Protests are an essential part of implementing change, but they are just one of many ways to be an ally to the black community. Another impactful way you can aid in lifting up the black community is supporting local black-owned businesses.
To help you get started, we’ve compiled a round-up of some of the many local businesses here in Houston that you can support to make a difference:
Restaurants
The Breakfast Klub
3711 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
Midtown
Supporting the black community, eating the best soul food you’ve ever tasted AND it happens to be Beyoncé’s favorite and regular stop while she’s in her hometown? Yeah, this one is the jackpot. The Breakfast Klub is Marcus Davis’ vision come to life. Visitors from all over line out the door to try mouth-watering menu staples like “Katfish and Grits”, “Wings&Waffles” and “Buttery Biskits”. This come-as-you-are hot spot seems to always have a line, but it moves fast and just serves to build anticipation as your eyes graze over tables full of colorful, rich-smelling southern comfort food.
Lucille's
5512 La Branch St, Houston, TX 77004
Houston Museum District
Lucille’s is the result of Ben and Chris Williams’ genius idea when they discovered this old house nestled in the heart of Houston’s Museum District. The two brothers thought it was the perfect place to pick up and continue the culinary tradition began by their Great-Grandmother Lucille B. Smith. Today, Lucille’s is a native Houston favorite, as the Williams brothers continue to pay homage to her by replicating some of her most famous (and delicious) recipes while embellishing others to create innovative takes on southern food classics. Lucille’s is truly a historical dining experience and a must-add to your bucketlist of businesses to frequent and support.
Twisted Grilled Cheese
2829 Chimney Rock Rd, Houston, TX 77056
St. George Place
If you’re a fan of cheese, drop what you’re doing and run, don’t walk to one of Houston’s favorite food trucks, Twisted Grilled Cheese. Don’t be fooled by the name. Yes, grilled cheese is what you’ll be ordering, but not the way you remember. Owner Erinne Willrich utilizes gourmet ingredients to create a menu chock-full of spins on your childhood classic like the “Halal Philly Cheesesteak”, “The Smokedhouse Brisket”, and the “Vegan Classic Cheese Sandwich”. Either way you slice it, this stop is sure to elevate your tastebuds.
The Turkey Leg Hut
4830 Almeda Rd Houston, TX 77004, Suite A/B
Third Ward
What do Snoop Dogg, Andre Johnson and Trae Tha Truth all have in common? They all live and die by The Turkey Leg Hut, that’s what.
Lynn and Nakia Price first introduced Houstonians to their genius creation in 2016 at the Houston Rodeo. Over the years, as their fan base has sky-rocketed, the Prices have expanded their menu to include seven varieties of juicy, fall-off-the-bone turkey legs and a long list of drool-inducing sides to go with them.
Gatlin's BBQ
3510 Ella Blvd Bldg C Ste A, Houston, TX 77018
Central Northwest Houston
Gatlin’s BBQ is a family-owned and operated style barbecue joint nestled in Northwest Houston. Greg Gatlin opened this now widely popular BBQ spot in 2010, and after earning numerous statewide accolades, the restaurant is deemed the go-to craft barbecue spot in Houston.
Galleries, Art-Organizations and Local Retailers
Project Row Houses
2521 Holman St, Houston, TX 77004
Third Ward
Project Row Houses occupies a significant footprint in Houston’s Historic Third Ward, one of the city’s oldest African-American neighborhoods. The community platform seeks to enrich and educate local Houstonians and visitors alike, as Project Row places a key emphasis on cultural identity and its impact on the surrounding community.
Due to COVID-19, the houses are temporarily closed, but you can still support their efforts until they are able to reopen their doors by donating and add visiting them to your summer bucket list.
Bisong Art Gallery
1305 Sterrett St, Houston, TX 77002
Downtown Houston
Owner Carla Bisong first dreamed up the idea for Bisong Art Gallery back in 2013. The art gallery has since grown over the years and continues to serve as a wonderful platform for artists and lovers of art to connect and network.
The featured art inside the gallery ranges from paintings and photography to mixed media and hand-blown glass art. If you’re Downtown, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Buffalo Soldiers Museum
3816 Caroline St. Houston, TX 77004
Houston Museum District
The Buffalo Soldiers Museum is dedicated to exploring and educating its visitors on the history of African-Americans' contributions in the military through the use of educational exhibits, and visual and performing arts. If you haven't been, it is an absolute must.
The performances are brilliant, and the depth of history that lies within these museum walls is endless. Beyond paying this museum a visit, you can also support them by donating to their "Heal the Armory" Campaign. Donations will help heal and preserve the Historic Houston Light Guard armory, hire more professional staff and establish an endowment to keep the armory in pristine shape.
The Gite Gallery
2024 E. Alabama St.
Houston, TX 77004
The Gite Gallery hosts unique art and artifacts that include original paintings, hand carved wooden statues, bronze sculptures, tribal masks and hats, brightly colored textiles, select vintage accent furniture and more, all from sub-Saharan Africa. The gallery is unique in that it is situated like a home rather than a gallery, allowing guests to feel comfortable while observing the collections that will impress veteran art collectors and art newbies alike.
The Body Shop
2002 Oakdale St, Houston, TX 77004
Houston Museum District
The Body Shop HTX first opened its doors in October 2018 and has quickly gained a cult-like following in Houston’s Black community. Owned by cousins Jermaine Patterson and Ian Buchanan, both certified trainers, The Body Shop HTX specializes in group trainings, as part of the owners’ core belief is that fitness is a lifestyle and should be enjoyable.
3rdEyeView
401 Franklin St Houston, TX 77002
First Ward
Dating back to its opening in 2014, 3rdEyeView has skyrocketed in popularity, quickly becoming one of Texas’ favorite eyewear brands.
The brand’s unwavering commitment to diversity and universally flattering, unisex frame shapes positions it as a crowd favorite, expanding its fan base beyond local Houstonians.
Houston has long been a resilient city, built on the foundation of community. As Houstonians, we lead by example, unified by our drive and desire to take care of our neighbors. Whether you choose to support one or all of the black-owned businesses listed above, the resounding message is clear: It's time to get to work, y'all. ✨
