August is National Black Business Month! This August, we are highlighting a handful of Philly-based, Black-owned small businesses that are definitely worth checking out. From books, to coffee, to art, and even professional coaching: Black business owners have it all! Read on to discover just some of these fantastic local shops and services.

Bookstores

Harriett’s Bookshop | Fishtown | 258 E Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125

Harriett's Bookshop, named for historical heroine Harriett Tubman, celebrates women authors, artists, and activists. Owner Jeannine A. Cook — an educator and author herself — has created a unique space that engages community members in meaningful thought and dialogue. You can visit Harriet’s Bookshop Thursday–Sunday from 12 a.m.–6 p.m.

Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books | Germantown | 5445 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144

Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books was founded by Marc Lamont Hill in 2017 with the intent of providing underserved communities access to books and a space where everyone feels valued. Uncle Bobbie’s is also the official bookseller for Free Library Author Events! You can visit Uncle Bobbie’s Coffee & Books seven days a week. 

Hakim’s Bookstore | West Philadelphia | 210 S 52nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19139

Hakim’s Bookstore, founded in the 1950s, is the oldest Black-owned bookstore in Philadelphia and one of the oldest in the country. Hakim’s offers a wide array of books concerning the history and lives of African Americans, with a large selection of texts on natural remedies and Islam. You can visit Hakim’s Bookstore on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12 p.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Atomic City Comics | South Philadelphia | 638 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Atomic City Comics is the pop-culture City of the Future! Stocked with comics, new and old, as well as graphic novels, manga, and collectibles, Atomic City is the place to go for all your nerdy needs. You can visit Atomic City Comics seven days a week.

Apparel

Grant Blvd | University City | 140 S. 34th Street Philadelphia PA 19104

Grant Blvd is a Philadelphia-based manufacturing startup on a mission to construct stylish, sustainably sourced fashion, while not only reducing recidivism but by supporting women who are formerly incarcerated or have experienced homelessness. You can shop in-person at Grant Blvd Tuesday–Sunday from 12 p.m.–7 p.m. or on their website. 

Philadelphia Printworks | Available Online and at Target

Philadelphia Printworks is an independent clothing brand inspired by past and present social justice movements that seeks to create accessible apparel for activists, organizers, and allies. It was founded in 2010 by Maryam Pugh and Ruth Paloma Rivera-Perez. You can shop Philadelphia Printworks online store anytime, and their apparel is now available in Target stores nationwide!

Common Ground | Center City | 134 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Common Ground is a consignment store specializing in rare, brand-name sneakers and streetwear. Customers can shop products from sought-after brands like Supreme, Nike, and Adidas, as well as a selection of vintage threads. You can shop Common Ground in-person seven days a week or online.

The Silk Tent | West Philadelphia | 3860 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104

The Silk Tent sells jewelry, textiles, home decor, and gifts as well as one-of-a-kind artifacts from African and Southeast Asian countries. They aim to use these artifacts to complement and further emphasize the influence of the design elements on their original products. You can shop The Silk Tent in-person Tuesday–Saturday from 12 p.m.–6 p.m. or online.

Cafes, Restaurants, and Bars

Alchemy Coffee | Rittenhouse | 119 S 21st St, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Alchemy is a neighborhood destination focused on becoming a standard in quality coffee where everyone is welcome. Alchemy’s menu includes traditional espresso drinks, teas, small bites, and Shakeratos, which are sometimes called Italian iced coffees. You can visit Alchemy Coffee seven days a week.

Lokal Artisan Foods | Cherry Street Pier |121 N Christopher Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Lokal Artisan Foods is home to their buzz-worthy French toast bites! They’ve even partnered with Yards Brewing Co. to make a French Toast Bites ale. Did we mention you can hire Lokal Artisan to cater your event? You can find Lokal Artisan Foods all over the city, depending on the time of year, but you can visit their permanent location at Cherry Street Pier from Friday–Sunday.

Sweet T’s Bakery | Reading Terminal Market | 1136 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19107

Sweet T’s made history when it opened in 2021 as the first Black-owned bakery in the Reading Terminal, although couple Tia and Mark El had been serving up sweet treats since 2014 at other locations. Their sweet potato pie is the star of their shop, but they also sell cheesecake pie, lemon cake, 7Up cake, and more! You can visit Sweet T’s seven days a week from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Booker’s Restaurant and Bar | West Philadelphia | 5021 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143

Booker’s aims to collect the freshest ingredients to assemble great quality dishes and beverages because they believe their community deserves the best. They pride themselves in having carefully crafted dishes for all dietary needs and, with seating for over 100 people, Booker’s is the largest restaurant on Baltimore Ave. Check their website to see what live music or promotional events they have coming up. You can visit Booker’s Restaurant for brunch or dinner seven days a week.

Ali Family Restaurants

• Alif Brew & Mini Mart | West Philadelphia | 4501 Baltimore Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19143
• Salam Cafe | Germantown | 5532 Greene St. Philadelphia, PA 19144
• Doro Bet | West Philadelphia | 4533 Baltimore Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19143

With three unique locations specializing in Ethiopian and Middle Eastern cuisine, Ali Family Restaurants will have something for everyone. Visit Alif Brew and Mini Mart for imported groceries or an injera wrap, then stroll down Baltimore Ave to Doro Bet and try their buzz-worthy gluten-free fried chicken. Alif’s third location, Salam Cafe, offers a more traditional, sit-down dining experience. Check the Ali Family Restaurant website for location hours.

Art and Culture

ARTrageous Brush and Flow | Germantown | 6345 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA, 19144

ARTrageous Brush & Flow is a mixed-media art studio where customers can explore pottery, painting, wood, glass, crafts, and retail. They host public, private, and virtual paint parties for all occasions. Check out ARTrageous Brush and Flow’s website to book a party!

The Colored Girls Museum | Germantown | 4613 Newhall Street Philadelphia, PA 19144 

The Colored Girls Museum was founded by Vashti DuBois as the first of its kind to honor the stories, experiences, and history of ordinary Colored Girls. The museum displays objects — submitted by Women of Color — that embody the lived experience and expression of being a Colored Girl. Visit The Colored Girls Museum Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m.–4 p.m. with three guided tours a day.

Beauty, Body, and Makeup Services/Products

Duafe Holistic Hair Care | North Philadelphia | 3129 N 22nd Street Philadelphia, PA 19132

Since 2001, Duafe has been a trendsetter in holistic hair care. It is an elite destination for holistic natural hair care, having its styles featured in O Magazine, Essence, Ebony, Philadelphia Magazine, Rolling Stone, Vogue, and more. Book an appointment at Duafe Holistic Hair Care from Tuesday–Saturday from 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

1617 Barber Shop and Beauty Salon | North Philadelphia | 1617 Cecil B. Moore Ave. Phildelphia, PA 19121

1617 Barber Shop & Beauty Salon provides affordable, detail-oriented haircuts. They offer traditional, straight razor and hot towel shaves, fades, blowouts, and more. Walk-ins are welcome or call to make an appointment. You can visit 1617 Barber Shop & Beauty Salon seven days a week. 

Miscellaneous

Grow With Snow | Center City | 1500 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Michelle Snow, owner, and president of Grow With Snow, is an award-winning philanthropist and business coach servicing the Greater Philadelphia area. The Snow Institute, a personalized executive leadership training program, is just one of Michelle’s signature offerings. Michelle has even partnered with the Free Library’s Business Resource and Innovation Center in the past to provide no-cost professional development clinics.

Uhuru Furniture and Collectibles | North Philadelphia | 832 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Uhuru Furniture and Collectibles is an economic development project of the African People’s Education and Defense Fund (APEDF). Uhuru has been selling gently-used furniture, home goods, and knick-knacks for over 20 years with 100% of the profits going to the APEDF. Visit Uhuru Wednesday–Sunday from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Check out their website to volunteer!

Ceramic Concept | West Philadelphia | 5015 Baltimore Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19143

Ceramic Concept, first opened in 2020, sells ceramic art made by over 50 artists from across the country and even some abroad. The shop is run by ceramic artist Stefani Threet who carefully curates all of the shop’s wares. You can visit Ceramic Concept from Thursday–Sunday.

Stay tuned for our list of Black-authored books about business and non-profits! Happy National Black Business Month!