Guide: KC Black Owned Businesses
A growing guide to local, Black-owned businesses in Kansas City.
At Made in KC, we believe Black Lives Matter. Our city, like our nation, was built on systemic oppression. And still, our Black business owners rise and care for our city by feeding us, nourishing us, entertaining us, and providing us with great products. They deserve our support today and every day. As a community, and as a company, we must put in the work to heal our community.
This is by no means a complete list– but we want it to grow. Send in your favorite Black-owned businesses, and we will continue to build this resource.
Fannie’s African Cuisine. Photo by Alyssa Broadus
RESTAURANTS
Photo by Alyssa Broadus
Fannie’s African Cuisine
https://www.fanniescuisine.com/
4105 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110 | (816) 832-8454
Serving authentic traditional food from all parts of Africa, everything at Fannie’s is handcrafted from scratch with fresh, organic ingredients. Check out their feature on the Open Belly podcast!
Blue Nile Cafe
20 E 5th St, Kansas City, MO 64106 | (816) 283-0990
Kansas City’s oldest Ethiopian restaurant, this River Market spot is famous for it's delicious shared plates and sampler platters.
Love is Key
3000 Troost Av, Ste C
This new restaurant on 30th & Troost specializes in waffle sandwiches, desserts, juice blends, and catering.
Brown Sugar Chicken & Donuts
3708 State Ave, Kansas City, KS 66102 | (913) 296-8870
What could possibly be better? Local owner Jamaal Lites provides everyone’s favorite foods in this quick-casual spot: fried chicken, donuts and coffee.
Chris Goode, owner of Ruby Jean’s Juicery.
Photos by Anna Petrow
Ruby Jean’s Juicery
https://www.rubyjeansjuicery.com/
3000 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64109 | (816) 321-1440
Ruby Jean’s Juicery was created with a passion for health and longevity of life in mind. They offer a wide selection of fresh juices, smoothies, and fresh food to nourish the body.
Wings Cafe (Northland)
https://www.thewingscafe.com/#/
3927 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111 | (816) 931-9464
Wings Cafe is an artisan wings and fish restaurant that focuses on bringing hand-crafted unique flavors to Kansas City wing lovers.
KC Daquiri Shop
1116 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106 | (816) 974-3275
Get a taste of the French Quarter in Kansas City with New Orleans style frozen daiquiris and delicious Cajun/Creole favorites.
Mesob
3601 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111 | (816) 442-7311
Authentic, homemade Ethiopian and Caribbean cuisine with gourmet flair.
Reggae Kitchen
https://www.reggaekitchenmo.com/#/
5535 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110 | (816) 492-6191
Customers say it’s the best Caribbean food in the Midwest, with mouth-watering dishes like jerk chicken and oxtail.
Krab Kingz
https://www.krabkingzkc.com/#/
3805 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64111 | (816) 569-2526
Platters of crab, shrimp & lobster with corn, potatoes, boiled eggs & sausage.
Soirée Steak & Oyster House.
Photos by Anna Petrow, courtesy of Feast Magazine
Soirée Steak & Oyster House
1512 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108 | (816) 214-570
Chef Anita Moore serves up Southern cuisine with style at her 18th & Vine restaurant– oysters, steaks, craft cocktails and more.
Kings Table Restaurant
https://www.facebook.com/kingstablesoul
5932 Prospect Ave #3626, Kansas City, MO 64130 | (816) 444-0779
Classic soul foods like ribs, chicken, catfish & greens are staples at Kings Table.
Awaze
https://www.facebook.com/awazefusion/
3415 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111 | (816) 756-5111
Ethiopian & Caribbean fuse at this unique restaurant, with reggae music on the weekends.
Wilson’s Pizza
https://www.facebook.com/WilsonsPizzaGrill/
1801 Quindaro Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66104 | (913) 621-4066
You can get delicious pizza- and you can also get pizza FRIES. Yum.
Gates BBQ
multiple locations | https://gatesbbq.com/
In 1946, George W. Gates opened “Gates Ol’ Kentucky” at 19th and Vine, which was the first of the now thriving restaurant chain known today as “Gates Bar-B-Q.”
Lutfi’s Fried Fish
multiple locations | http://lutfisfriedfish.net/
The best fried fish in Kansas City. As they say, “the batter makes it better!”
Island Spice Caribbean Restaurant
https://www.facebook.com/islandspicecaribbeanrestaurant/
10 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111 | (816) 523-3974
A Caribbean favorite, customers love the fried plantains and curried goat.
Jones BBQ
6706 Kaw Dr, Kansas City, KS 66111 | (913) 788-5005
Catapulted to national fame by their feature in Netflix’s Queer Eye, The Jones sisters make some of the best BBQ in KC.
Big Momma’s Bakery Cafe
4707 Bannister Rd Ste B, Kansas City, MO 64137 | (816) 765-0800
“ Big Momma's KC is where freshness lives", with breakfast sandwiches served on homemade bread, and some of the best cinnamon rolls around.
Bayou on the Vine
https://www.facebook.com/BayouOnTheVine/
1601 E 18th St Kansas City, Missouri 64108 | (816) 599-7812
Cajun dishes like catfish po’boys and more in the historic 18th and Vine district.
M&M Bakery & Deli
1721 E 31st St, Kansas City, MO 64109 | (816) 924-9172
https://www.facebook.com/MMBakeryDeli1721/
Famous sandwiches, donuts, fritters and more: this is legendary Kansas City spot.
Kasim Hardaway. Photo by Anna Petrow
Cultivare
opening soon
A minority owner in his newest culinary venture, Cultivare, you probably already recognize Kasim Hardaway as one of the most influential foodies in Kansas City. Beyond developing excellent recipes and seeking out our city’s best restaurants– if you’re in need of marketing services, his company is renowned for excellent work in the food industry.
Peach Tree Buffet
http://www.peachtreerestaurants.com/
6800 Eastwood Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64129 | (816) 923-0099
This Kansas City institution has it all, from cornbread to cobbler.
Unk’s Burgers
https://www.unksburgersmo.com/#/
240 NW Oldham Pkwy #1520, Lee's Summit, MO 64081
This family-owned neighborhood fixture serves burgers that people love!
Niece’s
https://www.nieciesrestaurant.com/
6441 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64131 | (816) 444-6006
Another famous Kansas City spot, with fried chicken and waffles, and plenty of pie.
LC’s BBQ
5800 Blue Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64129 | (816) 923-4484
LC’s of BBQ fame: they’ve been written up in the New York Times, received a 10 Best in the USA award, and many more: it only takes one bite to know why!
Elsa’s Ethiopian Restaurant
https://www.elsasrestaurantop.com/
8016 Santa Fe Dr, Overland Park, KS 66204 | (913) 648-5000
Elsa’s veggie samosas, Beef Tibs, Tikil Gomen and veggie soup make for a delicious feast— people love this Old Overland Park staple.
Distrikt Biscuit
https://www.facebook.com/thedistriktbh/
Located inside the Adams Mark hotel, many people say they have the BEST biscuits in Kansas City- and with tons of sandwich options, it makes for a great breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Jazzy B’s
1803 #B, NE Colbern Rd, Lee's Summit, MO 64086
Hickory smoked meats, BBQ, crispy fried chicken and great burgers at this Lee’s Summit staple.
The Food Factory KC
https://www.facebook.com/TheFoodFactoryKC/
The Food Factory takes personal-chef cooked meals to the next level: crab legs, surf & turf and more mouthwatering eats to order!
VEGAN/VEGETARIAN
Happy Apple Cafe. Photo by Anna Petrow
Happy Apple Cafe
(816) 605-8611 | 5536 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110
https://www.facebook.com/happyapplecafe/
This popular spot on Troost offers a continually rotating menu of delicious items like smoked sourdough french toast, nachorritos, red velvet waffles and more.
Urban Cafe KC
5500 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110 | (816) 442-8891
Organic breakfast and lunch spot serving seasonal, fresh food.
Queens Kitchen
(816) 207-5388 | https://queenskitchen.org/
Vegetarian soul food that brightens your mood– get the southwest eggrolls and jackfruit soft tacos delivered.
Vegan Crave
(816) 533-5381 | https://www.facebook.com/Vegan-Crave-106617747587222/
This plant based “burgers and bakery” pop-up restaurant offers delicious chocolate chip cookies, and creative cupcake flavors like strawberry lemonade.
Topnotch Vegan Vittles
(816)-914-7517 | https://www.facebook.com/TopknotchVeganVittles/
Changing the perception of Vegan and plant based food one bite at a time– chilidogs, zucchini pasta, fish & chips– their menu has variety to please any palette.
The Vegan Spot
(816) 301-3342 | https://twitter.com/thevegan_spot
Delicious eats like the plant-based chicken Philly cheesesteak are available for pickup Mon-Sat 1pm-7pm and Sun 2pm-6pm.
Mattie’s Vegan Eats
https://matties-foods.square.site/s/shop
Mattie’s has a BIG fan base for their buffalo mac, and it’s not hard to see why: everything they serve looks and IS delicious.
Merkaba Meals (Personal Chef)
https://www.facebook.com/merkabameals/
Pre-packaged meals make meal planning and healthy eating a breeze.
Gigi the Vegan
https://www.gigiskalechips.com/
If you don’t follow @gigithevegankc on Instagram already, do it– and if you haven’t had her kale chips, you’re in for a treat. Perfectly crunchy, perfectly salty– what more could you want from a healthy snack?
TCB Goodies (Private Chef)
https://www.facebook.com/TCB-Goodies-103007174857355/
Co-owners Christine Burks and Schiantel Britt cook up savory soul food: they’re some of the best in the private chef business, bringing home cooked meals to the forefront for your enjoyment!
COFFEE + DESSERTS
Equal Minded Cafe
4327 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110 | (816) 561-2233
Serving a variety of expresso drinks, pastries from local bakeries, and other specialties made in-house, in a cozy setting.
Dream Muscle Coffee
https://dreammusclecoffee.com/
2540 W Pennway St, Kansas City, MO 64108
Protein brewed coffee– the best tasting coffee in the world of sports.
Kaleidoscoops Ice Cream
6609 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66102
Waffle bowls, bright ice cream flavors, and a community feel will hit the spot on a warm summer day.
Yogurtini
4853 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64112 | (816) 531-2201
This self-service frozen yogurt bar has it all– literally, any topping you could ever want! And during COVID, they’ve made things super safe: gloves and sanitizer when you walk in, and individually portioned servings of all of their topping offerings– so thoughtful.
Kansas City Cupcake Co.
http://www.kansascitycupcakeco.net/
719 N 6th St Kansas City, Kansas 66101 | (913) 217-7921
Named one of the 10 best bakeries in Kansas, they have some really cool flavors like snickerdoodle and chocolate sundae cupcakes.
Taylor Elizabeth Cakes
https://www.kcpieceofcake.com/
Taylor’s incredible designs are almost too pretty to eat– but they taste even better than they look!
Skratch Bakery
862 SW Blue Pkwy, Lee's Summit, MO 64063 | (816) 434-5330
Everything tastes better from skratch: and with a menu offering freshed baked goods like cream cheese pound cake, ooey-gooey bars, strawberry cake and beyond, we couldn’t agree more!
Cake-A-Boo
809 W 39th St #160, Kansas City, MO 64111 | (913) 915-0194
Cake-A-Boo’s beautiful creations are perfect for any occasion. Check out their creative flavors like strawberry crunch, fruity pebbles, and banana pudding!
MUSEUMS, ARTS & MUSIC
Photo by Anna Petrow
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108 | (816) 221-1920
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) is the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of African-American baseball and its impact on the social advancement of America. We hope the museum can reopen safely soon, but in the meantime you can support them here.
American Jazz Museum
1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108 | (816) 474-8463
Also currently closed, you can support the American Jazz Museum here– and in the meantime, enjoy their AJM at Home programming, complete with a virtual tour, digital exhibits, Spotify playlists and coloring pages.
The Blue Room
1600 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108 |
Put this venue at the top of your bucket list for when we can all go out an enjoy music again: the weekly open jam sessions are a fantastic Kansas City jazz tradition.
Mutual Musicians Foundation
1823 Highland Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108 | (816) 471-5212
Another spot to add to your list, this storied Musicians’ Union building has been hosting jazz jam sessions & jazz events since 1930.
The Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City
(816)-663-9966 | https://www.brtkc.org/
The BRTKC utilizes theatre productions, and educational programming to enhance the contributions made by minorities in our neighborhoods and communities and beyond. During pandemic times, they offered an innovative virtual cabaret– stay tune on their website for more programming, and support them by donating.
ARTISTS & MAKERS & BOUTIQUES
Alyissa Letters @alyissaj
Alyissa Letters
https://www.etsy.com/shop/AlyissaLetters
Alyissa is a KC-based graphic designer and lettering artist, offering handwritten words that inspire and empower with bold colors and intentional design.
Coco Shea Natural Body Care
Coco Shea was created to provide customers with affordable skincare that is made from the Earth. Coco Their products treat the symptoms of your skincare issues and naturally heal the underlying causes.
YAWA & CO
This small black owned and operated bath and body products business offers soaps, body butters, scrubs, oils and many other goodies. Their handmade products are crafted with high quality and luxurious ingredients such as Organic Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, and Avocado Oil– chosen specifically due to their properties and to ensure a hard, long lasting, cleansing and conditioning bar of soap. All of our soaps are handmade with love and care in small batches in Gardner, KS.
Brown Eyed Babe
https://www.facebook.com/browneyedbabekc/
Body Butters, soaps and more, completely handmade to tackle dry skin.
Calming Canvas
820 Main St., Grandview MO 64030 | (816)-629-8125
Specializing in private art parties and events, owner Nikita is a Kansas City native, self-taught artist that enjoys painting ethnic art that reflects who she is as a Black woman.
Soul Rebels Jewelry
https://www.facebook.com/soulrebelsKC/
Lashon Mack is a Kansas-City based jewelry designer whose art has been worn by celebrities. A member of Cherry Pit Collective, her work features organic shapes and beautiful stones.
Tirza Design
Shiny gold, flowing tassels– Tirza Design makes earrings that you musth have!
Bliss Books & Wine KC
https://www.blissbooksandwine.com/
Books with wine pairings? Yes, please! Check out their awesome book selections, join discussions, participate in writing workshops and more.
Olli Pamplin
https://www.instagram.com/ollijolie/
https://www.patreon.com/OlliPamplin
From Olli’s floral paintings to her hand-knitted creations, you’ll want to own a piece of artwork from this talented multi-disciplinary artist. She also offers art tours at local museums to explore the wonderful world of art!
Bianca Fields. Acrylic and mixed media on canvas. @beeyonkerz
Bianca Fields
https://biancafields.weebly.com/
Bianca’s mixed media art is breathtaking– the colors, the textures, the innovative use of different materials. Kansas City is lucky to have this Cleveland transplant– she’s officially been here one year.
SONĀE PHOTOGRAPHY
https://www.instagram.com/sonae_photography/
This KC-based photographer focuses on landscape, product and nature photography.
Whitney Manney
https://www.whitneymanney.com/
Whitney Manney is a fashion and textile designer whose brilliant designs have been featured at the Nelson-Atkins Museum, the Every Women Biennial in NYC, and beyond.
Yaya & Quinn Co.
Yaya & Quinn Co. specializes in kid’s fashion– their children’s clothing aims to provide children with the tools needed, to build positive self-imagery as they grow.
Boxhead Arts
https://www.instagram.com/boxheadarts/
These colorful works will transport you– everything on the Instagram page is for sale!
Crayons and Chains
https://www.crayonsandchains.com/
This artist makes earrings with unique materials like shells, fringe, and even denim!
Stand Out Style
http://standoutstyle.storenvy.com/
Hand-beaded bracelets and more in every color your heart desires!
Meeks Me Smile
https://www.meeksmesmilestudio.com/
Shawanna Meeks puts her degree in Fine Arts to use creating beautiful handbags, handcrafted paintings and more.
Photo by @theebunnyblog
Bunny Pics
https://www.instagram.com/theeblogbunny/
This locally-based photographer also travels for photoshoots— keep an eye on her Instagram bio for updates on where she’s heading.
Couth KC
https://www.facebook.com/couthkc
200 NW 72nd St, Gladstone, MO 64118
(816) 719-4289
This rustic & reclaimed furniture business specializes in creating stunning custom tables for the home or office.
Mini magnet paintings. Photo by @rivermakenziyoung
River Makenzi Young
https://www.instagram.com/rivermakenziyoung/
River does it all: photography, painting, curation– she is the curator at Happy Apple Cafe– and also founded One Micstand KC.
Ceramic plate. Photo by @theceramicchauncey
Chandler Martin
https://www.instagram.com/theceramicchauncey/
A ceramic artist and kiln technician, you can follow along with Chandler’s work at the Belger Crane Yard Studios on his Instagram.
Photo courtesy of the Charlotte Street Foundation
Rashawn Giffin
https://charlottestreet.org/artist/rashawn-griffin/
Rashawn Griffin works in painting, sculpture, and installation. With materials ranging from fabric and tassels to paint and cookies, his practice uses poetic relationships between objects, architecture, and painting.
Sike Style Industries
https://sikestyle.myportfolio.com/
Founder Phil Schafer specializes in murals, custom commissions and art consulting. You’ve seen his work all around town– his mural style has become an iconic part of the cityscape. Follow him on Instagram at @sikestyle!
Sonié Joi Thompson-Ruffin
https://www.kcfaa.org/sonie-joi-ruffin/
Sonié Joi Thompson-Ruffin is a renowned contemporary fabric artist, fabric designer, author, lecturer and independent curator. A Charlotte Street Foundation Arts Fellow, her work has been widely shown and awarded throughout her career.
Wolfe Brack
Drawing by Wolfe Brack
Wolfe’s attention to detail is astounding– from his intricately drawn prints (which you can purchase here) , to his miniature sculptures (about the size of a lentil!). his work will make your jaw drop.
Sheron Smith
Sheron Smith is a talented local artist with a can’t-miss exhibit on KC Jazz Icons. Her prints depict jazz-related art, and are available on canvas or paper in a wide range of sizes.
El-Scari Harvey Art Gallery
https://www.facebook.com/elscariharveyartgallery/
1014 W. 39th St. Kansas City, Missouri 64111
An inclusive gallery for diverse artists, El-Scari Harvey Art Gallery is dedicated to the presence & potential of marginalized visual artists. Our monthly changing gallery highlights this power.
Check out founder Natasha Ria El-Scari’s additional programming, like Black Space Black Art, as well as her own personal work as a writer, performer, poet and educator.
By Design Magazine
https://www.bydesignmag.com/
This local magazine, founded by Justin Ikerionwu and MUENFUA, focuses on “Human Over Hype”. Find their latest online, and subscribe to their bi-annual print publication. Check out their BD Radio station as well, on Spotify.
FITNESS
Aaron Sawyer
Instagram: @asaptraining19
With over 16 years of training experience, Aaron offers personal training for clients looking to get fit.
Back 7 Skills
Back 7 Skillz offers elite defensive position training, as well as film study and analysis.
Marcus Walker
Instagram: @grindhousebasketball
Marcus is an influencer, overseas basketball player development specialist– and a vegan! Follow him to learn more about his business.
Grind Hard KC
Instagram: @justcall_me_coach
Follow and hire @justcall_me_coach for all around training!
Marques Jackson
Instagram: @mjallday27
For boxing and fitness, look to Marques Jackson for all of your training needs.
Figi Marie Fitness
Train, grow and conquer with Figi Marie Fitness and her meal prep delivery service!
Precision Fitness KC
https://precisionfitnesskc.com/
1005 N Cooper St, Olathe, KS 66061
Feel your best and move your best with Precision Fitness.
Academy 44
Academy 44 Fitness & Sports Training focuses on offering affordable fitness and sports training for Kansas City's urban community.
Stay Snatched
Instagram: @stay_snatched
Keto-living made easy with healthy recipes and more. Check out founder Brandi Crawford’s new cookbook, The Super Easy Air Fryer, for crave-worthy recipes!
SERVICES
Curvature Designs by MG
https://www.curvaturebymg.com/
Inspired by her love of all things creative, Maryam started Curvature Designs because she believes that every company should have the opportunity to build their brand and expand their reach through high-quality, engaging social media content and strategic marketing.
KC Junk Magicians
https://www.kcjunkmagicians.com/
C.L. Eaddy’s business will come straight to you for junk removal and hauling services, with some of the best pricing models in the KC area.
KC Tech Systems
KC Tech Systems offers everything from smart home implementation (music, video, lighting, climate) to security systems for both home and business.
Modern Horizons Wealth Advisers
Modern Horizons Wealth Advisers is a primarily Black-owned (and primarily women-owned!) business centrally located in Kansas City for all your financial planning needs.
Blue Symphony
This KC website developer also offers strategy, business development and custom software.
T.R. Harrison Contractors
https://www.facebook.com/trharrisoncontractors/
Contact T.R. Harrison for all of your contracting and plumbing needs, both residential and commercial.
LTX Tax Service
11112 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64134 | (816) 205-8646
https://ltxtaxservice.ptinpro.com/
LTX Tax Service assists clients with tax preparation, amended returns, quarterly/yearly Filings, business and notary services and more.
Diversity Telehealth
( 913) 710-3818
Dr. Shelly Cooper has been in business since 2015, offering inexpensive telehealth memberships (Teladoc) and design telehealth solutions for schools (KC Public Schools), Federally Qualified Health Centers (Swope Health Services) and the University of Missouri Health System.
Perfectly Imperfect Events
Turning event planning into an art form- Perfectly Imperfect Events plans weddings, parties, and even handles printing and customization.
Vivid Events
Owner Shardae Shear is an expert in event planning, consulting and event space rental booking.
Ice Studios School of Dance
http://www.icestudiosdance.org
Summer dance classes are about to start back up at this dance studio. Offerings include hip-hop, cheer, tumbling, ballet, tap, vocal and more!
BOUTIQUES, SPAS & SALONS
Harvest Moon Women’s Collective
4107 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64109
http://www.harvestmoonbotanica.com
A holistic self-care gift shop that specializes in all natural, non-toxic products and services for the body and spirit. Inside the collective, run by owner Jessica Dertinger, are 10 different artisans and service providers like Fancy Beauty CBD– check them out!
The Pink Trunk
The Pink Trunk has the most amazing collection of adorable handbags and shoes– follow her on IG for the newest additions to her online collection.
79Roze Dress Shop
1715 E Cedar St Suite 106, Olathe, KS 66062
79 Roze (like the flower Rose) is a black dress boutique catering to the curvy ladies or “curvy divas” as they like to call them. Every women should feel beautiful and embrace their curves or body type, and their selection will do just that!
New Sense of Style
This online women’s boutique has everything– bikinis, dresses, tops, sandals– even their own Influence t-shirt campaign, which was created to showcase successful women, no matter the direction they chose to go in life kicking butt and taking names in their field.
Luxe Lash Bar
2247 E Gregory Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64132
https://www.facebook.com/luxelashbarkcmo/
Eyelash extensions, eyebrow extensions, lash lifts and more.
Rajas Wax Bar
12020 Blue Valley Pkwy #140, Overland Park, KS 66213
Instagram: @rajaswaxbeautybar
Give yourself the full treatment with full body wax options, skincare, and CBD wellness and more.
Pulchritude Spa
Instagram: @pulchritude_spa
Esthetician trained in waxing, lashes, facials, chemical peels and more.
Adorned Vanity Salon
3568 Broadway, Kansas City, Missouri 64111
https://www.facebook.com/AdornedVanity/
This beauty salon offers full makeup services perfect for any special occasion.
Nature Made Me
Nature Made Me is an herbalist healer, offering steam blends, skin scrubs and butters, and personal consultations.