By Ohio.org Staff
Posted On: Feb 1, 2023
From sweet treats to delicious eats, check out these 115 Black-owned Ohio businesses:
Bake Me Happy in Columbus
Central Ohio
Bake Me Happy — a gluten-free bakery in Columbus, Bake Me Happy will fulfill your sweet tooth. Whether you're craving a homemade pop-tart, cookies, or donuts. You can also check out their spot inside the North Market at Bridge Park in Dublin.
Donna's Delicious Dozen — this Gahanna/New Albany-located donut shop offers made-to-order treats. But if you're in a creative rut, they feature a menu of suggested donuts + toppings. They also have a food truck you can reserve for special events, or you can look for them when they're out making the rounds in Central Ohio.
Suga Pies — this Columbus spot is a specialty cupcake bakery. You can also find their banana budding on The Pitt BBQ Grille's dessert menu.
MMELO — this sweet spot is will satisfy any dessert fan.
J's Sweet Treats and Wedding Cakes — this premier boutique bakery will have you drooling over their cake creations.
Blackberry Confections — sweet treats are on the menu at this home-based dessert company in Gahanna.
Royal Cottage — find delicious jams and jellies perfect for your next slice of toast, charcuterie board, or decadent dessert topping.
Parable Coffee — serving up all your caffeine needs, this Downtown Columbus spot offers an inviting and chill spot to sip and savor your next cup o' joe.
E&E tea Co. — warm up with loose leaf tea options from this Columbus company.
The Pit BBQ Grille — started by four friends (some of who are former OSU football players), this spot brings you pit-style BBQ. And don't forget to stop by their spot in North Market's Bridge Park location in Dublin too!
The Good Frank — Back in 2005, Tyrone and Marcella began opened a traditional hot dog stand. Since then, the couple have worked to create quality, handcrafted hot dogs and sausages. You can shop their hot dogs and sausages, which make for delicious meals and are perfect for the next tailgate or backyard picnic.
Creole Kitchen — this family-run restaurant is known for making their own sauces and spices, bringing a true taste to its dishes. You can also order their special blend of creole seasonings to use in your very own kitchen. Or maybe use it with their featured recipe for Creole Chicken with Broccoli and Sweet Potato Wedges.
Way Down Yonder — find traditional New-Orleans dishes when you stop in for a meal at this Columbus restaurant.
Lifestyle Café — don't sacrifice taste when you're trying to eat healthy. This plant-based café (with organic, local, non GMO food) has all your fave breakfast and lunch items.
The Nile Vegan — this vegan/vegetarian spot focuses on (made from scratch) Ethiopian dishes. It was also named "Best Vegan BIPOC Owned Business of 2020."
Hoyo's Kitchen — serving up Somali cuisine, this top-rated Columbus eatery has locations in North Market (Downtown and Bridge Park) and Columbus Square.
Afra Grill — this Columbus restaurant is bringing East African cuisine right to your plate.
Hai Poké — want a taste of The Island? Hai Poké serves Hawaiian-style street food in Columbus' Short North Arts District and Bridge Park's North Market.
Bibi's Patties — order up a taste of Haitian food when you check out this Caribbean-flavor filled eatery.
Tiger Mushroom Farms — founded by Te'La, this family-run farm is all about cultivating delicious mushrooms. Shop their products and be on the lookout for them at pop-up markets throughout Central Ohio.
replenish: the spa co-op — located in the heart of downtown Columbus (Discovery District) this space offers every way to treat your mind and body. From yoga to massage, meditation to facials.
The Village Host — take a mini vacay and book one of these gorgeous rentals from a Columbus husband and wife duo.
The Witch's Bath — wash the stress away with pop-culture inspired bath bombs and other skincare products from this local Columbus maker.
Black Arts Plus — looking for art, books? Then Black Arts Plus is the spot for you.
Krazzy Comics — this Gahanna comics store is suped up with all your fave heroes and panel pals. Krazzy Comics was featured in a recent book on the Black comics community.
Ivory Paper Co — add some style to your organization with planners, stationary and stickers from this Ohio store.
William H. Thomas Gallery — known as the Urban Cultural Arts Foundation, the William H. Thomas Art Gallery is a community-based gallery that's brought art to Columbus for over 30 years.
Chunky Armadillo — this boutique is here to attire you in bright, bold, and fun(ky) style apparel and accessories.
Splendor Revival — specializing in vintage and handmade caftans, clothing and accessories, you'll find amazing unique finds among her curated collection. Shop her collection at The Little Light Collective in Clintonville.
B.Eclectic — adorn yourself with unique handcrafted bags and accessories inspired by travel, West Indian culture, and diversity when you shop from this Columbus business.
Jamison & Bexley — who says adults always get to be the stylish ones? This clothing company outfits your kiddos in pieces that will keep them fashionable and functional. As their tagline says, "adventurous clothes for adventurous kids."
TL Yarn Crafts — Columbus's Toni Lipsey is ready to share all her knowledge on how to craft your next crochet creation. Don't forget to check out her recent book, The Tunisian Crochet Handbook.
Jera's Heavenly Sweet in Toledo
Northwest Ohio
Jera's Heavenly Sweet —this Toledo area bakery will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Sweet Experience — get your dessert with this Toledo spot - known for their desserts in a jar!
Glaze'Em Gourmet Funnel Cakes — like funnel cake, but want to kick it up a notch? Then try Glaze'Em for a gourmet and out-of-this-world funnel cake.
Vegan Taste — this Toledo spot will treat you with some tasty vegan and gluten-free sweets.
The Onyx Café — with the slogan "every day is a coffee day," this Toledo cafe is serving up that perfect pick-me-up cup of coffee.
Black Frog Brewery — located in Holland, this nanobrewery serves "great beer for great people."
Smashdawgz Food Truck — serving Toledo and the surrounding area, this gourmet hotdog food truck is here with your favorite food.
We Be Ribs — an award winning catering service, its BBQ is perfect for any occasion.
DuweyWings — order up some wings at this Toledo spot.
Josephine's Kitchen — serves up classic soul food with an authentic taste to the Toledo area.
TriggaMeals — based in Bowling Green, you can order great dishes from this local chef.
The Boilermaker Restaurant & Bar — this eatery is known as the oldest Black-owned restaurant in Lima.
Derrick Jr. — find the best ribs, brisket and pulled pork in Sandusky at this local restaurant from Chef Derrick Moore.
PerennialGlow Spa — indulge in some rest and relaxation when you step into this Lima spa from owners Natasha Mears and Shelley Ferguson.
Toledope — this apparel company will keep you attired in the latest trends, while also showing off your Toledo pride.
Simply D'Vine Boutique — be the style icon you know yourself to be, by shopping at Simply D'Vine Boutique.
Lotus Candles in Cleveland
Northeast Ohio
Lotus Candles — fill your home with amazing aromas from this family-owned shop in Cleveland with traditional scents like lavender to the decadent Grandma Russell's Chocolate Fudge Brownies
Dad Storybooks — reading with your kids is always great! And this Cleveland-based company is ready with your next book (you can order books here).
Elizabeth's Books & Writing Centre — read all about it when you shop at this bookstore founded by Akron native Rachel Elizabeth Cargle. Visit them IRL at Elizabeth's at The Well CDC.
Brittany's Record Shop — get all your vinyl love at this record store, which focuses on hip-hop, reggae, soul and jazz. And check out their spot at City Goods in Cleveland.
KNRD — accessorize yourself with a handmade statement jewelry piece designed by Candace Cunard.
ode{vintage} — curated by Olivia, this vintage spot showcases some remarkable finds. Bonus, you can also see some of her pieces at Océanne in Cleveland.
CouCou Sentiment — shop for everything cute and fun at this Lakewood storefront. Taking its name from the French term for "hey, there" or "hello," you'll find something special when you stop by.
THE SOAP MASON — get clean this summer with handcrafted artisan soaps, skincare, and bodycare products.
Choate BODY — a company that focuses on organic body and skincare that'll leave you feeling nourished and refreshed.
Pat's Granola — what's a better snack, breakfast, or dessert topping than a tasty mix of gluten-free rolled oats (and organic ingredients). You can also find this tasty treat inside select retail locations like The Roaming Biscuit Bake Shop and Cafe in Cleveland.
The Roaming Biscuit — find delicious biscuits at this Cleveland bake shop and cafe. You can find this CLE Biscuit Heads at popups around town, or check out their brick-and-mortar location in Tyler Village.
The Breakfast Box — start your day off right and enjoy tasty food from this Akron eatery.
BLACK BOX FIX — from celebrity Chef Eric Rogers and team, this sandwich and street food spot is feeding Cleveland and Lyndhurst right. And if you're in the Columbus area, check out their location at Easton Town Center.
unBar Cafe — grab something to eat at his Cleveland spot known for having amazing sandwiches.
Zanzibar Soul Fusion — enjoy a meal at this restaurant with three locations: Downtown Cleveland, Shaker Square, and Zanibar Express in GlenVillage.
Ed's Smokehouse Soul Food Restaurant — head to Canton for a night out with classic food at this Northeast Ohio restaurant.
Irie Jamaican Kitchen — serving up fast-casual dining with Jamaican dishes, this Cleveland spot is sure to amaze. Be sure to try the Irie Jahpotle Bowl when you stop by one of their three locations (Cleveland East, Cleveland West, and Akron).
Zoma — get an authentic taste in Cleveland at this Ethiopian restaurant that was named one of the "101 Dishes to Try Before You Die: The Ultimate Cleveland Foodie Bucket List" by Cleveland Magazine.
Swerve Grille — with some of Northeast Ohio's best food, this Beachwood spot is sure to hit the spot.
Brown's Corner Restaurant — on the corner of Miles and E 146th Street, this family owned and operated Cleveland breakfast spot is here to make sure you enjoy the most important meal of the day.
Choukouya Resto-Bar — one of Cleveland's Afro-European restaurants, they're serving a vibrant and fun dining experience.
Sauce the City — the premier original hot chicken restaurant, this spot located in University Heights brings tastes from all over to the Cleveland area.
Nephew's Restaurant — this Akron spot serves Southern comfort dishes, like classic fried chicken. But it's their "Nephew Burger" that's the real claim to fame.
Frederick's Wine & Dine — located in Warrensville Heights, this bar is known for its music as much as its eats.
Magna Wine Boutique — offering wine tastings, pairings, this family-owned wine shop in Cuyahoga Falls wants to make wine fun, educational, and accessible.
The Vineyards of Château Hough — this urban farm, located in the historic Hough neighborhood, offers several wines.
Urbean Joe Coffee — start your morning off right with a cup brewed from this independent coffee company.
The Sweet Fix Bakery — with a variety of baked goods from cupcakes and cookies, to cakes and pies, this Cleveland Heights shop is a favorite.
The Vegan Doughnut Company — holding the title as "Ohio's 1st and only 100% vegan doughnut shop," you'll absolutely find a sweet treat here!
Bake at 350 — you can't miss this sweet spot that's based in a 1973 VW Kombi Bus. Named the Suga Bus, this Copley bakery is adorned in the original orange color.
Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey in Cincinnati
Southwest Ohio
Boomtown Biscuits & Whiskey — bringing the feel of the pioneering spirit, this Cincinnati restaurants is being a unique dining experience coupled with a taste of true comfort food.
BŌL — Cincinnati's first acai bowl food truck is serving up artisan acacia bowls throughout the city.
K&J Seafood Co. — this restaurant provides a taste of Louisiana-style seafood. Or as they say, "Bringing Nawlins to the Nati."
Just Q'In — this eatery promises to deliver freshly smoked BBQ. And if you can't grab a plate while you're out, pick up a bottle of their sauce at Jungle Jim's International Market.
Chicken's Head — well-known in the Dayton area for its food, perfect for your next meal at this Kettering eatery.
Divine Appetite Café — make a stop in West Chester for a home-cooked style meal of soul food, Caribbean, and West African foods. Plus, they also offer desserts and pastries as the perfect after treat.
Mz Jade's Soulfood — head to Middletown for classic comfort-style soul food.
Neal's Famous BBQ — the barbecue is famous and the All Purpose Sauce is award-winning at this spot in Hamilton.
Soul Full — dine on delicious soul food in Hamilton at this local restaurant.
Mutt's Sauce — is your cooking missing something? It's probably this sweet, tangy, and a little spicy sauce. Whether it's sauce or spice, you're next meal will be finger-licking-good!
Honey Child Artisan Pops —enjoy these frozen treats made with no refined sugar. But plenty of flavor!
Sugar — a dessert delivery that makes gourmet cookies, cupcakes, and cakes.
Like Mom's Only Vegan — grab something sweet from the vegan vendor selling delicious baked goods. You can order online or check them at Findlay Market in Cincinnati.
Sweet Petit Desserts — feast your eyes on these confectionary creations.
Twist Cupcakery — head to Dayton for unique treats and sweets at this spot that specializes in cakes and cupcakes. For some extra fun, order one of their cupcakes in a jar!
Sunny Blu Coffee & Ice Cream — get the scoop with handmade ice cream. Or grab a cup of coffee that's been sourced and roasted from La Terza Coffee while you're at this Cincinnati spot.
Third Perk Coffeehouse & Wine Bar — feel a sense of community when you stop in for a bite to eat or a cup of coffee from this Dayton spot with three locations: Downtown Dayton, The Mall at Fairfield Commons, and Gem City Market.
Cream + Sugar Coffeehouse — it's easy to bring people together when you offer them coffee, plus breakfast and lunch treats, from this coffee spot.
Matunda Juicery & Co. — find refreshment at this smoothie and juice bar.
Muse Café — stop into this Cincinnati spot for everything from coffee, wine, to Jazz!
Esoteric Brewery Company — enjoy a beer at this Cincinnati spot.
Alematic Artisan Ales — this Huber Heights neighborhood brewery focuses on small batch ales.
Revel Urban Winery — an OTR urban winery that features a variety of wine that's made onsite.
Six Acres B&B — this premier bead and bed and breakfast in Cincinnati is the perfect getaway spot.
Flora Lee Naturals — this small batch skincare line will give you a fresh and clean feel.
Alexis Nickelle Co. — treat your senses to a crafted soy candle from this Cincinnati-based maker.
Diamyn's Crystal Bar — learn more about crystals, while also picking up some custom jewelry from this Cincinnati shop located in the Clifton neighborhood.
Chamaele — treat yourself with offerings from this Cincinnati vendor. You can find their offerings throughout the area, including places like Jungle Jim's International Market and Findlay Market.
Smith & Hannon Bookstore — check out the #1 bookstore for African American literature in Cincinnati (and OTR).
GO(O)D Co. — a Cincinnati apparel company that wants you to "wear who you are and live what you believe."
BlaCk OWned Outwear — outfit yourself in style with this Cincinnati-based retailer. And check out their BlaCkOWned™️ x FC Cincinnati line.
Photo credit: Butcher's Bites, Facebook
Southeast Ohio
Butcher's Bites — a meal-prep service in Athens that brings fresh, prepared, and packaged meals.
Mauvette's — specializing in Caribbean fusion, Mauvette, a Jamaican transplant, brings her cooking to Southeast Ohio. You can contact her for ordering at mauvettes@gmail.com.
Odyssey Nutrition — this spot in Athens serves smoothies, teas and everything to quench your thirst.
Iris Rose Wellness Massage — this massage therapy practice (part of Athens Advanced Chiropractic) is here to keep you relaxed and healthy.
S.W.I.M. Printed — located in Athens, this direct to garment printing company is here for all your design ideas.
The Stack — shop apparel, art, and accessories at this Chillicothe storefront.
For more Made in Ohio businesses and ways to #BuyBlackOhio, check out #OhioFindItHere at Ohio.org.