Rochester Woman-Owned Businesses

The region that nurtured the earliest seeds of the women’s rights movement is today home to many thriving and innovative businesses owned by women. From food, to fashion, health and wellness to art and culture, there are so many different women-owned businesses in Rochester to explore. In recognition of Women’s History Month, we’ve rounded up a few (of the many!) women-owned businesses in Rochester to check out this month.

Food & Drink

Acorn Exchange. The Acorn Exchange is a hidden gem found within the beautiful marble lobby of the downtown Clinton Square Building. The Acorn Exchange is a grab and go cafe that specializes in made-to-order custom built sandwiches on its famous scratch-baked focaccia bread.

Apogee Wine Bar. Located in Rochester’s trendy Park Avenue neighborhood, Apogee is owned by sommelier Simone Boone. Taste wines by the glass or by the bottle from around the world on a highly curated menu.

BITE Rochester. Bite Rochester has an eclectic location in the heart of center city. Constructed mostly of glass and steel, Bite Rochester offers an expansive view of Rochester. A multi-leveled building offering unique space for meetings and events and a high quality, quick serve menu that highlights local vendor foods and beverages. 

Brown Hound Downtown. Located inside the Memorial Art Gallery, the Brown Hound Downtown is owned by Trish Asher and is known for its focus on fresh, creative, seasonal menus.

Bumpa's Pizzeria. A family-owned business with a passion for bringing family and food together, Bumpa's Pizzeria opened in 2022 and is sure to be a new local favorite of yours.

Carmen's Cooking. Delicious, authentic Puerto Rican style foods including hot-pressed sandwiches, meals and empanadillas, along with Vegetarian options, occasional specials and daily desserts.

Casa Larga Vineyards. Originally founded in 1974, today the winery – located just outside of Rochester in Fairport, NY – features a wide range of delicious varietals, including award winning ice wines. Casa Larga’s president today is Andrea Colaruotolo O’Neill, daughter of the winery’s founders, Andrea and Ann Colaruotolo.

Cottage Hotel of Mendon. A full-service restaurant with items and ingredients coming from local farms, artisans, and craft beverage-makers. 

Effortlessly Healthy. Cafe and food truck specializing in health-minded food, with dine-in, carry out & delivery, plus weekly meal plans.

Finger Lakes Food Tours. Enjoy the dynamic ranges of the Finger Lakes and discover popular foodie hotspots through walking, motor coach, or GPS audio tours. 

Flight Wine Bar. Located in Corn Hill, this wine bar features various wines, small bites, special events and more.

Flower City Food Tours. Sample the favorite foods of Rochester while nourishing your belly and your brain on a walking food tour. Indulge in some of the favorite foods of Pittsford, Rochester, the Neighborhood of the Arts, and Park Ave. 

Gourmet Goodies. A cafe/bakery located in Victor, NY that offers personalized wedding cakes and desserts, as well as custom cakes, cupcakes, pastries and cookies for any special event as well as gluten-free offerings.

Hedonist Artisan Chocolates. Located in Rochester’s South Wedge neighborhood, owner Jennifer Posey has been crafting creative confections since 2007.

Julia K Caters. A family-owned and operated, full-service catering company, located in Downtown Rochester that creates memorable culinary experiences for your social and corporate events through creative customized menus and exceptional service.

Laughing Gull Chocolates. Laughing Gull is on a mission to “save the world with chocolate, one truffle at a time.” Owners Lindsay Tarnoff, Karla Boyle and Allison Zukoski infuse chocolate with community from their workshop and storefront on E. Main Street in the North Winton Village neighborhood.

Living Roots Wine & Co. Co-owner Colleen Hardy offers visitors to the Finger Lakes’ first urban winery flavors from both the Finger Lakes and Australia. Visit the Living Roots chic tasting room in Rochester’s Neighborhood of the Arts.

Lovin' Cup. This popular bistro located near the campus of RIT is co-owned by Leslie Zinck. The menu features everything from simple favorites to gourmet goodies, and an impressive craft beer list. 

Madeline’s Catering. Indulge in the delicious, full-service catering services provided by Madeline’s Catering, who has been chef-owned and operated since 1990.

Marshall Street. Marshall Street Bar and Grill is committed to becoming a positive community partner that features a friendly neighborhood atmosphere with great drink specials and a full menu of delicious food!

Mendon 64. A fine dining experience located in Mendon 64, this restaurant offers a casual elegance, a sophisticated cuisine and a tasteful wine list. 

Neutral Grounds Coffeehouse. Neutral Ground Coffeehouse is right on the canal in Pittsford featuring locally sourced ice cream, full coffee bar, pastries, breakfast and lunch.

Nothing Bundt Cakes. This sweet bakery franchise is enjoyed across the country, and luckily that includes Rochester! Choose from a variety of flavors and sizes, all topped with their signature frosting.

Old School Cafe. Located in a 150-year-old school house, this unique cafe offers a casual, vintage atmosphere with a thoughtful menu focused on coffee, espresso, pastry, and brunchy food.

Peppa Pot. Delicious Jamaican restaurant with dine in or takeout options for lunch and dinner. Sunday brunch offerings and catering are also available. 

Salena’s Restaurant. Enjoy Mexican food and drinks inside this Village Gate Square restaurant, which has been open in Rochester for 21 years.  Co-owner Kelly Metras also owns the nearby Nox Cocktail Lounge.

Shelly’s Sweet Shoppe. A locally-owned and operated one-stop-shop for all your sweets and treats, Shelly’s Sweet Shoppe offers a large variety of baked goods for pickup and delivery.  

Smokin' Hot Chicks. Mouthwatering slow-cooked BBQ meats and meatless options, delicious homemade sides, fresh salads and sweets, a full Tequila bar, live music, private party room, outdoor dining space, and more.

Sweet Fortune Cookies. A unique, delicious and affordable treat owned and operated right here in Rochester, NY. These customized fortune cookies make for the coolest corporate gifts and the sweetest party favors. 

The Cub Room. This South Wedge restaurant known for its upscale seasonal cuisine & elevated cocktails is co-owned by Jody Johnson and her husband Greg. 

The Union Tavern. The Union Tavern is a seaside tavern with a rich history, located in the Sea Breeze district serving New England favorites and comfort food. 

Traut’s Treats. Established in 1992, this full-service gift basket, homemade candy, and gourmet food company is sure to have something to satisfy your sweet tooth! 

Tu Amor Cakery. Tu Amor's specialty is producing baked goods that won’t raise blood sugar using the highest quality ingredients, including almond flour and coconut flour.

Union Tavern. Co-owner Kelly Bush and her team at the Union Tavern serve up a New England tavern style menu from inside a historic building in Sea Breeze, NY.

Young Lion Brewing. Young Lion Brewing Company opened its doors in June of 2017. Founded by Jen Newman, Young Lion’s tasting room features sun-soaked views of Canandaigua Lake and award-winning local brews.

Health & Wellness

Compass Cycle & Flow. Compass Cycle & Flow is Rochester's first fitness studio dedicated to Rhythm Riding Cycling & Power Vinyasa Flow Yoga. Founders and sisters, Ashley Biryla and Nicole Branagan, have cultivated a passionate community within Compass Cycle’s Neighborhood of the Arts studio.

Fleet Feet Rochester. Get all your running essentials from Fleet Feet Rochester, a locally-owned retail store for runners and walkers. Owner Ellen Brenner and her team offer footwear, apparel and training programs for runners of all skills and experience.

Glenna's CBD Best Oil & Spa. Glenna’s CBD Owner & CEO, Glenna Colaprete-Hudson started the woman owned company in 2015, after successfully treating her own chronic and painful nerve entrapment. She is dedicated to helping all people and pets live their best life.

The Groom Room. The Groom Room Men’s Spa Lounge is the first Minority/ Black owned Day Spa dedicated solely to Men’s health and wellness in the City of Rochester. 

Need Salon. A full service salon and spa focused on self-care and wellness in the heart of downtown Rochester.

Roc City Circus. Roc City Circus is Rochester, NY's newest circus arts training facility that offers aerial classes for beginners and advanced students.

RocVentures. If you are looking for fitness, fun team building or just a way to get in from the cold weather – you will find it all at RocVentures. Climbers of all skill levels are welcome.

Tru Yoga. This community-oriented yoga studio in the South Wedge is co-owned by Imani Olear. Imani is also the founder of Yoga 4 a Good Hood, a nonprofit organization “changing communities one downward dog at a time,” and focused on introducing more people of color to the practice of yoga.

Shopping & Gifts

Cleo + Kin. A boutique lifestyle shop in the heart of Pittsford. The shop offers a wide selection of goods from women's clothing to home decor and baby gifts.

Fabulous Flowers and Gifts. Since 1958, Fabulous Flowers has been Rochester, NY's leading flower and gift shop for occasions throughout Monroe County. Family owned and operated by the Dougherty's, the shop boasts a talented staff of award-winning designers.

NOTION. Providing local makers an outlet to make their creations available to the public, NOTION sells a variety of local, handmade creations and vintage goods. You’re bound to find unique goodies while supporting local creators in this store. 

Peppermint Boutique. This boutique owned by Tanvi Asher is the go-to spot when shopping for unique clothing and Rochester-themed gifts. The Rochester Pride in this store at the Culver Road Armory is evident.

Record Archive. Score some vinyl or vintage clothing at Record Archive, co-owned by Alayna Alderman, one of the largest record stores in the country and the first in the northeast to offer beer and wine to shoppers. Alayna’s accomplishments and contributions to the music store industry were further recognized when she recently received the Music Biz Independent Spirit Award from the Music Business Association.

ROC City Balloons. Make your event pop with ROC City Balloons, who provide a variety of balloon designs to enhance any occasion. With a variety of colors and designs this women-owned business is sure to bring your balloon vision to life. 

Rochester Brainery. Offering in-person and online classes, Rochester Brainery spotlights the talents and brains of locals in Rochester, NY.

Scents by Design. This pour-your-own candle and custom fragrance experience in Rochester’s Neighborhood of the Arts is woman-owned.  

The Op Shop. Sustainability meets solidarity when shopping at this local vintage and handmade sellers store. If you’re looking for sustainable, slow-fashion pieces you’re sure to find them here!

Art, Culture & Recreation 

Rochester has a rich arts and cultural scene. Visit one of these women-led attractions.

Colonial Belle. Charter a cruise down the historic Erie Canal, departing from Fairport, NY, on the Colonial Belle. The Belle is the only female owned tour boat on the Erie Canal. Plus, the Colonial Belle’s Captain Tammee is one of the only female passenger vessel captains working on the Erie Canal. 

Genesee Country Village & Museum. Discover the largest living history museum in New York State, Genesee Country Village & Museum, which today is led by Becky Wehle, who is the granddaughter of the museum’s founder.

Her Voice Carries Public Art Project. Learn about the inspiring women depicted in “Her Voice Carries,” a public art project in Rochester, NY and beyond, featuring women who are lifting up the voices of others.

Long Acre Farms. Home to NY’s longest-running corn maze, The Amazing Maize Maze, and offering a variety of free family-friendly fun, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Long Acre Farms. 

National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House. Come and see the place Susan B. Anthony called home during the most politically active period of her life. Stand in the front parlor where she was arrested for voting in 1872. Experience her amazing story of courage and determination at this National Historic Landmark.

RMSC Museum & Science Center. This museum fosters curiosity about science, space, and nature through hands-on experiences at the Science Museum, Strasenburgh Planetarium, and Cumming Nature Center.

RocTours. Experience upstate up close and personal while enjoying sightseeing, craft beverages, history, and fun on a Rochester area tour! Choose your tour of choice and relax while RocTours drives you to various stops in an intimate, 6-passenger vehicle.

The Strong National Museum of Play. Home to the largest collection of toys, dolls and games in the world founded by collector Margaret Strong. museumofplay.org

Wickham Farms. Located on beautiful farmland in Upstate New York, Wickham Farms offers farm fresh fun and seasonal attractions that the whole family is sure to enjoy.

Lodging & Hospitality

Agathi & Co. A full-service event planning company. Owner Agathi Georgiou-Graham plans memorable events and operates Arbor Venues that includes two boutique event venues in the City of Rochester.

B&B at the Ellwanger Estate. From the moment you walk in to the Ellwanger Estate, you'll know you're not in any ordinary bed and breakfast. The Ellwanger Estate is an oasis where you'll actually enjoy spending time in your room as well as discovering the magnificent grounds.

Legacy Drama House. The Legacy Drama House is the "Venue With Variety"! The facility offers a wide array of hosting services ranging from private events such as baby/bridal showers, retirement parties, Sweet 16's, weddings/receptions, and funeral repasts and more.

Marge's Lakeside. Ever wanted to pack it in and head south like the lyrics of a Jimmy Buffet tune? Just visit Marge’s Lakeside near Seabreeze. Open all year long, Marge’s is more than just a beloved dive bar on Lake Ontario, but a piece of Rochester’s history whose walls show a visual timeline of the patrons and parties that have made it a destination since the 1960’s.

The DeLand House on Main. A unique events venue located just steps away from the Erie Canal in the Village of Fairport. The building offers 9 different spaces and has professional, seasoned planners ready to assist you with your private event. 

Business & Community Services

Bella Events Group. Bella Events Group is a full-service event planning and venue management firm. BEG is owned and operated by Jenna Manetta-Knauf, owner of Roc Holiday Village and The Wilder Room in Downtown Rochester.

Immaginé Photography. Bring your family, business, or occasion to life with fun, casual, and relaxed photo shoots. Immaginé specializes in Executive and Senior Portraits, Commercial Photography, Children, Families, and Special Events.

Imprintable Solutions. Imprintable Solutions opened their doors in 1985, and since then has evolved into supplying customers with extensive options to meet their printing and promotional needs.

InnoQuests LLC. Enhance your next event with an amplified scavenger hunt or customized game tailored for your event, organization, or city from InnoQuests LLC. 

NSP Studio. Capture a beautiful experience when you book NSP Studio for all your photography needs including weddings, headshots, boudoir, family, seniors, engagement and client events photos. 

Day Trips Around Rochester, NY. A digital resource for travel inspiration, exploring communities and places of interest that are within two hours of Rochester.

Looking for more information on woman-owned businesses in Rochester? Check out Women Owned Rochester to support and discover women-owned businesses in Rochester, NY.