Charlotte Center City Partners Promoting Black-Owned Businesses in Uptown
Charlotte is home to many Black-owned businesses, with several located right in the heart of Uptown. And while it’s always a good time to support Black businesses, Black History Month is a time to celebrate them with even more intention. From clothing stores to cafes, here are a few Black-owned businesses to support this month in Uptown:
My Story Cafe
My Story Cafe opened in Brevard Court in 2022. The owner, Jacqueline Smith, wants people to share their stories when they walk through the doors. In addition to coffee, My Story Cafe also offers boba, smoothies, and pastries. The most popular item on the menu is the iced Vietnamese coffee. Website: My Story Cafe Hours: Sun-Sat- 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Address: 120 Brevard Court
Freshwaters
Tucked right in the heart of Uptown, Freshwaters serves up southern and Cajun-style cuisine. One of the popular menu options is the Ms. Freshwater, a salmon dish with red sauce. Website: Freshwaters Hours: Mon-Wed: Closed; Thur: 12–2:30 p.m. and 5–9 p.m.; Fri: 12–2:30 p.m., 5–9 p.m.; Sat: 3–9 p.m.; Sun: 1–5:30 p.m. Address: 516 N. Graham Street
Mad Dash
Mad Dash recently opened inside The Market at 7th Street, a food hall in Uptown steps from the light rail. The Mad Dash Burger and the Dasher Chicken tacos are among the most popular items. Website: Mad Dash Hours: Sun-Mon; Tues-Wed: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Thur-Sat: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Address: 224 E. 7th Street
Merts Heart & Soul
Voted best soul food in Charlotte and featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, Mert’s has made a name for itself as a staple on the Queen City culinary scene. The menu offers classic soul dishes like fried green tomatoes and Po’ boys. The most requested item is Merts’ cornbread. Website: Mert’s Heart & Soul Hours: Mon-Thur: 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri-Sat: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Address: 214 N. College Street
Nyoni Couture
Nyoni Couture sells and tailors men’s fashion, including suits, blazers, shoes, and accessories. The top-selling item is the navy blue power suit. Website: Nyoni Couture Hours: Mon-Sat: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday: 12 a.m. – 6 p.m. Address: 325 N Graham Street
Sub One Hoagie House
Sub One Hoagie House first opened its doors in September 1992. They offer hot and cold sandwiches and salads. One popular menu item is The New Jersey Steak. Website: Sub One Hoagie Hours: Mon – Fri: 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sat-Sun: CLOSED Address: 516 N Graham Street, Suite A
Novelty House
After grabbing lunch or dinner uptown, swing by Novelty House for some drinks. Novelty House offers a rooftop bar with a view of the city. Website: Novelty House Hours: Mon-Fri: 4 PM-2 a.m.; Sat: 12 p.m. – 2 a.m.; Sun: 12 p.m.- 10 p.m. Address: 123 E 5th Street, Suite 500
Hip Hop Smoothies
Hip Hop Smoothies offers several locations in Charlotte, with its uptown location in 7th Street Market. “We want [customers] to leave and know that they also get something healthy in their day,” said owner Shamika Brooks. California Love and Gin & Juice are among the customer favorites. Website: Hip Hop Smoothies Hours: Tue-Sat 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Address: 224 E. 7th Street
It’s Poppin’ Kettlecorn
Located at 7th Street Market, It’s Poppin has been in uptown for six years and offers gift tins and gift baskets. The most popular flavor is the fried chicken kettle corn. Website: It’s Poppin Kettle Korn Hours: Closed Mondays; Tuesday – Saturday: 12 – 8 p.m.; Sunday: 12 – 5 p.m. Address: 224 East 7th Street