In 2018, a Philadelphia Starbucks employee called the police on two Black patrons. Their crime? Waiting for a friend. The cops still arrested them.
More recently, Starbucks sent an internal memo to its employees banning them from wearing accessories or clothing that shows support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
BuzzFeed News obtained the memo, which reminded staffers of the company’s accessories policy that forbids accessories that “advocated a political, religious or personal issue.” A number of employees told the outlet that the company commonly permits and even advocates that employees don pro-LGBTQ+ pins, particularly during Pride Month in June.
When next you feel the need for some Starbucks, you may want to consider these Black Owned Coffee and Tea Businesses instead.
Black Owned Coffee and Tea Businesses
Grind House Coffee Co. (Huber Heights, OH) offers differing blends and flavors from as far away as southeast Asia to the mugs of Daytonians, as well as customers across the U.S. through online sales.
South LA Cafe (Los Angeles, CA) provides coffee, tea, and healthy and affordable food options to the South LA community.
Uprising Muffin Company (Washington DC) offers homemade muffins, coffee, sandwiches & salads served in a relaxed setting with comfy seating.
Northwest Coffee Roasting Company (Clayton, MO) is an artisan coffee roaster that embodies the legacy of coffee by unifying communities, stimulating dialogue, and providing hand roasted and brewed full city coffee.
Teatopia (St Louis, MO) offers 70 different teas as well as other small food items that will leave you amazed and wanting more.
TeaLee’s Tea House & Bookstore (Denver, CO) provides high-quality loose leaf teas, food, and specialty drinks, including beer and wine in an afro-centric atmosphere.
Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books (Philadelphia, PA) is a cool coffee shop and bookstore that also hosts live events like book signings and movie screenings.
Sip & Savor (Chicago, IL) offers the finest certified fair trade coffee from around the world, as well as a wide selection of teas, mochas, lattes, and blended drinks. They also serve delicious pastries and small bites from local bakeries.
Black Swan Espresso (Newark, NJ) is Newark’s first Specialty Coffee and Tea Shop. They specialize in using the highest quality international coffee beans in all their roasts.
Red Bay Coffee (Oakland, CA) is building a global community through our commitment to sourcing, developing, roasting, and delivering the best and most beautiful coffee to the people.
Upper Cup Coffee Co. (Columbus, OH) offers house-roasted espressos & creative pours are the focus of this brick-walled cafe with sandwiches.
Whittier Cafe (Denver, CO) is an artsy coffee shop with a lending library & a cozy patio serving espresso-based drinks & cafe fare.
Sankofa Video Books & Cafe (Washington, DC) is a relaxed coffeehouse offering light cafe bites plus African-focused books & film screenings.
Cuples Tea House (Baltimore, MD) is a family-owned and operated tea business offering featuring premium loose leaf teas, tea accessories, and culture in a socially connected atmosphere.
Kaffeine Coffee Internet & Office Cafe (Houston, TX) is a relaxed, funky cafe featuring coffee, sandwiches & baked goods, plus Wi-Fi & printing services.
Not So Urban Coffee & Roastery (Oxford, GA) is a small batch micro roaster specializing in responsibly, ethically & sustainably sourced coffee from Africa, South/Central America, and Asia.
Golden Thyme Coffee & Cafe (St Paul, MN) is an easygoing place with a warm vibe offering a variety of coffee blends named after your favorite jazz artists, bagels, cakes, and many other delightful treats.
More Than Java Cafe’ (Laurel, MD) is a vibrant outpost featuring classic cafe dishes, espresso drinks & ice cream, plus live music nights.
Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse (Philadelphia, PA) is a comic book store and coffee shop hybrid that offers everything from comics, toys, games, and figurines, to coffee & espresso related beverages, and baked goods.
Ain’t She Sweet Cafe (Chicago, IL) is a casual, cozy eatery offering counter-serve sandwiches, smoothies & house-baked desserts.
Cafe Dejena (Oakland, CA) is a local Eritrean café that offers dine-in meals all day, grab & go for those on the run, and catering for small events.
Beyu Caffe (Durham, NC) is an upbeat, bohemian hangout offering coffee, all-day American fare, a full bar, live jazz & free WiFi.
Boon Boona Coffee (Seattle, WA) sources the finest coffee, from the birthplace of coffee, East Africa.
DC Conscious Cafe (Washington, DC) is “more than a cafe”. They offer good food, dialogue, entertainment, civic engagement, and advocacy for the good of our community.
Serengeti Teas & Spices (New York, NY) introduces the history, magic, sumptuous taste, and exotic flavors of Africa via signature coffees, teas, cocoas & spices.
Rise and Grind Café (Milwaukee, WI) offers hot and cold sandwiches, soups, breakfast items. They also offer catering and meal planning services.
Calabash Teahouse & Cafe (Washington, DC) is a popular teahouse ready to help you with foods & teas for dynamic living.
Urban Grind Coffee House (Atlanta, GA) is a hip coffeehouse with cafe menu & free WiFi holds film screenings, poetry slams & other arty events.
Just Add Honey Tea Company (Atlanta, GA) is a sophisticated twist on a southern tea tradition we offer thoughtfully blended loose leaf teas made in small batches to ensure the perfect cup cheers!
Tsion Cafe & Bakery (NY) is a petite, stylish cafe featuring contemporary Ethiopian cuisine in a warm space with patio seating.
Culture Coffee Too (Washington, DC) is a coffee shop, art gallery, live performance venue, and event space, with a mission to bring delicious coffee
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Throughgood Coffee in Houston, TX!
That coffee show is run by hispanics NOT black owned!
Better than nothing/ supporting just another cookie cutter white owned shop.
Correct, AJ, it is not Black owned.
https://www.notjusdonuts.net/
http://www.eatglazed.com
I created Visit Black Houston Magazine and I’m the only source of Pan African Business & Travel information in Texas.
Please read and follow the digital magazine (We have print versions of the magazine for sale as well)
https://issuu.com/visitblackhouston/docs/visit_black_houston_magazine_februa
Many if not all of the slave ships made stops in the Carribean – we all fight for the bottom.
Cool. Always in H! Will check it out. I’m from Baton Rouge??✊?
C3 (coffee, crepes, creamery) in Concord, NC needs to be added to this list! The owners are so friendly and the menu is tasty!!
Doshi House in Houston, TX has good coffee, green juice and vegan food.
This is awesome!
I had to laugh though, at Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books being listed as in Pennsylvania, PA. 😛
Sad not to see any Boston area businesses, but there’s a lot of country to cover. 🙂
LOL! Correction made, thanks!
http://www.scottydcoffee.com
Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee Company
Bushwick Grind in Brooklyn, N.Y. is another great one. http://www.bushwickgrind.com
Just about to post them I am in the neighborhood and get try to go as often as possible.
I live around the corner from this place–only went in once since I usually get coffee at work. But I’ll visit a lot more often now!
Detroit:
Motor City Java House
17336 Lahser Rd, Detroit, MI 48219
(313) 766-7578
https://g.co/kgs/EeDmDP
One more correction, Ain’t She Sweet Cafe in Chicago doesn’t sell coffee or tea. Sip and Savor does next door (if you are on 43rd St). Both businesses have multiple locations.
I agree I’ve enjoyed visiting both cafe’s. Aint She Sweet has great sandwiches and desserts. Sip and savor, the coffee house next door has great coffee and tea drinks, and the ambiance is comfortable, modern and laid back. The servers are very nice.
The Golden Cup not listed and it located in the heart of Buffalo NY jefferson and E.Utica
Yes, also EM Tea Coffee Cup Cafe, 80 Oakgrove Ave, Buffalo, NY 14208. http://www.emteacoffeecup.com
I believe this cafe is Black owned: https://www.dotnews.com/2017/pop-shop-offers-coffee-chill-spot-codman-square
Uncle bobbies is inn the Germantown section of Philadelphia? What’s the problwm
Timing is everything.
Start one.
Dovecote cafe in baltimore
Dovecote definitely needs to be on here. Great shop.
East or West Baltimore. Would love to support.
Sad not to see any in Detroit, my hometown!
APRIL 16, 2018 AT 10:31 AM
Detroit:
Motor City Java House
17336 Lahser Rd, Detroit, MI 48219
(313) 766-7578
https://g.co/kgs/EeDmDP
Sarah! Time to start one in Boston….
maybe it should be you at the helm!
Just a thought!
Dudley Cafe! Boston, MA
Right on!!
The Coffee Enthusiast “A Brewing Company” in Camden Co. NJ. (Event based specialty coffee roasters & online owned by Stephen & Natasha Zinnerman)
Grind House Coffee in Ohio.(Brick and Mortar locations owned by Bill Miller Jr.)
The Golden Cup Coffeehouse in Buffalo, NY.
Deadstock Coffee in Portland, OR.
one + on Deadstock in PDX
Uncle Bobbie’s is in Philadelphia, PA. A great place in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia; an area with a storied black history tradition. We have been supporting it. Marc may need to expand sooner than he anticipated!! http://www.unclebobbies.com
Tell him we need one in Portland, Oregon!
Brewer’s in Richmond VA
Literally hit “ctrl f” to find VA. I’ll be hitting up Brewer’s. Thanks!
Try the KoTo ginger beer at Brewers. Black owned made by my husband
Good to know. Thanks.
Was just looking to make sure Brewers was on the list!
+1 for Brewers. Ajay is the man. Great coffee shop/cafe and great community presence!
Dovecote Cafe in Baltimore, MD
Please add Serenitea Cafe in Oak Park, IL to your list
Jiranis in Manassas, VA!
Yes! I was just going to list it. Manassas loves Jirani!
Ele & Ivy Tea Company
Memphis, TN
https://www.etsy.com/listing/494319197/ele-ivy-tea-box
We’d love to see Bind Cafe & Beyond Barcodes Bookstore on this list ❤️
We’re in downtown Kokomo, IN fighting the good fight with great coffee and tea, international food, multicultural books and language learning. We were named the coolest coffee shop in Indiana last year! https://bestthingsin.com/coffee-shops-cafes/
I adore this article you’ve written in response to the Starbucks fiasco! Thanks!
Check us: http://www.108NMain.com
❤ Bind Cafe: https://www.facebook.com/bindcafe/
Leviteashop.com!!! Levitea from Wilmington Delaware, new shop coming soon 🙂
Yes! Came here to make sure Levitea was on this list! Beautiful shop in Wilmington, DE. Can’t wait for the new store!
Where are you housed now? I can’t find you anymore. ?
Yall should Add Deadstock Coffee in Portland Oregon
Awesome! I’ll check it out! ??
Kaldi’s Social House – Silver Spring MD! The owner is an Ethiopian Immigrant … it’s DOPE! https://www.kaldissocial.com
Kaldi’s is indeed dope!
There is Mingle’s Tea Bar in Los Angeles. They are less than a year old.
Where is Mingle’s? (asking for myself, and any friends who wanna come with)
We have Blacc Vanilla here in Newburgh, NY which is Black Owned and an outstanding addition to our Hudson Valley Community.
Warns my heart to see my hometown represented. Will check it when I’m visiting. Thanks for the share.
Harrah’s best coffee in Wash DC
(Ethiopian)
Where in DC is Harrah’s located?
So thrilled to see this! I’m from Ulster County and I visit family often up there, we’ll stop by in Newburgh on our way up the Thruway next time 🙂
Blacc Vanilla I live in the town of newburgh and I would love to patronize your business. Where in Newburgh are you?
Thank you for providing that info. I live in the Hudson Valley and had no idea there is a black-owned coffee shop in Newburgh. Definitely gonna stop by soon. Thanks again, Danny!
I stopped in this morning for a coffee. Love this place and the owner’s are fantastic people bringing some spirit back to Newburgh.
We are honored to be on the list?
Can’t wait to patronize these amazing businesses while traveling
Urbean Joe Coffee Cafe’ in East Cleveland, Ohio is the 1st Independent Black owned Coffee brand and franchise in the United States. A 5 star quality commodity Urbean Joe Coffee Cafe’ with the slogan P.S.”Coffee With a Touch of Soul” and carries the tag line “Sip Soulful” will open May 2018 in East Cleveland, Ohio
Anything in Reno, NV? just moved there….Sacramento, CA?
Tiferet Coffee and Tea has three locations in Sacramento. Owned by two sisters who are the most amazing people.
Gimme Java, Shaker Heights, Ohio
Y’all Forgot Hodgepodge Coffee House & Art Gallery in Atlanta!
100%
Is it 100% black owned?
Great information. Thank you. I live in Columbus Ohio but did not know about Upper Cup on Parsons Ave. A coffee lover, I’m always on the lookout for a great cup of coffee wherever I go.
MOTOR CITY JAVA HOUSE in DETROIT!!
https://justjavahouse.com
I just KNEW there had to be at least ONE in Detroit. Should be 100. Alicia George has been anchoring this community since 2010!
Awesome list. I cannot wait to visit some of these!
There’s Akhirah’s Praline Candy and Coffee House
“A Sweet Taste of New Orleans”
There’s Akhirah’s Praline Candy and Coffee House
“A Sweet Taste of New Orleans”
Chicago, Ill.
I was just about to add Akhirah’s, my Brother.
I was JUST about to mention Akhirah’s, my Brother.
I’m loving all these online options! I don’t live near any of the physical locations listed but I will be ordering from the online spots! Thank you!
Sweet & Savory Cafe, Baldwin, Ny
I was wondering if there is one in Long Island! Can’t wait to visit Sweet & Savory Cafe!!!
Brewer’s Richmond, Va
That right Brewer Cafe great coffee and sandwiches!!
Yes, our beloved Brewer’s Cafe in Richmond, VA. The owner, AJ Brewer, is also a community activist who is spear heading the revitalization of a once run down community in our city.
Where at in Richmond, I’m coming from Hampton?
Bow Tie Cafe, Cincinnati, OH owned by former Cincinnati Bengals Dhani Jones.
Please add Buunni Coffee in NYC 🙂 @BuunniCoffee
I came here to post this too! Love Buunni!
Online (from Philly) – Rising Dawn Teas https://risingdawnteas.com/ @RisingDawnTeas
Online (from Philly) – Rising Dawn Teas https://risingdawnteas.com/ @RisingDawnTeas
Tea’s Me Cafe in Indianapolis, owned by Tamika Catchings of The Indiana Fever.
http://www.teasmeindy.com
Was going to add this one via comment, glad to see someone beat me to it …
I was going to recommend that one. I used to love going to Tea’s Me when I lived in Indy.
Baby Talk Cafe in Portsmouth, VA
http://www.babytalk.cafe/
Don’t forget about CANDI’S COFFEE TABLE in Brighton, CO!
Tea’s Me Cafe in Indianapolis, IN, which was started by a black family, then sold to retired WNBA star Tamika Catchings in 2017.
Can we sustain the support of these Black-Owned businesses this time or will we stop and go back to starbucks when we forget why we’re pissed off 6 weeks from now? We must strategically spend and circulate our dollar with a purpose, not based off emotion.
Yes! It MUST be sustained!
I know white folks forget easily once a few days has passed , Trump is a great example of that.
But I hope our African Americans don’t become the same!!!
It must be sustained!
I won’t forget.
Yes, sir. Starbucks has been permanently blacklisted as far as I’m concerned. I’ve already started trying to “buy black” as much as possible. I won’t forget or forgive.
AMEN ‼️???✊?
How is Nubohemia not on this list. Bmore baby. ?
Darrin’s Coffee Company only black coffee roaster in Indiana
And Darrin… I haven’t forgotten about the collabo! Working it out! Let’s set up a time to connect soon… You come here to Kokomo and I’ll come there!
cool Darrin
The Narrow Way. Detroit MI
Indulge Coffee, Savannah, GA
Thanks for this
Brewer’s Cafe
1125 Bainbridge St
Richmond, Va. 23224
Brewers Cafe
1125 Bainbridge St
Richmond, Va. 23224
Sweet and Savory Cafe, Baldwin, NY
Thank you for mentioning Black Momma Teas!! We are opening 500 Black Momma Tea and Cafe starting Fall 2018 and taking it to the NYSE. People may buy stock at http://www.wefunder.com/blackmommateacafe.
Arnold’s Tea in Pittsburgh, PA!
Urban Cafe in Kansas City, Missouri is another fantastic option. https://www.urbancafekc.com/menu-1
Krewe du Brew, New Orleans, LA https://www.facebook.com/krewedubrew/
Anything in FL? Online coffee options? I’d love to fully support!
Harmonies Brew (they have a shop in Lauderhill but they mainly do online sales )
Cornbread & Coffee in Teaneck, NJ
Cafe Buunni in Washington Heights, NYC
https://www.buunnicoffee.com
Coffee & Cornbread – Teaneck, NJ (Bergen County)
https://www.coffeeandcornbread.com/
https://www.facebook.com/coffeeandcornbread/
The CoffeeHouse in Williamsburg, Virginia
http://coffeebistro.net/
I’m surprised only one in NYC! Brooklyn is very diverse, but I didn’t see any shops mention on the list. What about Queens, Bronx, & Staten Island ?
Tiferet Coffee has three locations in Sacramento. Owned by sisters who are the best people you could ever know. I stopped going to Starbucks three years ago when they opened their first shop. I miss them when I’m out of town.
I am glad to hear that there are locations in the Sacramento area.
Fanny Lou’s Porch, Philadelphia
Elevated Coffee and Deadstock Coffee are black owned in Portland, OR
Awesome!
POUR in Las Vegas, NV
Elevated Coffee and Deadstock Coffee in Portland, OR are both black owned.
I’m pleased to see St. Louis and the Midwest, in general, so well represented.
ME TO
What happened was atrocious, but no way that was company policy. Howard Schultz is pretty much on the side of the angels when it comes to social issues. He offered health and education benefits to employees well before any of his competitors. I’m sure he’s appalled at this. Remember that this is the company that the right-wing boycotts.
You don’t have to like their coffee (I like some but not others), and patronizing local business is a fine thing to do, but let’s not demonize Starbucks as a whole because of a stupid and bigoted store manager.
Inclined to agree when and if appropriate action is taken against said store manager. I haven’t heard that they’ve done anything punitive to the store manager or admitted guilt yet and the initial story was refuted by customers. So currently, Starbucks is on the hook with me and needs to right their wrong.
Your absolutely right …..
Black isn’t a synonym for left wing so what does the right wing have to do with this?
Third party or not, they represent the Starbucks brand. The same thing happened when Independent BP Stations wanted to distance themselves from BP with the disaster in the Gulf. I work for a third party retailer and not only do customer complaints go to our headquarters, they go their headquarters while customers only care about the brand.
Oh yeah, apologies are the equivalent of folks saying that they were hacked. It may or may not be legitimate but the brand is the issue with this situation and not just the location. How many locations does this third party own? I don’t know or care. But it is bigger than just the singular person and location.
Black isn’t synonymous with the left, but since that word is vastly hated by the right…
Well, you can do the math.
The Library Coffee And Wine House (Houston Tx)
I love what you’ve done with this story. But how do people find these places after the story controversy has subsided? Our startup, Spendwith, addresses the intersectionality of the culture and commerce by providing an app that empowers people to curate lists of products, services, and places all organized by culture. Also, it gives people the ability to discover culture connected brands online and offline.
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Roasting Planet in Detroit, Michigan
Other African Owned Establishments in Minnesota – Twin Cities/Metro Area left off this list:
Heritage Tea House
360 University Ave W suite 103, St Paul, MN 55103.
Lady Elegant’s Tea Room & Gift Shoppe
2230 Carter Ave, St Paul, MN 55108
Limu Coffee
500 5th Ave NW # 109, New Brighton, MN 55112
Breaking Bread Café & Catering
1210 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Also looking for Florida options. I’m in Jacksonville, but frequent the central FL area. Will be getting Cuban coffee from Mambo’s for the time being which is local owned, not a chain and not non-Hispanic white owned which is the best I can do for now! Will also order online! Keep the list coming!
I have additions:
Gingered Peach in Lawrenceville, NJ (delicious bakery with coffee and tea too.
Taking Tea in Style, in Princeton, NJ (tea party catering company, very popular locally and she also has a popular TV show on Princeton Community TV
Coffees of Grace (online, owned by Grace Hightower De Niro, yes Robert De Niro wife. She sources the coffee directly from East Africa paying the women way more than other companies. She sponsored an event of mine in Harlem and she came with the Ugandan Ambassador to the U.N.)
I’ve worked with all three companies. They should be on your list!
http://www.urbeanjoecafe.com
I absolutely love this. We don’t have anything like this in Texas that I know of. I often think of opening up a coffee/ tea shop in my city just don’t how to get started. I even have the name already. Supporting my black brothers and sistas.
Sacramento, CA:
http://www.classyhippieteaco.com/
Sacramento, CA:
http://www.classyhippieteaco.com/
Classy Hippie Tea Co, in the Oak Park neighborhood
Seattle only has one???? (Boon Boona, a roaster). Lots of indie coffee shops here in the land of Starbucks but only one black-owned?
Let us know if you find another one Seattle. I am in need the PNW is a large area ; there just has to be some more around
Hey – Donuts Time Cafe in Hamilton NJ. Fabulous gourmet donuts as well as breakfast and lunch. Great coffee too!
https://m.facebook.com/donutstimecafe
@BoogieDownGrind in the South Bronx is another – I’d say there are enough out there for an industry group to form up – if it hasn’t already – lmk. We are opening up in Chelsea this weekend too 🙂
I LOVE More Than Java, but please also add Sweets and Treats Creamery Cafe in Laurel, MD (just up the block from MTJ) and Sidamo Coffee and Tea Company in Fulton, MD to your list. Thank you!
This place is in Crown Heights Brooklyn NY owned by a young couple who are of Panamanian and Jamaican ancestry.
Here’s an article about the store.
https://lithub.com/interview-with-a-bookstore-cafe-con-libros/
https://www.cafeconlibrosbk.com
Please add Chicago French Press.
Kafe Hub in Riviera Beach, FL
kafehub.com
@kafehub (fb, ig)
Classie Hippie Tea, 3226-A Broadway, Sacramento, California
There are none from Michigan, specifically Detroit. Come to the “D” and check us out!
Are there none in Los Angeles?
Flowerboy Project in Venice, CA and DTLA
Please visit Russell’s Gourmet coffee. It’s also black owned
Please include Coffee at the Point, located at 710 East 26th Avenue in Denver, Colorado, 80205.
The Lucky Goat in Philly!
Yes! That place is awesome.
Java Jazz Cafe
613 W 35th Street
Norfolk, Virginia 23508
757-738-8336
Opened on November 10, 2011
Cuisine:
Breakfast
Specialties:
Serves breakfast and coffee
Services:
Good For Groups
Outdoor Seating
[…] 47 Black Owned Coffee and Tea Businesses That are Great Alternatives to Starbucks – SHOPPE BLA… […]
Baltimore can represent more than just tea:
Peace and a Cup of Joe – Baltimore, MD
NuBohemia – Baltimore, MD
Water for Chocolate – Baltimore, MD
Etc
Check out this Herbal Remedy brand called Leaves of magic started by a Canadian/Ghanaian woman. We produce herbal teas made of African medicinal herbs. Primarily moringa herbal teas and powder. Leavesofmagic.storefoundry.com| Available worldwide. Follow us on instagram and facebook @leavesofmagichc and leaves of magic health. Based in Accra, Ghana. Connected to Toronto, Canada.
BACKATOWN COFFEE PARLOUR in New Orleans. A lovely place.
http://backatownnola.com
Will need to add some Florida locations
Brewers Cafe
https://www.brewerscaferva.com
[…] People are organizing under the #BoycottStarbucks hashtag to show their new drinks of choice, many from black-owned coffee shops: […]
What an Inspiring list of coffee and tea spots. Would love to add the one and only – The Northern Tea House in Juneau, Alaska.
The Modern Tea Room, Lancaster, CA (it’s at the edge of Los Angeles County)
Their website is messed up right now, but here they are on Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-modern-tea-room-lancaster
Where at in FL?
Kefa Cafe in Downtown Silver Spring. The sisters who own this coffee shop are Ethiopian-Americans
[…] no whip, mochas at Starbucks, but if they don’t make real lasting changes, I can get them many, many, many other places. Source […]
Eri Modena Cafe in Toronto
IDEA ALERT: So Black coffee and tea shop owners- let’s have a conference! Learn from each other, support each other’s brands….
Wanna? Interested? Let’s organize!
Email bindcafe@gmail.com
#solidarity
Makes me sad to see nothing in Dallas, Texas. I hope that changes soon.
Marvelous list. Thank you for making this available. I expect it will expand exponentially in the coming years.
Cortona Cafe and Tougo Coffee in Seattle are both black owned! Also Café Avole
I was going to give a shout to Tougo. Great coffee and the owner is impossibly nice (and bilingual!). Now I will check out Cortona and Avole. Thanks for the tip(s)
C’est Si Bon Café in Bexley Ohio!
[…] Therefore if Starbucks really wants to truly change lives, they need to not invest in ending discrimination within their coffee shops just, they need to invest in being advocates for closing discrimination in the us. If they will get us all to cover five bucks for espresso, this will be no big offer. Or they are able to just be just like the Elmwood Cafe in Berkeley and allow it blow over and obtain back again to business as typical. My children and I haven’t been back again to The Elmwood Cafe since. I fell in love with little dual shot, no whip, mochas at Starbucks, but if they don’t really make real lasting adjustments, I can have them many, many, a great many other places. […]
Is there anything in Orlando, Florida?
any in Austin TX area?
I believe thunderbird coffee in austin is black owned.
Brian might be the owner’s name.
Think he’s also opening a fried chicken place down on manor.
Need i say more? 😛
Coffee Makes You Black in Milwaukee, WI.
https://m.facebook.com/CoffeeMakesYouBlack/?sk=wall
Everyday Café
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Why isn’t KoKoMos Coffe House in Charlotte, NC not listed?
Why isn’t KoKoMos Coffe House in Charlotte, NC not listed?
Are they still open?
Flowerboy Project in Venice, CA and DTLA
Please check out Cafe Steez cafesteez.com. We are a black owned coffee subscription service that pairs coffee with hip hop on vinyl
Check out Oya Tea Company! Owned by two Black women, online only, based out of Philly. http://www.oyateas.com
[…] So if Starbucks wants to truly make a difference, then they need to not just commit to ending discrimination in their coffee shops, they need to commit to being advocates for ending discrimination in America. If they can get us all to pay five bucks for coffee, this should be no big deal. Or they can just be like The Elmwood Cafe in Berkeley and let it blow over and get back to business as usual. My family and I haven’t been back to The Elmwood Cafe since. I fell in love with small double shot, no whip, mochas at Starbucks, but if they don’t make real lasting changes, I can get them many, many, many other places. […]
Great list! Let’s add
1.Royal Cup Cafe, Long Beach, CA
2. Tak’s Coffee Shop, LA
3. Watts Coffee House, LA
Avery’s Trading Co. dba Avery’s Coffee Shop in Las Vegas, Nevada
The only black-owned coffee roaster in the State of Nevada.
The Pour located in Las Vegas, Nevada
*These are all CA locations
[…] So if Starbucks wants to truly make a difference, then they need to not just commit to ending discrimination in their coffee shops, they need to commit to being advocates for ending discrimination in America. If they can get us all to pay five bucks for coffee, this should be no big deal. Or they can just be like The Elmwood Cafe in Berkeley and let it blow over and get back to business as usual. My family and I haven’t been back to The Elmwood Cafe since. I fell in love with small double shot, no whip, mochas at Starbucks, but if they don’t make real lasting changes, I can get them many, many, many other places. […]
[…] Want to give your money to a black owned small business instead of an $83-billion corporation? Business site Shoppe Black lists 47 cafés with black owners across […]
[…] Want to give your money to a black owned small business instead of an $83-billion corporation? Business site Shoppe Black lists 47 cafés with black owners across the United […]
[…] Want to give your money to a black owned small business instead of an $83-billion corporation? Business site Shoppe Black lists 47 cafés with black owners across the United […]
Dovecote definitely needs to be on here. Great shop.
Tiferet Coffee House in Sacramento, CA!
https://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/blog/ed-goldman/2015/08/ed-goldman-the-berhane-sisters-serve-up-coffee.html
Rassa Cafe in Berkeley, CA, owned by the son of two Black Panthers: http://www.berkeleyside.com/2013/10/03/black-panther-son-opening-rasa-caffe-in-berkeley
Adding Backatown Coffee Parlour in New Orleans !
301 Basin St just outside the French Quarter.
http://backatownnola.com/
Almost all of the brick and Mortar Coffeshops / Cafes listed have been added to the Bobspotter (Black Owned Business Spotter) mobile app which you can download of free in all app stores!
The Coffee Vineyard in Holly Springs, GA (way up in north metro ATL) – black and veteran owned https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-coffee-vineyard-holly-springs-2
Don’t forget Black Cafe in Fightinville, Louisiana. http://blackcafelft.com
http://www.petsipies.com in Somerville and Cambridge Massachusetts!
[…] Want to give your money to a black owned small business instead of an $83-billion corporation? Business site Shoppe Black lists 47 cafés with black owners across […]
Orange Street Storehouse Black owned (online) gourmet coffee and artisan loose leaf tea delivered right to your door. Subscription box service is available at http://www.orangestreetstorehouse.com
Cuban Coffee Queen Key West, FL
[…] Want to give your money to a black owned small business instead of an $83-billion corporation? Business site Shoppe Black lists 47 cafés with black owners across the United […]
[…] https://shoppeblack.us/2018/04/black-owned-coffee-tea-starbucks-alternatives/ […]
[…] Want to give your money to a black owned small business instead of an $83-billion corporation? Business site Shoppe Black lists 47 cafés with black owners across the United […]
Tea’s Me Cafe In Indianapolis, IN. Tea, coffee, breakfast, & lunch shop owned by former WNBA star Tamika Catchings. She is doing wonderful things for our neighborhood!
Miller Beach in Gary, IN is a great community with black-owned businesses, including coffeehouses, yoga studios, and vintage shops.
In Eugene , OR Equiano Coffee is black owned and the owner Okon Udosenata buys from selected small farmers and roasts it himself.
https://www.facebook.com/EquianoCoffee8/
Submit the shop!!
Thank you for that article. It’s a long overdue exposure to the number of people of color, investing back into our communities by way of coffee culture.
We are Bushwick Grind #bushwickgrind on social and http://www.bushwickgrind.com.
Ironically the hyper local news has been the brand new Starbucks that just opened 2 blocks from us. We have gotten so many concerned comments from our amazingly loyal guests (see their comments on Yelp and Google) that they pray the presence of that coffee mega giant does not impact our business.
It would have been great to make your list and proudly post in our cafe ;-)! Fortunately, I know they are now many to select from which is a great problem to have. I just wanted to introduce ourselves to be a publication. I’ll also start subscribing today, have a great day!
IN the Northwest! Check out Equiano coffee roasting and tasting room!
https://www.equianocoffee.com/
Good to see so many comments and suggestions of more great people to support!
My cousin owns “Back to the grind” coffee on University Have and Orange st in Riverside Ca. Over 20 years in business. art gallery, live music, library, computers, WiFi, food, and atmosphere! Great place! Oh yea, we are BLACK OWNED.
Orange Street Storehouse Black owned (online) gourmet coffee and artisan loose leaf tea delivered right to your door. Subscription box service is available at http://www.orangestreetstorehouse.com
[…] given Black-owned coffee shops a very caffeinated shot in the arm! More people have now looked them up and are patronizing like […]
[…] is important. Black and Brown faces in Tech, Finance, Media, and more recently sharedspaces, cafes, and dispensaries are reshaping the narrative. Although strides are made, how can communities of […]
[…] support those who choose to. As a matter of fact, many of those who are, have encouraged people to replace Starbucks with black owned cafes/coffee shops (like Dovecote Café in Baltimore, MD, which is where I am as I write this post). Who are we to say […]
Nothing in Dallas? Such a shame.
[…] on other life situations. People, Black People! We do have alternatives. Did you know there are 47 owned black coffee/tea shops in the United States? Don’t feel bad, neither did […]
In Philadelphia there is an Ethiopian coffeehouse called Kaffa Crossing. It is an unpretentious community hub that has had an excellent track record for at least 15 years. They only use fair trade coffee from independent co-operatives. And to top it all off, they serve some of the best Ethiopian food in the city.
Wow, Amazing! I must have to say that it’s an inspiration to them who are going to open coffee shop for business purpose. especially to see Uncle’s Bobby’s cafe 😀 . Really well decorated all the cafe’s and those all are mesmerized with a great environment. Gonna visit all those cafe’s soon. Want to gaze at coffee in those shops 😉
There is also Sistas’ Place at 456 Nostrand Ave., Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NY. Not only is it a coffee house during the day, but Saturday nights are the best jazz in NYC! See http://sistasplace.org and (718) 398-1766 for more info.
Riley’s Cupcake and Coffee Lounge in downtown Peoria Il! http://www.pjstar.com/news/20161123/rileys-cupcake-and-coffee-lounge-has-sneak-preview-friday-on-main-street
Thanks for posting these. Along with the two great sites you noted in Baltimore, I’d love to add two Baltimore treasures to your list: SNAC (Station North Arts Cafe) and Nancy by SNAC (in the MICA graduate arts gallery). Here’s a combo review of both: http://www.citypaper.com/eat/cheapeats/bcp-cms-1-1697172-migrated-story-cp-20140604-cheap-20140604-story.html
Thanks for listing Arnold’s Tea in Pittsburgh. Will look for it. Any places that specialize in coffee near there?
[…] Plus, 47 more black-owned coffee shops, courtesy of ShoppeBlack […]
COFFEE AT THE POINT, DENVER, COLORADO https://www.coffeeatthepoint.com/
Thanks!
[…] 47 Black Owned Coffee and Tea Businesses That are Great Alternatives to Starbucks. This list was originally compiled by ShoppeBlack.us after a Philadelphia Starbucks employee called the police on two Black patrons. However, we compiled a much longer list based on the comments on the original article. We hope that you’ll add additional entries to the list! […]
138 Black Owned Coffee and Tea Businesses That are Great Alternatives to Starbucks
https://blacklistz.co/47-black-owned-coffee-tea-starbucks-alternatives/
Add us as well, Brue Coffee at 960 Genesee Street, Rochester, NY (at Brooks Landing)(facebook.com/bruecoffee). Stop by 7 days a week. Enjoy the comedy of Yolanda Smilez (Yolandasmilez.com) on the first Friday of every month.
I second this….
We compiled all of the shops on this list including the shops in the comments to a list of 138+ shops.
You can view the list and add more shop here.
https://spendwith.com/47-black-owned-coffee-tea-starbucks-alternatives/
[…] on your community? For instance, here’s a directory of black-owned businesses in Canada and a list of black-owned cafes in the U.S. If you’re going to be grabbing a drink or a bite to eat anyway, why not do it in a spot that […]
My bad, Black Swan is Black owned. An employee told me otherwise….
Sadly, The Terminal Cafe in Nashville will be closing Sunday, December 30, 2018.
http://theterminalcafe.com/
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Sunny Blu Cincinnati, OH
Upper Cup Coffe Co is awesome! If you’re in Columbus, OH definitely check them out. Good coffee and their grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwich is amazing.
If in Columbus, OH you should try The Lincoln Cafe! http://www.lincolncafecols.com/