Ever since I began food blogging in 2020, I’ve had the goal to be intentional about support Black-owned and other minority-owned businesses. I am and will remain super unapologetic about this focus because Black and other marginalized communities need as much free exposure as they can get. These businesses have to overcome funding and opportunity gaps on top of the other challenges many businesses are facing like the rising costs of food, a nationwide staff shortage, and still taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID.
For Black History Month this year, I visited 7 Black-owned businesses in the Raleigh- Durham area — here’s the rundown:
- Selfie Symposium – The Selfie Symposium is a selfie museum in Durham that is full of fun backdrops and ring lights that allow you to get great pictures and videos while having fun. It’s a great activities to do with kids and she always has a great playlist playing.
- True Flavors Diner – True Flavors Diner is probably my favorite place to go for breakfast or brunch in Durham. Their food is out of this world good and you get complimentary biscuits while you wait. I would advise trying to go during the week because they are busy as hell on the weekends. Get the chicken & waffles!
- Zweli’s Kitchen – I am so glad I finally got the chance to check out Zweli’s! Their restaurant is very spacious and the Zimbabwean food was delicious. I ordered braised oxtail with jollof rice and Dovi collard greens.
- TRYSeafood Grill – I LOVED the seafood at TRYSeafood grill in Cary, NC. The service was awesome and the seafood was super fresh and flavorful. The menu at the restaurant is much longer than their menu online so prepare to fight the urge to order everything!
- Boricua Soul – Boricua Soul gets better every time I eat there, which is saying a lot because its incredible every single time. I always get the soul bowl, but I was able to try an empanada, the jerk wings, and pound cake — and could barely breathe when I left!
- Big C Waffles – I’ve been rocking with Big C waffles since I discovered their food truck in Durham in 2016. They do an amazing chicken and waffle party platter, so I ordered one for my nephew’s first birthday party.
- Beyu Caffé – Beyu Caffé is another great Black-owned brunch spot but I’m obsessed with their lattes. Black-owned coffee shops are hard to come by, so I love that they made a location in Boxyard that mostly caters to coffee. My go-to order is an iced carmello with oat milk — it’s bomb!
Even though Black History Month is over, you know I’ll still be going out of my way to visit shop at Black-owned businesses and share my experiences. I hope you all will do the same!
Joy Eats World 