cuisine with a Brazilian Flair. Outstanding dessert menu and wine list are served in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Norman Bolden, proprietor of Normans Bistro, personally leads Normans Bistro, bar and catering/banquet service. His active daily management ensures consistent quality and service in every area of the business. The dining room serves up to 85 guests, making it the perfect venue for private events. The outdoor patio features comfort with elegant landscaping. http://www.normansbistro.com/
Reggio's Pizza - Known for their 'butter crust' pizzas. 8548 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL and coming soon to 4438 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL. Additional location at O'Hare airport: T1, C18, T3, G8, and T3, HK food court. https://www.reggiospizza.com/
*Sip & Savor Chicago - Our goal at Sip and Savor is to capture the positive energy and excitement of Chicago neighborhoods. In recent years, Hyde Park and Bronzeville has welcomed burgeoning revitalization: restoration of historic buildings along with development of new businesses and an influx of professionals making the community home. I am proud to say that Sip and Savor is a part of this positive movement. We call ourselves “Globally Local” – we offer the finest coffee and teas from around the globe, while complimenting them with pastries from local bakeries. We strive to become your neighborhood coffee shop of choice. http://www.sipandsavorchicago.com
Sip & Savor Chicago (Hyde Park) - 5301 S. Hyde Park (Del Prado Building) 773.952.4532 Mon-Fri: 6am-8pm; Sat-Sun: 7am-7pm; Major Holidays: 8am-3pm
Sip & Savor Chicago (Bronzeville) - 528 E. 43rd Street. HOURS: Mon - Fri: 7am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 6pm; Major Holidays: 8am - 3pm
*Soul Veg City (Formerly Original Soul Vegetarian) - 205 E. 75th St. (at Indiana) (773) 224-0104 - I've been eating at Soul Veg and loving it for more than twenty years! The new configuration took som getting used to, but the food is still terrific! http//www.soulvegcity.com/
*Truth Italian Restaurant - 56 E. Pershing, Chicago, IL 60653 (Bronzeville) Mon - Fri 4pm - 2am Sat - Sun 12pm-2am (312)715-8796 Built on Founder Peytyn Willborn’s vision which included a “world class kitchen that produced five star Italian Cuisine for everyday people.” Her vision was to also bring this elegantly designed establishment with great service to the Southside of Chicago. She succeeded. Also, their salad dressing is delightful! http://www.truthitalian.com
*Yassa African Restaurant - 3511 S. King Dr. "...It is a taste you will always remember. Ask about our ever diversifying ..." This place, located in the old Mississippi Ricks location, reminded me of my first trip to Senegal. Everything is made fresh so don't be in a hurry, but well worth the wait. Yum, yum, yum! http://www.yassasenegaleserestaurant.com
*ZBerry - is a self-serve soft serve frozen yogurt and sorbet bar. The Hyde Park location is gone but they have a dynamic summer experience at Chicago's 57th Street Beach Field House. Florida A&M University alumna Zenzile "Zenzi" Powell is the owner of Zberry Frozen Yogurt & Treats the first Fro-Yo shop opened by a Black woman in Chicago.
Facility Rentals
*Little Black Pearl Art and Design Center "The Business of Art" - 1060 East 47th St. (773) 285-1211 info@blackpearl.org www.blackpearl.org
The Connection - 4321 S Cottage Grove b/t 43rd St & 44th St in Kenwood (773) 548-6682 https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-connection-chicago-3
*Little Black Pearl Art and Design Center "The Business of Art" - 1060 East 47th St. (773) 285-1211 info@blackpearl.org www.blackpearl.org
The Connection - 4321 S Cottage Grove b/t 43rd St & 44th St in Kenwood (773) 548-6682 https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-connection-chicago-3
Financial Institutions
*South Side Community Federal Credit Union - 5401 S. Wentworth Avenue Suite 25, 773-548-5500 Our mission is to equalize economic power and fight poverty through holistic financial education and by providing access to credit and savings services for our members. http://www.southsidecommunityfcu.org
*GN Bank - 4619 S Martin Luther King Dr. 773-624-2000 and 8700 S Martin Luther King Dr. 773-224-2160 -Thirteen African-American men, and their many supporters, had a dream to establish a savings and loan association sensitive to the needs of Black residents of Chicago. https://www.gnbank.net/.
*South Side Community Federal Credit Union - 5401 S. Wentworth Avenue Suite 25, 773-548-5500 Our mission is to equalize economic power and fight poverty through holistic financial education and by providing access to credit and savings services for our members. http://www.southsidecommunityfcu.org
*GN Bank - 4619 S Martin Luther King Dr. 773-624-2000 and 8700 S Martin Luther King Dr. 773-224-2160 -Thirteen African-American men, and their many supporters, had a dream to establish a savings and loan association sensitive to the needs of Black residents of Chicago. https://www.gnbank.net/.
Gifts
*Afri-Ware - 1701 S. 1st Ave. Suite 503, Maywood, IL 60153708-524-8398 Thurs-Fri: 10-6pm, Sat: 10-5:30pm https://www.afriwarebooks.com/
Global Fusion – 1961 Ridge Road (at Dixie Highway) in Homewood, IL. Fair trade handmade jewelry, African art, furniture. Global Fusion is a retail shop established in 2011 that specializes in imported Home Décor, Art, Furnishing, and Fair Trade gifts. Here you will find items from Africa, Asia, India, South America, as well as other parts of the world. This store was established to create a fusion of culture, craft, and uniqueness in your home without the hassle of traveling far across the world. We've already done that for you. Every item here at Global Fusion is unique and significant in its own right. We focus and pride ourselves on selecting vendors, products and artist who emphasize environmental friendly choices in their product lines. We select products that have meaning and interest, as well as providing quality and attention to detail in each piece. We are dedicated to operating our business with dignity and integrity.
*Afri-Ware - 1701 S. 1st Ave. Suite 503, Maywood, IL 60153708-524-8398 Thurs-Fri: 10-6pm, Sat: 10-5:30pm https://www.afriwarebooks.com/
Global Fusion – 1961 Ridge Road (at Dixie Highway) in Homewood, IL. Fair trade handmade jewelry, African art, furniture. Global Fusion is a retail shop established in 2011 that specializes in imported Home Décor, Art, Furnishing, and Fair Trade gifts. Here you will find items from Africa, Asia, India, South America, as well as other parts of the world. This store was established to create a fusion of culture, craft, and uniqueness in your home without the hassle of traveling far across the world. We've already done that for you. Every item here at Global Fusion is unique and significant in its own right. We focus and pride ourselves on selecting vendors, products and artist who emphasize environmental friendly choices in their product lines. We select products that have meaning and interest, as well as providing quality and attention to detail in each piece. We are dedicated to operating our business with dignity and integrity.
Hardware:
*John's Hardware & Bicycle Shop - 7350 S. Halsted St. (773) 483-7443. Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm. Services: Glass cut to size; Window repair & screens; Locksmith; Huge selection of keys cut; Pipe cut and threaded; Welding; Tool rental; Truck rental. Departments: Plumbing; Electrical; Door Hardware; Paint; Gardening Supplies; General Hardware; Bicycle Shop: Parts and Repairs on All Makes and Models; Tune-Ups; Overhauls; Adjustments; Flat Tires Repaired.
*John's Hardware & Bicycle Shop - 7350 S. Halsted St. (773) 483-7443. Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm. Services: Glass cut to size; Window repair & screens; Locksmith; Huge selection of keys cut; Pipe cut and threaded; Welding; Tool rental; Truck rental. Departments: Plumbing; Electrical; Door Hardware; Paint; Gardening Supplies; General Hardware; Bicycle Shop: Parts and Repairs on All Makes and Models; Tune-Ups; Overhauls; Adjustments; Flat Tires Repaired.
Party Facilities
Chicago Party Place - 639 E 75th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60619. Open 8am -noon, daily except Sundays and Wednesdays. www.chicagopartyplace.com
Chicago Party Place - 639 E 75th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60619. Open 8am -noon, daily except Sundays and Wednesdays. www.chicagopartyplace.com
Photography
Vincent E. Walker Photography - photography, video and graphic design. Weddings, parties, portraits, family reunions, events, etc. vincentewalker@aol.com (312) 719-6830.
Vincent E. Walker Photography - photography, video and graphic design. Weddings, parties, portraits, family reunions, events, etc. vincentewalker@aol.com (312) 719-6830.
Theater / Entertainment:
*Black Ensemble Theater - 4450 North Clark Street 773-769-4451 - The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater is to eradicate racism and its damaging effects upon our society through the utilization of theater arts. http://blackensembletheater.org/
*Congo Square Theater Company - an ensemble dedicated to artistic excellence. By producing definitive and transformative theatre, spawned from the African Diaspora as well as other world cultures. 773.296.1108 http://www.congosquaretheatre.org/
*ETA Creative Arts Foundation - 7550 S. South Chicago - (708) 926-4641. eta Creative Arts Foundation ...has a commitment to the production of new works that “tell our story” in the first voice. www.etacreativearts.org
*Joel Hall Dancers & Center - offers one of the most extensive dance & movement curricula in the Midwest. Modern Jazz Dance, Ballet, Hip Hop, Modern (Horton/Graham based), Musical Theater and Tap. Plus, Joel Hall’s unique signature urban dance style — based in jazz and expressing a rich vocabulary embracing both classical & modern idioms. Students of all ages will learn terminologies, proper technique, body awareness, strengthening and movement control. http://joelhall.org
Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago - A Chicago-based company that performs authentic and progressive interpretations of contemporary and ancient African and African American dance, music and folklore. http://www.muntu.com
*Najwa Dance Corps - "A living archive of dance history," Najwa Dance Corps presents an exciting repertoire that spans the eras of the African-American heritage." Fine performance. Classes for dancers of all levels. The Golden Dome - Chicago Park District 100 North Central Park (773) 727-1773 - http://www.facebook.com/najwadancecorpsorg/
*Black Ensemble Theater - 4450 North Clark Street 773-769-4451 - The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater is to eradicate racism and its damaging effects upon our society through the utilization of theater arts. http://blackensembletheater.org/
*Congo Square Theater Company - an ensemble dedicated to artistic excellence. By producing definitive and transformative theatre, spawned from the African Diaspora as well as other world cultures. 773.296.1108 http://www.congosquaretheatre.org/
*ETA Creative Arts Foundation - 7550 S. South Chicago - (708) 926-4641. eta Creative Arts Foundation ...has a commitment to the production of new works that “tell our story” in the first voice. www.etacreativearts.org
*Joel Hall Dancers & Center - offers one of the most extensive dance & movement curricula in the Midwest. Modern Jazz Dance, Ballet, Hip Hop, Modern (Horton/Graham based), Musical Theater and Tap. Plus, Joel Hall’s unique signature urban dance style — based in jazz and expressing a rich vocabulary embracing both classical & modern idioms. Students of all ages will learn terminologies, proper technique, body awareness, strengthening and movement control. http://joelhall.org
Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago - A Chicago-based company that performs authentic and progressive interpretations of contemporary and ancient African and African American dance, music and folklore. http://www.muntu.com
*Najwa Dance Corps - "A living archive of dance history," Najwa Dance Corps presents an exciting repertoire that spans the eras of the African-American heritage." Fine performance. Classes for dancers of all levels. The Golden Dome - Chicago Park District 100 North Central Park (773) 727-1773 - http://www.facebook.com/najwadancecorpsorg/
Trophies / Plaques / Awards:
CMS Trophies & Plaques - 606 E. 61st St. (773) 873-9888 We have proudly served the Chicagoland area for 30+ years and hope to add you to the CMS family of satisfied customers. If you don't find what you are looking for on our site, please call (773) 873-9888 or visit our showroom and our professional staff will be happy to assist you. CMS Trophies & Plaques stands on the promise of creating awards of excellence. We believe in providing quality service to our valued customers. http://www.cmstrophies.com/
CMS Trophies & Plaques - 606 E. 61st St. (773) 873-9888 We have proudly served the Chicagoland area for 30+ years and hope to add you to the CMS family of satisfied customers. If you don't find what you are looking for on our site, please call (773) 873-9888 or visit our showroom and our professional staff will be happy to assist you. CMS Trophies & Plaques stands on the promise of creating awards of excellence. We believe in providing quality service to our valued customers. http://www.cmstrophies.com/
I'm still searching for a Black-owned and operated gas station in Chicagoland, but for now, I found Sasafrasnet, LLC, a Black firm that sells fuel to BP and Mobil stations in the area and owns several (rented by others).
