18 Black-Owned Dallas-Fort Worth Businesses to Support Now
by Gabby Cullen
Do you know what’s great about supporting a local business instead of a big box store? You’ll get to feel like you are contributing to your community in a meaningful way. This Black History Month, we’re sharing a bunch of Black-owned Dallas-Fort Worth businesses that families love, from cheesecakes to bookstores to dance lessons. Scroll through the list and find your next favorite local business to support all year long.
The Dock Bookshop in Fort Worth is the biggest Black-owned full-service in Texas and the Southwest. It opened in 2008 and has played host to many celebrity book signings, including ones with Russell Simmons, Gabrielle Union, Fred Hampton Jr and LL Cool J. You can find a variety of genres here, including kids' books and best-sellers. They also have many events in the 4,000 square foot space and even offer gifts and other novelties.
If you've decided to go for that healthy lifestyle change or want a quick reboot, or just want a delicious and quick snack, Manna Juice Bar in Mansfield has organic, cold-pressed juices, smoothies acai bowls and more.
Owner Lidya Winnie knows her natural skincare products and Konjo Beauty is the result of that passion. "Konjo" means "beautiful" in the native language of Ethiopia, their products are plant-based and cruelty-free, made to bring out the natural beauty in everyone while making people feel comfortable and beautiful in their own skin.
This black-owned online boutique located in Dallas has us excited for several reasons. Not only do they stock bold statement jewelry, hats and clothes in a range of price points, but it also offers styling and personal shopping services as well as interview training and a resume course. Owner Yemi Solomon is a Certified Image Consultant, global Internet radio host, and personal fashion and image stylist for hundreds of clients. Basically, GLAMORE is your one-stop, boss-babe shop!
Started to honor his mother and fellow baker, who died of breast cancer in 2012, Val’s delicious, creative cheesecakes can be found in two Dallas locations and one in Fort Worth that due to COVID-19, is currently closed. Choose from slices, whole cheesecakes and jars. There’s even an option to have your event catered.
A 100% vegan and organic restaurant that serves meatless versions of your favorite comfort food, including chicken and waffles, mac ‘n’ cheese, corn dogs for the kids and even a vegan version of Popeyes chicken sandwich.
Three sisters took their mother’s cookie recipes and re-opened a family business that had been shuttered for over a decade. Stop by the shop to pick up mouth-watering cookies like Butter Toffee Crunch, Ooh Lemon Baby, Muddy Buddy, and of course, just about every variation of Chocolate Chip you can imagine. They also offer cakes and vegan cookies!
If you want true BBQ or classic Soul Food, this often overlooked spot is worth a try. Ribs, veggies, greens, broccoli cheese rice casserole, candied yams, mac ‘n’ cheese and more.
Pan African Connection Bookstore, Art Gallery and Resource Center
This beacon of African culture in Dallas not only sells books, but also African art, clothing and jewelry. They also have events, and many of them are family-friendly, including things like guitar lessons, mini farmer’s markets, cultural celebrations and more. Things have virtual since COVID-19, but be sure to check their website for updates.
The owners of this popular Jamaican restaurant want their patrons to taste the memories of growing up in Spanish Town with every bite. Favorite menu items include jerk chicken, fried plantains, curry dishes and Mama Joyce’s fried chicken and plenty of fun Caribbean-inspired drinks for the adults.
Owned by Dallas Black Dance Theater alum Avis Sauls, Essence Dance Academy features predominantly black instructors and includes the full range of dance genres, including ballet, hip-hop, lyrical and jazz.
Family-owned for more than 20 years, this is reported to be the best Ethiopian food in all of DFW. Big servings of menu items include Doro wat, kitfo, Yebag wat and more.
This little place serves up big flavor, offering everything from burgers with all the toppings to grilled cheese sandwiches, brisket sandwiches, loaded baked potatoes and even family packs that come with a 2 lb brisket.
