Black-Owned is Good for Rochester. From wine bars, bakeries, revolutionary coffee-brands to trendy restaurants – there are many Black-owned businesses that serve the Rochester community, and many great opportunities to support Black entrepreneurship.

Check out this roundup of some of the Black-owned businesses in Rochester and make a plan to pay these businesses a visit during your next trip to Rochester!

 

Good for Unwinding

  • Taste the flavors of New York State at Red White and Brew of Rochester— a tap and tasting room that focuses on serving craft beverages from wineries, breweries, and distilleries in the Finger Lakes and New York State.
  • Enjoy live jazz and your favorite wines at The Legacy Wine Bar. The Legacy Wine Bar is the lifelong dream of Ebony Smart, who has always wanted to create a place for friends to come together, relax, and enjoy each other's company in an upscale and welcoming environment.
  • Whether you’re looking for a full-bodied cabernet or a cool glass of chardonnay, Apogee Wine Bar has the wine selection – and ambiance – that’ll make a visit part of your wind-down, date night or weekend ritual.
  • Freshen your home or workspace with calming scents from a local candle company. Rosy Candle Co., a mother/daughter chandler duo specializing in eco-friendly home fragrance products. Rochester-based Light My Candle Co. offers soy candles and wax melts, including the Rochester-inspired lilac scent. Light My Candle Co. owner Lauren is a full-time teacher in the Rochester City School District by day, and candle maker by night.
  • If you've been looking for a cozy space to catch a show, look no further than The Avenue Blackbox Theatre! This local theatre was founded in 2018 and the inclusive and accessible space it offers has become a beloved part of the Rochester community.

 

Good for Self-care

  • Sometimes a little retail therapy can go a long way. Check out MansaWear on Park Avenue for beautiful custom-made Ghanaian (West Africa) clothing. Or visit Women of Color New York, a one-stop shop that brings eight woman business owners under one roof. The businesses within Women of Color New York include boutiques and the Dessert Bar & Bistro, along with beauty and wellness services.
  • The Groom Room Men’s Spa Lounge is the first Black-owned day spa dedicated solely to Men’s health and wellness in the City of Rochester. The spa is owned and operated by Monique Chatman, a native of the city who is a dual-licensed professional in Aesthetics and Nail Care Specialty, with several years of experience in the skin care industry. The Groom Room offers a number of services tailored to men (although women are welcome, too!) including manicures, pedicures, facials and other skin services, and massages.
  • We’re always in favor of businesses that allow you to “treat yourself” – and The Mobile Spa makes it convenient to get pampered on your own time! The Mobile Spa is a fully equipped, on-the-go spa company providing premium spa treatments in the privacy of your own home, office or private getaway. Services include face and skin treatments, body polishes and laser hair removal.
  • IslandFit’s mission is to provide each individual with the opportunity to exceed their fitness expectations. Stop in for their high-intensity interval training (HIIT), cycling, yoga or personal/group training classes.
  • Enhance and maintain your crown with a fresh cut and great conversation at Creative Cuts Barbershop. You’ll find a dedicated staff of barbers who listen to your needs and go above and beyond your expectations.
  • Honey B Home & Essentials offers products specializing in bath and body, from home goods to baby and kids. There’s something for everyone seeking affordable home décor and everyday essentials.
  • Looking for a new spot to grab a refreshing smoothie or milkshake? Check out B+ Healthy Fresh Food Market. They are on a mission to provide inner city communities with health food stores that assist in eliminating food deserts, and the health disparities that persist as a result. Located on Genesee Street, B+ Healthy Fresh Food Market’s menu features smoothie, juices, wellness shots and veggie wraps.
  • For all the book worms out there, Archivist Books on Monroe Avenue is a must visit! This Black owned new and used bookshop highlights queer authors and offers a safe, inclusive, and comfy space for every reader.
  • Raquel Denise Handbag Boutique on S Clinton Avenue specializes in luxury handbags and fashion. Give them a visit and find your new favorite bag!


Good Food, Good for the Soul

  • Island Wraps will quickly turn in to your new go-to for Caribbean & American cuisine and is a proudly woman-owned, family restaurant. 
  • When it comes to Jamaican cuisine, Livie's Jamaican Restaurant never misses! Stop in on Friday's and enjoy Livie's Flavor Friday's with music, games, and food.
  • Home to the world-famous loaded jerk chicken fries, Side Bar’s food menu is a jerk fusion of Caribbean and American flare to satisfy your taste buds. Cocktails, art and great networking make Side Bar the place to be. (Pro tip: The Side Kick Jerk Sauce is available for purchase!)
  • Equal Grounds Cafe celebrates diversity and inclusion in the heart of Rochester's South Wedge Neighborhood. With a mission to foster connection and understanding, Equal Grounds believes in the power of pairing unique tastes with welcoming vibes.
  • Bold and Gritty is a coffee-focused lifestyle brand, established as a vehicle to tell the stories of Black men who have persevered against all odds to achieve their wildest dreams and visions – and to normalize their success. Enjoy some culture with that brew. Bold and Gritty coffee is available at New City Café, Ugly Duck Coffee, the Store @ MAG and Lori’s Natural Foods. You may also find the Bold & Gritty team serving up cups of coffee with a pop up at the Rochester Public Market or the Rochester Commissary.
  • When you’re in the mood for some really good ramen, ROC City Ramen’s got you covered. You can also order curry dishes, sushi and Japanese-style fried rice!
  • As the debate on who has the best chicken sandwich wages on, just remember that Cluck if You Buck is home to some pretty awesome “sammiches!”
  • And speaking of chicken, BoBo's Chicken Shack is another great spot to add to your Rochester itinerary. This spot on Joseph Avenue is sure to give you your soul food fix!
  • Enjoy year-round, flavorful barbeque from Bubby’s BBQ. The perfect catering option for your next event, their full menu allows you to pair your choice of meats and sides to serve up a delicious meal. They also offer collaborations and pop-ups.
  • Looking for some authentic Ethiopian cuisine in the Rochester area? Look no further than Abyssinia Restaurant on Mt. Hope Avenue! The delicious food at this Black woman owned restaurant is sure to satisfy your craving.
  • The Arnett Cafe is sure to fulfill your comfort food craving! This family owned restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a southern flare.
  • If Cajun is more your style, French Quarter Cafe is the spot for you. From gumbo to crawfish, French Quarter has Cajun cuisine down to a science!
  • In the market for a family style meal? People's Choice Kitchen is your answer. Head down to Brooks Ave and give their jerk chicken a try for yourself! 
  • Everything Iz Good is another Jamaican spot in downtown Rochester. Give them a visit, try their delicious food, and learn why they pride themselves in treating their customers like family!


Good for Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth

  • Nothing Bundt Cakes: It’s in the name! Choose from a variety of flavors and sizes, all topped with their signature frosting. This bakery franchise is celebrated across the country, and luckily, that includes the ROC, where it is locally owned by Teresa Blake.
  • Though it may be called The Little Brownie, this bakery is known for its jumbo-sized cookies and brownies. And as an added bonus, all of The Little Brownie’s items are 100% gluten free and vegan.
  • There’s something about the words “brown sugar” that are both warming and comforting – just like the sweet treats found at The Brown Suga Co. & Cookie Boutique! Satisfy that sweet tooth and enjoy traditional, specialty and vegan cookie options.
  • Looking for a sweet treat with a healthy spin? Taste of Supreme Bakery and Cafe prioritizes simple ingredients to promote what they call "high vibrational eating". Catch them at the Rochester Public Market!

 

Good for Business

  • Planning a meeting, event, concert, performance or reunion? Check out the Legacy Drama House in the City of Rochester, a “venue with variety!” Legacy Drama House can host up to 170 guests in a beautiful space.
  • Contact Image Printers for your next printing project. Image Printers offers customers offset and digital printing, medium commercial publishing, graphic design, wide format, posters, banners and more. The Image Printers team also publishes Upstate NY Gospel Magazine.
  • Panther Graphics has served the Rochester community for 30 years and is a full-service, award-winning commercial printing provider offering digital and offset commercial printing, bindery, hand-finishing, fulfillment, inventory management and mailing services.

Know of other Black Owned Businesses to include on this list? Send us a note at info@visitrochester.com!

*View even more info on Black-Owned businesses in Rochester via the links below*