Black-Owned Businesses in Uptown
Check out this list of 32 Black-owned businesses that help make Uptown a thriving neighborhood.
Whether you're looking for a sweet treat, a night out on the town, or even a new dentist, get to know these entrepreneurs who are part of our community.
Charlotte NC Tours
Charlotte NC Tours is Charlotte’s only locally owned and operated full-service tour company. They provide their customers with a variety of fun ways to see Uptown Charlotte and the surrounding neighborhoods in Center City. Their guides treat you like you’re family and leave you feeling like a local!
Cheesecake Carousel
Originally from New York City, this family-owned bakery has been serving signature cheesecakes since 2007. They moved to Charlotte, NC, to share their generational recipes and passion for baking. Using premium ingredients, they create creamy cheesecakes with homemade fruit glazes. Their menu includes classic flavors like Cookies & Cream, Strawberry, Turtle, and Tiramisu, as well as specialty varieties.
Don's Restaurant & Lounge
This First Ward restaurant offers American food with great cocktails, wine, and patio space.
Famous Toastery
A popular spot with the business crowd, serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch all day, every day.
FUN FACT: The owners, former NFL player Justin Griffith and his former Panthers TopCat wife, Kim, chose to settle in Charlotte because of its "hometown feel."
Fourth Ward Barber & Styling
An awesome barbershop with meticulous attention to detail located in Fourth Ward.
Freshwaters
Loved by many, a classic Southern dining restaurant serving authentic fine Southern & New Orleans cuisine.
Gotcha Matcha & Espresso
A café serving matcha, lattes, pastries, espresso, ube, pandan, coffee, and more!
Havana Smoke
A unique, members-only cigar social club with a full bar.
Hip Hop Smoothies
Beloved local smoothie shop just opened inside the Market at 7th St!
It's Poppin Gourmet Kettle Korn
Specialty flavored popcorn located inside the Market at 7th Street (Try the cookies and cream!)
Jinya
Owner Jahzmin French first fell in love with the food industry by waiting tables in high school. She started her restaurant consulting business, which is how she met her co-owner and business partner, Brad Phelps.
FUN FACT: Jahzmin most enjoys sharing her love of food with her customers and being able to meet new and different people from table to table.
Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley
Brings a modern twist on Southern comfort food with an expansive cocktail menu.
Lip Print Beauty Bar
Lip Print Beauty Bar Charlotte offers a fun and unique experience where customers can create beauty products based on their desires and preferences. There's no need to search the makeup store for the perfect lipstick shade/color when you can create it at Lip Print Beauty Bar.
Mad Dash
Chef & Owner Corey Jones took two of his favorites food and brought them into one location. Mad Dash offers Chef-Driven Sandwiches, Tacos, Loaded Fresh Cut Fries, House Made Chips and more. Chef Corey utilizes all fresh ingredients and products from local businesses in Charlotte.
Mert's Heart and Soul
James Bazzelle moved to Charlotte in 1991, working as a chef at the Holiday Inn before opening Mert's Heart and Soul with his wife, Renee’, in 1998.
Charlotte was the perfect place to open a restaurant because it's a city that's "small and not big, but big and not small."
FUN FACT: Mert's is named after Ms. Mertle Lockhart, one of James' most loyal customers from his first restaurant in Charlotte called Georgia on Tryon.
No Grease Barbershop
A men's barbershop dedicated to hair and personal care right by the Spectrum Center.
FUN FACT: This unique barbershop was founded in 1997 by twin brothers Damian and Jermaine Johnson, whose mother was also a beautician and salon owner.
Novelty House
This upscale rooftop cocktail bar is located located in the 5th Street District.
Nyoni Couture
You'll find the latest fashions in suits, jackets, vests, shoes, and accessories at this menswear shop.
Owner Nyonisela Sioh is a Liberian-American fashion designer, professional tailor, and entrepreneur.
FUN FACT: Catch him modeling his designs on Nyoni Couture's website and Instagram page!
Salata
Quick made-to-order healthy salads, wraps, and soups.
Skyview Dentistry
A unique dentistry practice located on East Trade Street.
FUN FACT: Dr. Seti Yemane-Byrd is a UNC Charlotte alumna!
Spice Charlotte
Upscale eatery providing elevated small plates and cocktails, and live music.
Sub One Hoagie House
A neighborhood staple offering delicious sandwiches and atmosphere in Fourth Ward.
Tattooz and Booz
A unique restaurant, bar, and tattoo parlor located in the First Ward owned by Kristen and Tone Williams, and their son Matt.
FUN FACT: Tone Williams had owned tattoo shops for more than 10 years and always had the concept in his head.
Ten58 Sports Bar & Lounge
Conveniently located in the center of Uptown, Ten58 Bar and Lounge is the prime place to view all your favorite teams on game day.
Fun Fact: Owned by Carolina Panthers legend Thomas Davis!
Lottie's Cafe
Relaxed coffeehouse serving breakfast and lunch, plus Charlotte-themed souvenirs.
Indigo Tea & Coffee Co.
A two floor coffee shop with plenty of seating, plus a menu full of teas, specialty lattes made with house-made syrups and pastries.
Sugar & Sip Coffee & Workshop
A Fourth Ward coffee shop focused on creating community through creative events and workshops. The café features crafted specialty drinks, sweet treats, and a cozy space to work or connect with others.
Stop by for $5 Matcha Wednesdays or check out their open mic nights!
The Social Cow
Indulge in any of their 12 unique, hand-crafted ice cream flavors, from classic favorites to seasonal creations, all made with love and fresh ingredients. Whether you're grabbing a scoop to go or relaxing in the market, they've got the perfect sweet treat waiting for you!
Privee Clothing
Boutique with luxury & authentic designer clothing, bags, and accessories.
Flows Grand Candles and Gifts
Handmade soy candle spot at The Market at 7th Street. Swing by Wednesdys through Sundays!
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries, & Shakes
Counter-serve spot for custom burgers, including poultry & veggie versions, plus fries & shakes.
MilliUP Event Center
The MilliUp Event Center is a beautiful and versatile event space located at the newly renovated, rebranded, and re-opened, Queen City Quarter formally known as the Epicenter. The space can accommodate up to 75 guests and is perfect for a variety of events, including private parties (weddings), social gatherings (networking), corporate meetings, and non-profit organizations.
These are just a few of the awesome Black-owned businesses located in Uptown.
Is your favorite business not on this list? Reach out to us and let us know!