For white and non-black people seeking ways to be better allies in the Black Lives Matter movement, one way to make sure you’re spending money in Black-owned businesses in Austin.
A community’s small businesses are what makes it unique — and more than that, they have a big impact on the local economy. Supporting a diversity of business owners, especially in times when small businesses are hard hit by impacts of COVID-19, is incredibly important to the diversity and equity of the city itself.
Nonprofit organization #bbatx has a great article on how (and why) to support local POC-owned, women-owned, and LGBTQ-owned small business. In short: circulate your money with businesses owned by underrepresented groups and share your positive experiences with friends and family and on social media.
We’re aggregating a list of Black-owned businesses in the Austin area. If you have recommendations for adding to this list or other ways to support our local Black community, comment below or email marketing@youngwomensalliance.org.
Black-owned Restaurants and Food Trucks in Austin
You probably already know that Austin has a rich food culture — but there may be even more to try. From South Austin to Pflugerville, here are some of our favorite Black-owned restaurants and food trucks in Austin. Many with storefronts are open at limited capacity, but check takeout and delivery options as well.
1. Emoji’s Grilled Cheese.
Austin food truck Emoji’s Grilled Cheese takes a classic staple and makes it new again with unique combinations of grilled cheese flavors.
2. Emmer & Rye.
This spot on Rainey Street is currently open for reservations for their six-course menu inside, patio dining menu, and to-go menu.
3. The Rolling Rooster.
At the Rolling Rooster, you’ll find southern comfort food with two Austin locations and one in San Antonio (!!). Their self-proclaimed specialty: chicken and waffles.
4. You + Brie.
Made-to-order Graze Box featuring 2-4 artisan cheeses, 2-4 dry-cured meats, honey or jam, with an assortment of fruits, nuts, crackers and sweets. Local delivery and pick-up only!
5. Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar.
A traditional Ethiopian restaurant with dining room open now with limited capacity. Plus, lots of delivery options.
6. Taste of Ethiopia.
Another traditional Ethiopian spot, Taste of Ethiopia has two locations — South Austin (near Congress & Ben White) and Pflugerville.
7. Krab Kingz Seafood.
Exactly what it sounds like: Krab Kingz Seafood will hook you up with heaps and heaps of seafood! Two locations: a food truck in Austin and a restaurant in Pflugerville.
8. Bird Bird Biscuit.
Bird Bird Biscuit is devoted to biscuit sandwiches. The image above from their website says it all. They’re currently taking orders online only.
9. The Gossip Shack.
The Gossip Shack features chicken wings and waffles. One location in East Austin, and one in Pflugerville.
10. Da Boot Po-Boys.
On the lists for best fried fish sandwiches and best soul food in Austin.
11. Tony’s Jamaican Food.
Jamaican food in Pflugerville, Tx.
12. Sassy’s Vegetarian Soul Food.
Vegetarian soul food in East Austin.
13. Luv Fats Ice Cream.
Ice cream made with avocados.
Black-Owned Fashion and Beauty Businesses in Austin
Austin-based, Black-owned businesses selling apparel, beauty, and skin products.
1. Keesh Cosmetics.
From Keesh Cosmetics’ founder: “It is about giving people the power of self-expression to be who they want to be no matter who they are, or where they are from, age, size, or color.”
2. Amara Lashes.
Get fantastic lashes online or find them in Austin’s own Luxe Apothetique. Amara Lashes founder Kristina lives in Austin and is a graduate of Texas State University.
3. Nubian Oasis.
Hair care and products for women with textured hair.
4. SPIbelt.
Running and medical belts and contoured masks. Visit them online!
Black-Owned Salon and Spa Services in Austin
Austin TX-area salon and spa services owned by members of the local Black community.
1. eleMINT Skin Health and Wellness Studio.
Founder Shauntavia Ward is committed to making skincare inclusive, accessible and affordable. Open now in East Austin by appointment only.
2. Salon X Change.
Family-owned beauty and nail salon located in the Colonnade Shopping Center in Austin TX.
3. BU Salon.
Full-service Austin salon also offering bridal services.
Services: Other
Here’s a selection of other service-oriented businesses recommended by YWA members:
1. Amanda Reid Designs.
Modern calligraphy services based in Austin for weddings and events.
2. Ibekwe Law.
Ifeoma Ibekwe prepares wills, trusts, and legal documents for women.
Bonus: Black Pearl Books
Ultimately, one of the most important things allies can do to make a difference is to keep educating ourselves. If you’re looking for your next read, check out Black-owned book store Black Pearl Books and consider purchasing a copy of White Fragility — YWA’s July Book Club selection.
Supporting Black-Owned Businesses in Austin
This is just a tiny selection of amazing Austin restaurants and Black-owned businesses. You can read more about how to stand with Austin’s Black community in last week’s blog post. If you’d like to help us keep building this resource, leave your recommended business(es) in a comment below, or email marketing@youngwomensalliance.org.
If you’re in search of other businesses to meet your current shopping needs, check out these much longer lists:
- Austin Monthly’s list of Black-owned businesses in Austin
- Local Black-owned businesses list at the Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce
As YWA continues its work to make the organization and our community more equitable, take a look at our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion statement.
