Investis Digital’s Top 12 Favorite Black-Owned Businesses

August is Black Business Month. To celebrate, our performance marketing team put together a list of their favorite Black-owned businesses to show support nearby and online. Whether you want to order a gift online or need to find a place for lunch, especially around the Phoenix area, continue reading to discover what makes each of these gems special.

Dine on delightful baked goods from Bear and the Honey Bakery

“Mo’s treats are delicious and good for you! (If you choose.) She’ll make all kinds of treats that can also be made vegan, keto, and gluten-free. She does weddings and small events, and kids parties called cakelettes where she teaches kids how to decorate their own personal cakes. During COVID, she raised money for local organizations engaged in the fight for Black Lives Matter and has offered Homie-cakes – or cake delivery to your home – during COVID, along with brunch specials.”

Sam P., SEO

Whether you’re craving sweet or savory, Bear and the Honey offers all-time favorites that take your diet, allergy, food sensitivities, or lifestyle restrictions into consideration. If you want creative, homemade baked goods in Phoenix or miss the taste of a nostalgic treat, this bakery will cater to your every whim. Plus, she does delivery! When your cravings strike, order online here.

Eat award-winning Ethiopian food at Cafe Lalibela

“The food is amazing, and the service always so pleasant. Plus, you can stock up on your favorite spices in bulk (berbere, anyone?) and purchase prepared lunches from the brand in some supermarkets around town whenever the craving hits – which it will.”

Lianna K. V., Performance Marketing

Named Best Ethiopian Restaurant by the Phoenix New Times, this family-owned and operated restaurant introduces many newcomers to authentic Ethiopian cuisine in Tempe. It’s served traditionally, consisting of “injera” and “wat.” According to their menu, injera (pronounced in-jeer-ah), is a crepe-like, sourdough tasting bread made from “teff,” a grain indigenous to Ethiopia. Wat (pronounced what) is a stew-like sauce, which can be made from vegetables, meat, or both. You eat the meal by tearing a piece of injera with your hands, scooping up some wat with every bite.

Master your spin bike with Power+Flow Indoor Cycling

“The owner, Kristina Girod, lights up any room she walks into. She’s a strong, proud Black woman with a powerful energy that can uplift and motivate just about anyone. Her knowledge and passion behind fitness, health, wellness, self-image and the power of music is beyond what any average human has, which is why I feel she thrives at what she does. Eager to share all that she knows to a vast community across the country, Kristina stays humble and always puts her clients first—ultimately finding the strength within all of us.”

Gina S., Marketing

This Scottsdale spin studio does more than just workouts — each class offers a burst of energy and excellent music selection for all to enjoy. They offer on-demand cycling, strength, and recovery classes available on all devices, with a spin room in Scottsdale available too.

For great wing selections all over the valley, go to ATL Wings

“One of my family’s favorite places to order from. Love their wings.”

Paulina D., Finance

“As a wing connoisseur, there’s no place better in the valley. Their sauces are incredible, the wings are perfectly cooked, and you can get all flats which are a must for me.”

Nick W., SEO

This family-owned wing business was founded in Chandler, Arizona in 2012. Since opening, ATL WINGS has become a multiyear winner of WING-Stock, Best Taste Awards, and 5-Star Reviews. They have a vast selection of sauces, dry rubs, and dipping sauces to keep you coming back for more. Check out their menu here.

Order bohemian-modern décor from Jungalow

“Justina Blakeney’s creative, vibrant collections are inspired by nature. The modern bohemian styles include wall decor, rugs, tableware, bedding, and more; they are instantly eye-catching and mood-boosting! Jungalow’s brand values of sustainability and giving back are at the core of everything they do. They incorporate natural, recycled materials in products and recycle-able and compostable materials in packaging to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics. Plus, with every purchase, two trees are planted. I have given Jungalow e-gift cards as gifts and have filed away a ton of home decor inspiration from their gorgeous IG (https://www.instagram.com/thejungalow/)!”

Sherry C., Digital Strategy

As a one-stop-shop for wildly vibrant bohemian home décor online, this thoughtfully designed online shop offers quite the collection. Discover candle holders, ceramics, and jungle-themed wallpaper and more as you browse Jungalow.com.

For Texas-style BBQ, try Papa Joe’s Fish-N-Que

“They have the best Texas barbecue and soul food in Phoenix. The employees are incredibly friendly and helpful and the owner, Papa Joe, is almost always on hand to give you a warm welcome and talk about his business if you’re interested.”

Eric J., Reporting & Analytics

This Phoenix favorite serves smoked-meat sandwiches and fried seafood baskets. They specialize in slow cooking their food to make their meat tender and juicy. Sample catfish, shrimp, fried okra, and hush puppies when you go! Check out their menu here.

Taste Southern Soul Food at Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles

“This is literally the best chicken and waffles you will ever have. The staff isfriendly and diverse, welcome to all audiences. I LOVE this business. I’ve been to a few different locations and love them all.”

Claire A., Paid Media

Home to famous southern fried chicken, Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles offers delicious soul food and breakfast all day. Try all-time favorites like Crispy Fried Chicken with Sweet & Fluffy Waffles, Uncle Brotha’s Shrimp & Grits, and Aunt Hattie’s Salmon Croquettes. Arizonans should stop by for a bite at one of their southern comfort food locations in Gilbert, Phoenix, Scottsdale, with locations in Las Vegas and Southlake, TX for out-of-towners.

For cosmetics designed for light, tan, and dark skin tones, shop at Mented Cosmetics

Mented Cosmetics offers a wide array of palettes designed with melanin in mind. According to their website, KJ Miller and Amanda E. Johnson founded Mented Cosmetics because they believe that every woman should be able to find herself in the world of beauty, no matter the skin tone.

Feast on a fiery lunch at Monroe’s Hot Chicken

“It’s owned by the same people who own Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles and their hot chicken is incredible, and this is coming from someone who isn’t a big fan of chicken. You can choose what level of spice you want and I also recommend getting the fries. The sauce that comes with it is so good that I also always order extras.”

Tanisha M., SEO

This Tennessee-style hot chicken restaurant stylesthemselves as the ultimate lunch spot in downtown Phoenix. Their sandwiches and sides are incredible, adding a little “oomph” for anyone that likes a spicy kick. Plus, they have a secret menu — ask for a popcorn chicken waffle cone next time you order.

For a fresh approach to Southern cuisine, try the larder + the delta

“the larder + the delta offers new takes on some classic southern cooking. Their fresh ingredients and presentation put them up there with any fine-dining establishment in Arizona. Their chicken skin po’boy on buttermilk biscuits is one of the best things I’ve ever put in my mouth.”

Jeff P., CRO

This modern space was voted Arizona’s best farm to table restaurant by Travel + Leisure Magazine, locking it in place for practicality and sustainability. Its imaginative menus change regularly, giving customers a reason to come back for more. Stop by for dinner and check out their menu.

Balance sweet with savory at Sugar Jam Bake Shop

“Their food is awesome. Little hole in the wall near the Airpark. They do amazing cakes, desserts, catering, etc. Family-ran business by a family that moved to Arizona from NYC. Some of the best BBQ I have already had.”

Seth N.,SEO

This Scottsdale sugars shop sells more than sweets — sample a savory selection of Southern comfort specials to satisfy your soul. From smothered chicken dinners to salmon croquettes, Sugar Jam Bake Shop offers plenty of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Check out their menu online.

Trapp Haus BBQ

“Their BBQ bowls and cornbread muffins are amazing. And the staff is honestly the friendliest in the world.”

Lexi C., Content

This all-American barbecue place in Phoenix serves smoked meat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. According to their website, Pitmaster Phil Johnson, aka Phil the Grill, known as the “Jay Z of barbecue” and is a veteran from the barbecue circuit and food truck world. Order your first bite in downtown Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row. Check out their menu here.

Learn More About Black-Owned Businesses

For a more complete list of Black-owned businesses in Phoenix, check out Phoenix Black Collective and sign up. And for robust collection gift ideas and talented online stores, shop at Etsy’s Black-Owned Etsy Shops page.