Black-Owned Businesses In Denver: A local Guide
Denver's Black entrepreneurial community is thriving with Black-owned businesses adding richness and authenticity to the city's landscape. From coffee shops to restaurants, these spots offer more than just services - they create welcoming spaces that celebrate culture and foster community. As a company that believes in supporting diverse entrepreneurs, Pao knows firsthand how meaningful it is to uplift Black voices and businesses. This guide is our way of celebrating the vibrant, diverse businesses that make Denver shine. We keep this list updated, so whether you're a longtime local or just visiting, there's always something new and wonderful to discover.
Brunch spot in Five Points
Founded in 2020, Mimosas is a chef-driven, gourmet brunch destination that brings Southern flair and elevated dining to Denver's historic Five Points neighborhood. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to an elevated weekend brunch, this restaurant delivers an unforgettable experience that perfectly captures the neighborhood's dynamic energy.
Vegan bakery on East 13th Avenue
Denver's first Black-owned vegan bakery, The Cake Bar is a triple-threat establishment that's Black-owned, woman-owned, and LGBTQIA+ owned, led by owner Angela Wells. Its unique approach to plant-based desserts prove vegan treats can be indulgent and delicious. This inclusive community hub welcomes everyone to celebrate life's sweetest moments with creative, cruelty-free confections that'll make you forget they're vegan!
Waffle Cafe on West Colfax Avenue
Jazz Waffle Café brings musical flair to Denver's breakfast scene, owned by vocalist Danette Hollowell who infuses her passion for jazz into every waffle creation. Located inside the Colfax Studio building, this cozy spot serves up sweet and savory waffles with jazz-themed names that'll have you humming while you eat. With gluten-free and vegan options available.
Ice cream shop on Colorado Blvd
My Kings Ice Cream has been serving up sweet happiness since March 2020, when founder Le'Day opened this beloved neighborhood gem in a strip mall at Colorado and 29th. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and creative treats, this local favorite offers an impressive array of ice cream flavors, toppings, and mix-ins that keep customers coming back for more.
Dessert shop on 28th Avenue
Sweet Sweetz is a heartwarming family operation run by Lodene Turner and her two daughters, Erin and Jamie, bringing homemade goodness to Denver's dessert scene. This family-owned gem serves up Blue Bell Ice Cream alongside an array of homemade baked goods. More than just a dessert shop, Sweet Sweetz creates a positive gathering space for youth and families while supporting local community initiatives.
African espresso bar near City Park
Denver's only African espresso bar, Whittier Cafe has earned its nickname as "the activists' coffee shop" for good reason. This cultural hub specializes in coffee sourced from various African nations and hosts traditional East African coffee ceremonies every Sunday at 2 pm - a truly authentic experience you won't find anywhere else in the city. Beyond exceptional coffee, they serve pastries, burritos, paninis, and African beers and wines.
Yoga and wellness studio in Five Points
Founded by Ali Duncan in 2016, Urban Sanctuary brings healing and empowerment to the heart of Five Points on Welton Street. This inclusive yoga and wellness studio offers unique classes like R&B yoga, meditation, and aerial yoga, with a special focus on creating safe spaces for marginalized and queer communities. Urban Sanctuary also operates a nonprofit providing free sessions for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals, proving that wellness should be accessible to everyone.
Southern-Caribbean restaurant in Five Points
A beloved institution in Five Points, Welton Street Cafe has triumphantly returned to the Welton Street corridor with its signature Southern-Caribbean cuisine that generations have cherished. Serving as a cherished gathering place where stories are shared over plates of comfort food, Welton Street Cafe's reopening marks an exciting new chapter for this cornerstone of Five Points' culinary and cultural heritage!
South Sudanese samosas on Blake Street
Susan's Samosas brings the authentic flavors of South Sudan to Denver with handmade samosas that are absolutely packed with flavor and ready to be devoured! Each samosa is lovingly crafted in small batches using the finest local and organic ingredients, creating a one-of-a-kind taste experience you won't find anywhere else in the city.
Coffee shop in East Denver
This cozy, community-focused café in East Denver is co-owned by Katharine Hiltbrand, John Hiltbrand, and Jenna Greenwood, who bring together decades of experience in education, community building, and a deep passion for inclusive spaces. Housed in a converted farmhouse with a backyard full of chickens, Quince offers locally sourced pastries, house-roasted coffees, and a welcoming atmosphere adorned with local art.
BBQ restaurant in Southeast Denver
Saucy's Southern BBQ brings authentic Southern flavors to Denver with a team of experienced chefs who have over 10 years of experience cooking in the finest restaurants. This quality-focused BBQ joint refuses to compromise, sourcing fresh ingredients from local farmers' markets to create dishes that honor Southern BBQ traditions. Saucy's offers catering and private event services for weddings, business functions, and special celebrations.
French restaurant near Denver Tech Center
Founded by Senegalese-French sisters Aminata and Rougui Dia, Le French brings elegant Parisian-inspired cuisine with a unique global twist to the Denver Tech Center area. This refined dining destination crafts every dish from scratch using fresh, local ingredients, creating a sophisticated menu that beautifully blends French technique with the sisters' multicultural heritage. Known for their exceptional weekend brunch and celebrated for their elegant atmosphere.
Tea house in Five Points
Founded by Rise James, Tealee's Tea House is a beautifully curated community gathering space in the heart of Five Points that elevates tea culture to an art form. With regular live events and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Tealee's has become an essential destination for tea lovers and anyone seeking meaningful community connection. It's where the ancient tradition of tea meets modern Denver hospitality!
Creative workspace and general store in Longmont
Located in Longmont, Maker General is an inspiring creative workspace and general store that celebrates handmade artistry and inclusive community building. This unique space sells supplies for makers while featuring beautiful handmade goods, with a special focus on carrying items from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ creators. Beyond retail, Maker General hosts creative workshops and exciting events like their "Downtown Longmont Makers Crawl," where visitors can explore local businesses while creating various projects.
Ethiopian coffee shop in Aurora
Founded by Freweyni, a successful hair salon owner turned coffee entrepreneur, Endless Grind Coffee brings authentic Ethiopian coffee traditions to the Aurora community. Growing up, Freweyni always had fresh roasted coffee prepared in the traditional Ethiopian way at home, she knew this beautiful cultural experience needed to be shared with others. Endless Grind is more than a coffee shop - it's a bridge between cultures, celebrating Ethiopian heritage one perfectly roasted cup at a time!
Are you a black-owned business owner in Denver and want to be included in this list? Visit our Work With Us page and send us a message!
