Where to support Black-owned businesses

Last Updated On Feb. 01, 2024

Visit the Multicultural Bookstore in Richmond for an amazing selection of books and gifts. Photo courtesy of Tamara Shiloh.

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, it's also time to celebrate local Black-owned businesses. As we take time to reflect on the history we celebrate and honor in February, let's also take time to visit these local gems and show them the love!

A child reading titles on a bookshelf. Photo courtesy of Multicultural Bookstore and Gifts.

Multicultural Bookstore and Gifts | Richmond

A "local gem", Multicultural Bookstore and Gifts is located in the heart of Richmond and offers colorful aisles filled with reading options for Black, Latino, Asian and Native American children of all ages, in addition to adult selections. You can often find children's book author and store owner, Tamara Shiloh there to assist customers with making the perfect selections. If you head in on a Saturday, don't miss Storytime that has started up again at 12-1pm every week and all are welcome. Take BART to Richmond and walk 13 minutes to 260 Broadway.

Find an array of bath salts, herbs, jewelry, plus beautiful event space at Queen Hippie Gypsy. Photo courtesy of Queen Hippie Gypsy.

Queen Hippie Gypsy | 12th St

Queen Hippie Gypsy is a sanctuary for crystals, spiritual tools, and artisan goods in the heart of Downtown Oakland. As a domestic violence awareness advocate and survivor, owner Lilly Ayers used crystals, meditation and metaphysical tools to help her heal from her own traumas. She now shares these tools with the Queen Hippie Gypsy community through products, services and events. Visit to explore and experience the magic! Take BART to 12th St/Oakland City Center and walk six minutes to 337 14th St.

Wednesday Wellness class hosted at Renegade Running. Photo courtesy of @renegade_running on Instagram.

Renegade Running - 19th St

Owners Victor Diaz and Bolota Asmerom are both runners and despite the challenges of opening a business just as the pandemic hit, they have created and built one that's quickly grown to support the community they represent. Not only did they open a specialty-running store on Oakland's Grand Ave that supplies high-performance products and specialty brands, they offer coaching and a community of support through running, wellbeing and beyond. Take BART to 19th St and walk seven minutes to 45 Grand Ave.

Lois the Pie Queen's son and owner, Chris Davis. Photo courtesy of @loisthepiequeen_510 on Instagram.

Lois the Pie Queen | Ashby

In a location considered a candidate for historical landmark designation, "Lois the Pie Queen" built her business serving specialties like short ribs, candied yams, black-eyed peas, chicken and waffles, peach cobbler, sweet potato pies, buttermilk biscuits, and better grits than you can make at home (and pie!) for more than 50 years! Customers became family, and Lois became "Mom" to many who entered the front door. Today Lois' son, Chris Davis, carries on the tradition with love and in her spirit serving up "Food that Warms the Soul" to a new generation. Take BART to Ashby and walk 14 minutes to 851 60th St.

Kinani Ahmed brews up a cup of coffee goodness at Sextant. Photo courtesy of SF Chronicle.

Sextant Coffee Roasters | Civic Center

Founded by Kinani Ahmed, a first-generation Ethiopian, this independent cafe and roastery works directly with farmers across Ethiopia, Kenya, Colombia, and beyond to showcase the most flavorful coffees from throughout the world. Named after a navigation and exploration tool, a symbol to how coffee was first transported out of Africa, Sextant roasts all the beans in San Francisco with each brewed cup a result of careful expedition. Drop by the cafe for a reprieve and a cup or order ahead to pick up your choice of brew. While there, grab a pound of a new roast to try and enjoy at home. Take BART to Civic Center and walk 10 minutes to 1415 Folsom St.

Try one of the decadent signature breakfast sandwiches at Keith's. Photo courtesy of Keith's Chicken N Waffles.

Keith's Chicken N Waffles | Colma

Chicken and waffles are a thing. They are a good thing and you can't go wrong when you order them at Keith's Chicken N Waffles. Making everything from the heart, owner Keith Richardson has perfected his chicken seasoning recipe with every item on the menu meeting his high standard of testing. With a full menu offering your choice of chicken and sides to go with that Belgian Waffle, you will also find family meals and signature waffles. How about a Red Velvet Waffle topped with cream cheese and chocolate drizzle? This spot is a must try for every chicken and waffle aficionado and beyond! Take BART to Colma and walk 6 minutes to 270 San Pedro Rd.

Eva Allen creates celebratory delicious-ness in her bakery kitchen. Photo courtesy of Full Belly Bakery.

Full Belly Bakery | Fruitvale

If you're looking for a designer cake studio, look no further! Oakland native, Eva Allen began her cake making journey by making birthday cakes for friends in college to show them her love. It set the passion for baking that led her to a diploma in Professional Pastry Arts and to opening Full Belly in 2017. Celebrate the ones you love from this pastry chef's fresh and inventive flavors with modern design touches that will leave your loved ones (and you!) with a happy heart (and a full belly)! To enjoy Eva's decadent creations, order online for delivery or pickup at her bakery kitchen. Take BART to Fruitvale and walk three minutes to 1014 Fruitvale Ave.

Crafted Oaxacan cocktails and an airy ambiance will transport you. Photo courtesy of Peacekeeper.

Peacekeeper | Powell St

The story is that the owners of San Francisco's Harper & Rye were on vacation and drinking at a bar in Oaxaca when the concept for Peacekeeper was formed. Owners Nate Valentine and Jamal Blake-Williams opened this spot in 2019 after that inspirational "aha" moment and has since become a neighborhood staple. Sitting on Bush St in Lower Nob Hill, the space has good vibes - open and airy with a retractable roof for nice weather days and a fireplace for cooler days. It's a great stop to play pool and enjoy crafted Oaxacan cocktails with names inspired by Blake-Williams' family and friends. Take BART to Powell St and walk 12 minutes to 925 Bush St.

The signature dish and moniker at Just Potato Salad. Photo courtesy of Yelp.

Just Potato Salad | South Hayward

While it might be named after its signature dish, this is a barbecue joint... and it's no run-of-the-mill barbecue joint! Leaning towards a Kansas City style of barbecued ribs, there are Louisiana hot links, tri-tip and for and it's some of the best soul food around. With no regional allegiance to their offerings, one thing is for sure, you can't walk away without its signature dish - a side of potato salad. Pastor and owner, C.D. Bennett wasn't exactly looking to open a restaurant when he founded this place but, when you visit, you'll be glad he did. Take BART to South Hayward and walk 16 minutes to 29587 Mission Blvd.

Let's talk about it.

What small businesses are you supporting during Black History Month and beyond? Let us know via social media, @SFBARTable #SFBARTable! Keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see all of the best BARTable events, places to eat and where to have fun around the Bay.