Black-Owned Businesses in the Philadelphia Suburbs
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From restaurants to clothing designers and everything in between, these local businesses offer a variety of great products and services.
First Published in June 2020, Updated February 2021
AroDough
Try this adult playdough, perfect for the young at heart, to engage in mindfulness and awaken your senses though aromatherapeutic relaxation. This product is made with natural ingredients, infused with essential oils, and is a simple way to practice self-care. AroDough is founded and created by a Villanova University graduate.
Ambler Vegan Company
Grab a bite of deliciously nutritious plant-based foods from Ambler’s first vegan café. The creative, tasty, healthy offerings embodies “Plant-Based Food that Loves You Back!”
20 East Butler Ave., Ambler, (610) 955-2830.
The Black Reserve Bookstore
Peruse literature and comics by Black authors, plus clothing, jewelry, art and more at this intimate yet airy shop in Lansdale.
317 W. Main St., Lansdale, (267) 221-3090.
BTC Envelopes & Printing
In business for over 20 years, this Plymouth Meeting company offers an array of services including graphic design, large format printing and envelope printing.
4 Karen Road, Plymouth Meeting, (215) 852-9038.
Buutchiis Grille
Experience the flavors of West African and the Caribbean without ever leaving the Philadelphia suburbs. Platters are this Ambler restaurant include jerk chicken, curry goat, oxtail, ribs, fried tilapia and fried red snapper. Sides range from traditional fried plantains to mac and cheese to stewed black-eyed peas.
35 E. Butler Ave., Ambler, (215) 643-2400.
Byrum’s Shoe Service
Since 1975, this company specializes in repairing and cleaning leather products. Restore and save your favorite shoes, boots, zippers, equestrian, and other leather accessories.
81 Lancaster Ave., Suite 39, Malvern, (610) 644-9758
The Cheesecake Lady
Falling in love with the creamy, savory flavor of cheesecake at the age of 34, Vanessa Jackson decided to set up her own shop. From her Elkins Park bakery, Jackson offers over two dozen cheesecake flavors from classics like cherry, chocolate and strawberry to more creative ones like birthday cake, cinnamon roll, pineapple and red velvet.
910 Township Line Road, Elkins Park, (267) 575-3952.
Chick-A-Boom
Succulent chicken breasts are battered and deep fried to crispy perfection, then slathered with sauce, cheese and other toppings, before being carefully nestled between a bun. Choose from a mouthwatering menu of eight chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders and Boom Chicken Fries—tender chunks of chicken atop waffles fries, sauce and scallions. Be sure to add a milkshake for the ultimate indulgence.
1946 Delmar Drive, Folcroft, (484) 494-1177.
Chloe Johnston Experiences
Based in Berwyn, Chloe Johnston helps clients rove the globe with her luxury travel tours, whether it’s exploring the beautiful beaches of Bali or taking in the mesmerizing volcanic terrain of Iceland.
(888) 371-0527.
Claranda Tay Hair Care & Lifestyle Boutique
Explore this all-inclusive retailer of hair care, beauty, and lifestyle products that focuses on carrying other minority products exclusively. Invigorate your hair journey with consciously-made natural and organic shampoo/cleaners, conditioners, and more.
3927 Lincoln Highway, Downingtown, (484) 727-8613.
Deneen Marcel Lashes
Add subtle glamour to your everyday look with lash lifts and extensions from Bryn Mawr’s Deneen Marcel Lashes. The salon also offers eyebrow styling and skin treatments.
828 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, (267) 386-6681.
D’IYANU
Inspired by her native Nigeria, Adesola Elabor, along with her brother Dara Ajayi, brings African-inspired prints to the United States. Her men’s, women’s and children’s ready-to-wear lines range from skirts and dresses to T-shirts, shorts and pants. Shop the collection online or at the Norristown showroom.
910 E. Main St., Norristown, (484) 681-4705.
Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts
This dance studio has it all: from in-person and virtual class sessions to a variety of dance styles for all ages. The founder and director, Diane Matthews is one of the original members of Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco). Also a resident at this dance school is West Chester Dance Works, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dance company that provides opportunities for the surrounding community to experience the benefits of equally artistic and athletic movement.
315 Westtown Rd., Suite 9, West Chester, (610) 692-3398.
Embellish Beauty
Owner Marcia Williams brings expertise from her time as a QVC hair and makeup artist to her signature line of lip products. Even better, the company’s newest formula is vegan and cruelty free.
(484) 239-8746.
Girls Auto Clinic
Wanting to empower and educate women about car care, Patrice Banks set out to create her own mechanic shop. In addition to car maintenance and repairs, Banks offers her Shecanic workshops to teach women the fundamentals.
7425 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, (484) 461-4693.
Go Vegan
You won’t miss the meat at this plant-based restaurant, which serves Philly favorites with a twist. Dig into a “cheesesteak” and you’ll be hard pressed to tell the difference from the real thing.
401 Fayette St., Conshohocken, (610) 828-8900.
Holland & Milan Organics
Based out of Ardmore, this beauty and skincare line focuses exclusively on natural ingredients to make vitamin shots, essential oil blends, facial cleansers, serums, face masks and more.
(786) 256-7345.
Jacquline’s
Shop trendy and affordable women’s fashion at this West Chester boutique. Be sure to check out the selection of unique denim pieces.
141 W. Gay St., West Chester, (610) 344-3440.
Mimi’s Favorite Things
Get lost in a world of luxurious self-care and décor items at this Coatesville shop. In Midway Arts There, Michele Allen curates a selection of soap, bath bombs, lotions, balms, butters, jewelry, purses, and teas. Look for unique toys, too.
139 E. Chestnut St., Coatesville, (484) 378-1872.
Miss Winnie’s
Dishing up creative Jamaican-inspired cuisine since 2017, this West Chester restaurant is the brainchild of Bert Johnston. Honoring his family’s heritage, and the restaurant’s namesake Winnifred Joyce Johnston in particular, you’ll find a culinary tour de force of the Caribbean island. Dig into jerk chicken wings, a jerk pork sandwich, a curry chicken platter or the Winnie Classic—a ground beef patty seasoned with jerk spices, topped with pickles and jicama slaw. Don’t miss the rum cake, plantain tarts or guava swirl cake for dessert.
211 E. Market St., West Chester, (484) 266-0508.
Moody Jones Gallery
Owners Adrian Moody and Robyn Jones—the gallery’s namesakes—curate a monthly rotating selection of fine art. From sculptures to paintings, the works of art are always interesting and evocative.
107B S. Easton Road, Glenside, (215) 582-4496.
Philadelphia Gymnastics Center
This Conshohocken gym helps young athletes hone their talent with classes tailored for a variety of ages and skill-levels.
26 Portland Road, West Conshohocken, (610) 825-3023.
Rose Petals Cafe
Specializing in sumptuous breakfasts, diners can choose items like a fluffy belgian waffle topped with chocolate crumbles, strawberries and whipped cream, or Cajun crab cakes.
8120 Old York Road, Elkins Park, (215) 690-4706.
Salon Tenshi
After years of studying nourishing techniques, Brandy DaVila helps clients maintain healthy skin and hair through services like a two-part oil treatment meant to heal dandruff and a variety of other scalp ailments.
859 Montgomery Ave. Narberth, (215) 232-8090.
Still Beauty Brow Lounge
Head on over to Wayne to indulge in facial and body waxing services for a unique and individual experience aimed to elevate your confidence and natural beauty. The Lounge also offers lash stylings and makeup application.
121 North Wayne Ave., Suite #156, Wayne, (484) 580-6033.
Spavia
From relaxing deep tissue massages to facials, there’s something for everybody at Spavia’s King of Prussia location.
100 Main St., King of Prussia, (484) 808-5445.
The Spicy Belly
Blending the flavors of Jamaica and Korea, the Spicy Belly’s cozy, colorful interior is the perfect backdrop to dig into shareable plates like fried kimchi, jerk mondu—dumplings filled with jerk chicken—or jerk chicken egg rolls. The fried red snapper, japchae—sweet potato glass noodles topped with vegetables and shitake mushrooms—and the fusion burgers are equally delicious.
3847 Terrace St., Manayunk, (215) 482-2095.
Sugar Shack Soul Food
Soul food takes center stage at this eatery and catering company in Glenolden. Choose from wings, jumbo shrimp, fried salmon and a bevvy of fries. The Sunday supper is a gut-busting choice of fried, baked or barbecue chicken with three sides and a dessert. Or, opt for the Jive Turkey, with a choice of turkey wings, chops or meatloaf.
45 N. Chester Pike, Glenolden, (610) 255-2155.
Sweet Jazmine’s
Classically-trained chef Kimberly Davis Cuthbert creates indulgent treats at her Berwyn bakery. Try the signature sweet potato muffins or the ultra-decadent chocolate ‘“Wow” cake—it lives up to the name.
15 Bridge Ave., Berwyn, (610) 644-1868.
The Tattooed Pig
What began as a catering company in 2007 eventually morphed into a food truck and later a brick and mortar. Today, the Tex-Mex restaurant dishes up favorites like nachos, quesadillas, burritos and empanadas. Putting a twist on classics, the Tijuana fries—think nachos, but with succulent hand-cut fries as the base—and Cali tacos aren’t to be missed. Burgers and sandwiches round out the extensive menu.
4405 Pennell Road, Aston, (484) 483-9076.
Waxing the City
Expert wax treatments leave skin feeling soft and silky smooth. The studio also offers brow and lash services.
258 W. Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia, (484) 322-5213.
We’ll continue to update this list. Share other Black-owned businesses with us here.