Local Black-Owned Businesses
In honor of Black History Month, we at The Local Element wanted to take this as an opportunity to highlight some of the fantastic Black-Owned businesses in the Grand Rapids area!
We are sure that you will quickly add these businesses to your list of favorites after visiting, we love them and so will you.
Before we get to the list of these amazing businesses, we did not want to neglect telling you about the Black History Tour of Downtown Grand Rapids. This tour can be found on the GR Walks app and would be a wonderful way to celebrate Black History Month!
Malamiah Juice Bar
You guys HAVE to visit Malamiah Juice Bar in the Heartside neighborhood! They not only serve the best juices but also Ferris Coffee if ya need a caffeinated pick me up when you stop by! Malamiah has the nicest staff and an endless amount of options like juices, shots, acai bowls, smoothies, and more.
Address: 122 Oakes St SW #110, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Mosby's Popcorn
Welcome to Mosby’s Popcorn! This adorable GR spot holds an incredible amount of popcorn flavors inside and you should definitely check out the list of flavors on the website because you will be blown away! It is also located right downtown so it is the perfect place to grab a bag of popcorn and walk through the city.
Address: 15 Ionia Ave SW Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Load A Spud
Perhaps one of the most unique GR restaurants and such a hidden gem, here we have Load A Spud! Load A Spud is a potato bar with a ton of toppings and sauces available, and the best thing is: They include a vast amount of healthy options with things ranging from low calorie, fat free, good sources of vitamins and minerals, and more!
Address: 1721 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Chez Olga
If you’ve driven down the red brick road of Wealthy Street in Eastown you’ve surely seen Chez Olga and given it a second look. The exterior architecture is amazing and so is the food! You won’t want to miss out on the Caribbean eats they have to offer!
Address: 1441 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
South East Market
South East Market just opened up on MLK day and is a business beyond worth checking out! This market is filled with food sourced from black, brown, indigenous, local, or women led farms and businesses and they care about food justice for all! Head to their website to learn more.
Address: 1220 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507
The Bitter End Coffee Shop
This coffee shop is the only one open for 24 hours making it a perfect place to get some homework done in the late hours of the night!
Seriously, make sure to check them out!
Address: 752 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
The Candied Yam
Just as it says in their logo, The Candied Yam is just delightful southern cuisine! Their menu includes everything from chicken, wings, fish, veggie plates and more.
Address: 2305 44th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Forty Acres Soul Kitchen
We have yet another Grand Rapids staple piece! Forty Acres Soul Kitchen is known highly for their brunch. Right now they are only open for curbside pickup, all the more reason to schedule an at home movie night featuring Forty Acres Soul Kitchen take out!
Address: 1059 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Irie Kitchen
If you’re looking for a place that offers up an amazing plate of carribean food, Irie Kitchen is the place for you! The plantains deserve an honorable mention along with the super juicy jerk chicken. This super amazing Black Owned business deserves all the love, so go pick up some food for an amazing meal with your closest companions.
Address: 6630 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
STEM Greenhouse
STEM Greenhouse is an amazing company full of innovative thinking and a community feel. So what is it exactly? This is a place for kids K-12 to receive STEM education in an effort to address the lack of diversity in the STEM professions. Their mission is to educate kids from all races, districts, genders and socioeconomic classes and that is exactly what they do! Click the button below to head over to their website and learn more!
Hall Of Fame Burgers
Hall of Fame Burgers is definitely a classic and the crowds go wild for their food! You guys will have to see for yourselves but their burgers are out of this world big. So go support this awesome business and get yourself a crazy huge burger!
Address: 655 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
GR Noir Wine and Jazz
Here we have another new GR business (look at them go!) We have only heard good things about GR Noir. They aim to take the communal essence of wine and jazz and create a meaningful environment for everyone that steps foot in their space. This is the perfect spot for a fancy date night with your significant other!
Address: 35 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Basic Bee Boutique
Basic Bee is a BRAND NEW boutique that opened in November and is full of trendy and fun pieces to add to your closet. You’ll definitely want to stop in to look for an outfit for your next special occasion and don’t forget to look at their super cute cards on display as well!
Address: 325 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Black Calder Brewing
Black Calder Brewing is a newer brewery in GR with a physical location opening in late 2021, and get this: It is the first Black Owned brewery in Michigan! Their motto is: To make dope beer for dope people and always do it for the culture. Make sure to grab a dope beer from Black Calder Brewing!
Last Mile Cafe
Last Mile Cafe is a black-owned AND woman-owned business with good coffee and an impressive purpose. They strive for sustainability and support charitable causes with every purpose. AND they have a cafe for you to sit and enjoy their coffee while also supporting a good cause! Pay them a visit and tag us in your posts!
Address: 1006 Hall St SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Eden Cafe
The perfect spot to catch up with a friend, work on school work, read a book! Eden Cafe is a cafe that aspires to leave guests feeling loved and uplifted and they do that pretty well. Treat yourself to a coffee, grab your favorite book, and head over to Eden Cafe.
Address: 1034 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
MUSE GR
An interactive art gallery and event space in the Northwest corner of Grand Rapids. It’s a collaborative space that’s continuously evolving and reflecting the diversity of art and creativity.
Address: 727 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Second Vibess
Second Vibess is a vintage and upcycled shop that sells vintage clothing and reworked pieces! And their pieces are seriously adorable and unique!
Address: 13 Division Ave. SW Grand Rapids, MI