For the Culture: A Guide to Jacksonville’s Black-Owned Businesses
The act of supporting a Black business might sound like a buzz-worthy accomplishment, however, history emphasizes the pivotal role they’ve always played in influencing Black culture and establishing wealth in Black communities. Often, Black businesses aren’t afforded the same opportunities as others due to systematic oppression.
Your contribution is bigger than the notion of simply swiping a card — or tapping a phone — and being satisfied with your purchase. When you shop at a Black-owned business, you are a part of a virtuous collective force driving toward creating a more harmonious society, empowering communities and promoting representation.
Black history month celebrates the past and present achievements of African Americans dedicated to powerfully impacting their communities. One essential element of this legacy history is the emergence of Black entrepreneurship.
Black businesses have a long and rich history throughout the United States and specifically in Jacksonville, a place rich with thriving Black restaurants, spas, social spots and more.
One such area is The LaVilla neighborhood, nicknamed the Harlem of the South in the 1800s because it served as a prominent Black community filled with affluent Black-owned businesses and entertainment venues.
Although the LaVilla neighborhood doesn’t currently hold that repetition, there are plenty of entrepreneurs there actively working to ensure this city showcases an accurate reflection of Black culture and provides opportunities for their voices to be heard.
Their efforts are an important reminder that Black history isn’t just a month-long celebration. Each day, Black people, with their blood, sweat, tears and hopeful spirits, are taking history by the reins and redefining Black history by challenging the long held beliefs about what it means to be Black in America.
Our guide is an invitation to celebrate in February (and beyond), Black businesses and their tremendous contributions.
Desserts
Cami Cakes
Satisfy your sweet tooth with gourmet cupcakes at Cami Cakes. This is the bakery that you visit when you’re looking to fulfill your sugar rush with a unique spin on traditional flavors like “Peanut Butter & Jelly” or “CinnaSwirl.” Perfect for any occasion, these decadent cupcakes are made with fresh ingredients and topped with buttercream or cream cheese frosting. 9734 Deer Lake Ct., Jacksonville, FL; camicakes.com // @camicakescupcakes
Funnel Cake Queen
Get your hands on one of the carnivals most coveted deep-fried treats at any time of the year. It’s all in the name: Funnel Cake Queen has conquered all things funnel cake related. Choose your topping and build your own experience or you can sink your teeth into unique flavors such as “Cotton Candy Crush” or “Oreo Earthquake.” 9501 Arlington Expy, Jacksonville, FL; funnelcakequeen.com
Other Desert Destinations:
Motion Sweets
Springfield Scoops
Sweet Spot Urban Lounge
Entertainment
The DAQ Shack
This New Orleans inspired daiquiri bar is here to meet all your nightlife needs. Established in 2016, The DAQ Shack is the perfect one-stop shop for everything entertainment: drinking, grubbing, dancing, you name it and they have it. They also host karaoke and game-themed nights. 1754 Wells Rd Orange Park, FL // thedaqshack904.com // @thedaqshack904
SK8City
Whether you prefer roller skate or inline skates, the time is now to practice sharpening your skills while sneaking in some needed cardio. Skating is on the rise again as a popular activity, and Sk8City is the ultimate family entertainment center supplying fun for all ages. Glide across the rink or get lost in the battling your opponent in the arcade. 9244 Arlington Expy Jacksonville, FL // skatecityjax.com
Other Entertainment Enterprises:
Legacy Restaurant & Lounge
Selfie Showroom
Fashion
Pretty Pieces
It’s a fulfilling feeling to find the perfect piece to complete your outfit. Pretty Pieces, an online boutique, eliminates the stress of searching for chic, couture clothing within your budget. Let them help you transform everyday into a runway with their stylish attire. shopprettypieces.com // @shopprettypieces
Meow and Barks Boutique
Upgrade your wardrobe by adding statement pieces just as unique and peculiar as the name: Meow and Barks. This flavor filled boutique surpasses all the rules of fashion with its vast selection of vibrant and bold, stand-out-among-the-crowd apparel. Order online and pick up curbside or shop the store front, either way you are sure to find that stand-out piece. 1537 San Marco Blvd., Jacksonville, FL; meowandbarksboutique.com // @meowandbarksboutique
Other Fashion-Forward Favorites:
Fitness
Springfield Nutrition
Located in the heart of Downtown Jacksonville, this smoothie and juice bar is all about offering robust flavor while cutting more than half the calories. Indulge in a delicious protein milkshake or energizing juice with half the calories and zero guilt. Schedule your next visit before or after a gym session, and add one of their protein donuts to the order. 1501 N. Main Street Suite 1a Jacksonville, FL; springfield-nutrition.business.site // @springfieldnutritionjax
Brandon Fitness
Brandon Warren, founder of Brandon Fitness, has what it takes to get you in shape and keep you disciplined. Voted the best local gym three years in a row, this gym offers circuit training, powerlifting and high-intensity workouts as well as personal and virtual training sessions. 5730 Bowden Road, Jacksonville, FL; iambrandonfitness.com // @iambrandonfitness; @bodybybran
Other Ways to Refresh your Fitness:
Ken’s Fitness and Nutrition Studio
Four Friends Fitness
Food
Pink Salt Restaurant & Wine Bar
At the center of upscale vibes and Caribbean flair lies Pink Salt: the perfect harmony of Caribbean fusion cuisine and island flare in the San Marco area. Chef Richard recommends customers dine with an open mind ready to experience the robust flavor combination he’s created. They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. 1430 San Marco Blvd. Jacksonville, FL; pinksaltrestaurant.com // @pinksaltrestaurant
Jenkins Quality BBQ
Serving the Jacksonville community since 1957, Jenkins Quality Barbecue is the place to go for mouthwatering, oak wood-fired ribs, chicken, beef and pork. With three locations across town, you can certainly make room to experience their infamous mustard-based sauce that keeps the customers coming back. 830 N. Pearl Street Jacksonville, FL; jenkinsqualitybarbecue.com // @jenkinsbbq
Other Finger-licking Food:
Urban Eats Bistro
The Potters House: Soul Food Bistro
The Cookbook Restaurant
Food Trucks
Mr. Potato Spread
Home of the original Crab Pot Potato, Mr. Potato Spread took a basic baked potato and elevated it to gourmet level by stuffing them with various vegetables, meats and cheese. The franchise began as a food truck but due to its major success, they have expanded to brick-and-mortar locations. 9501 Arlington Expy Jacksonville, FL; mrpotatospread.com // @mrpotatospread
Kravegan
Voted #1 Best Vegan Restaurant and #2 Best Food truck, KraVegan proves that you can still put the soul in soul food minus the meat. The menu includes classics items such as meatless ribs, “moxtails,” and mac-n-cheese. However, there are other options for those who might want to try KraTacos or KraHoagies. 1910 Wells Rd. Food Court SPC VC 18 Orange Park, FL; kravegan.com // @kraveganllc
Other Food Truck Favorites:
Bawk Bawk Chicken Truck
Two Chicks and a Guy
Bronchachos_Fusion_Eats
Natural Health
TeaPosh Naturals
TeaPosh Naturals is a holistic company that specializes in herbal tea and promotes holistic healing practices. They equip customers with knowledge to live life in a healthier and happy way by addressing the importance of nourishing the body from the inside out. Explore their vast selection of fresh made herbal teas suited to address a multitude of needs. 9501 Arlington Expy Ste. 135 Jacksonville, FL; teaposhnaturals.com // @teaposhnaturals
Jones & Rose
Healthy skin is in. As more people practice self-care, they are learning to love the skin they’re in and a part of that quest is taking care of it. Jones & Rose uses rich and premium natural ingredients designed to keep your skin moisturized, well-nourished, and glowing. 10281 Mid Town Pkwy #123, Jacksonville, FL; jonesandrose.com // @jonesandroseskincare