Here are 10 black-owned businesses you should check out in Chicago. That is, if you haven’t already.<\/p>\n
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Peach’s Currency Exchange Cafe<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"Peach's](\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/45842267_303547700502168_2037407904513500901_n.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Peach’s at Currency Exchange Cafe Instagram<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n305 East Garfield Boulevard, Washington Park<\/strong><\/p>\nYou might remember this South Side gem as Currency Exchange Cafe. But as of last year, the establishment has a new name, thanks to the partnership of Theaster Gates and Chef Cliff Rome.\u00a0Born from the vision of Chicago artist and community man Theaster Gates, Peach’s Currency Exchange Cafe serves up real-deal hospitality. Operating as both a cafe and lounge, this casual neighborhood eatery has the best home cooked, Southern-inspired breakfast. Most importantly it’s a great, cozy to dine in with colleagues and family.<\/p>\n
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Original Soul Vegetarian<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"Black-Owned](\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/926828_1719186121639357_523785076_n.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Original Soul Instagram<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n203 East 75th Street, Greater Grand Crossing<\/strong><\/p>\nOriginal Soul is not just one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Chicago<\/a>, it’s one of the best soul food spots in the city as well. How they get Tofu wings to taste just like Buffalo wings I’ll never know, but you’re definitely gonna wanna try it. For over 30 years, the beloved restaurant has provided food that’s both undeniably delicious and healthy. And hospitality is their top priority.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Black Ensemble Theater<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"Black-Owned](\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/26225974_534478010259331_4921862998856826880_n.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Black Ensemble Theater Instagram<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n4450 North Clark Street Sheridan Park<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Black Ensemble Theater and performing arts center has been a Chicago institution for more than four decades. Founded by performing arts maven Jackie Taylor, the theater itself is prized for its original performances, outstanding productions and continued community and educational outreach programs city-wide. Their upcoming production, Moving Thru The Light\u00a0<\/i>is set to wow Chicago with a celebration of one of the greatest gospel singers of all time, Mahalia Jackson. You can buy your tickets here<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Batter & Berries<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"Batter](\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Batter-Berries.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Batter & Berries Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n2748 North Lincoln Avenue, Lincoln Park<\/strong><\/p>\nSatisfy your sweet tooth at Lincoln Park’s Batter & Berries! This amazing breakfast spot was opened by Derek Rylon in 2012 and has been completely demolishing Chicago’s brunch scene ever since. They collaborate with several local artisans and purveyors to create a unique and vibrant experience. There’s no debate, Batter & Berries is a must!<\/p>\n
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Rebuild Foundation<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"Rebuild](\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/49913253_160655894910305_8353475957655767098_n.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Rebuild Foundation Instagram<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n6760 South Stony Island Avenue, Jackson Park Highlands<\/strong><\/p>\nFounded by world-renown Chicago artist Theaster Gates, the Rebuild Foundation is a engine for building neighborhood community through the transformative power of performance art and cultural expression. The artists at the Foundation take spaces from within the community and re-develop them into social and cultural hubs, free programing and even housing for those that live there. Projects of the Rebuild Foundation include the Peach’s\u00a0Peach’s Currency Exchange Cafe<\/a>,\u00a0 the Listening House<\/a> and the Black Cinema House<\/a>, all of which host a wide array of amazing events, classes and social organizations on a weekly basis.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Justice of the Pies<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"Justice](\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/46602268_2572075486142888_8692810885725538406_n.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Justice of the Pies<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMultiple Locations<\/strong><\/p>\nTrust us when we say you have not tasted great pie till you’ve visited Justice of the Pies. Though only open for catering, pre-order and pick up at the moment, owner\u00a0Maya-Camille Broussard’s baking is wellll worth the wait. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, you can find Justice of the Pies goods at the Daley Plaza Farmers Market and Whole Foods Markets across the city.<\/p>\n
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Shall We Wine<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"Black-Owned](\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/24178025_184660792087767_2569303995436761088_n.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Shall We Wine Instagram<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nMultiple Locations<\/strong><\/p>\nThe answer to the question posed by owner\u00a0Regine Rousseau’s beverage company, Shall We Wine, is, of course, yes<\/em>. The wine, spirits and beer tasting company, founded in 1997, organizes events across the city based on celebrating what we all love most \u2013 alcohol. You can find Shall We Wine representatives at retail locations across Chicago or book them for your own event or retreat here<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
The Delta<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/49515990_292666691606450_3766146047311617086_n.jpg\")
Photo Credit: The Delta Instagram<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n1745 West North Ave, Wicker Park<\/strong><\/p>\nSouthern cooking flies North at the The Delta, a neighborhood restaurant and cocktail bar in Wicker Park. Owned and operated by veteran Chicago chef\u00a0Eldridge Williams, The Delta takes its roots from his childhood home in Memphis Tennessee, focusing on the melting pot of flavors and cuisines that is the Mississippi Delta. Oh, and did we mention the drinks? ‘Cause they’re out of the world.<\/p>\n
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Red Clay Dance Company<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"Red](\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/47048911_355232081928605_6910841810087476449_n.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Red Clay Dance Company Instagram<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n331 West 45 Street, Fuller Park<\/strong><\/p>\nFounded by activist, artist, dancer and all around badass Vershawn Sanders-Ward, Red Clay Dance Co. brings the art and movement of the African Diaspora to Chicago. Through both classes and performances, Sanders-Ward and her incredibly talented group of dancers aim to inspire real cultural and socio-economic change via the powers of art and expression. As if that wasn’t enough, the programs put on by Red Clay are absolutely breathtaking \u2013 you can find their full schedule here<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Brown Sugar Bakery<\/a><\/h2>\n![\"Black-Owned](\"https:\/\/urbanmatter.com\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/tct-bake-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: The Chicago Culture Trip<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
305 East Garfield Boulevard, Washington Park<\/strong><\/p>\n You might remember this South Side gem as Currency Exchange Cafe. But as of last year, the establishment has a new name, thanks to the partnership of Theaster Gates and Chef Cliff Rome.\u00a0Born from the vision of Chicago artist and community man Theaster Gates, Peach’s Currency Exchange Cafe serves up real-deal hospitality. Operating as both a cafe and lounge, this casual neighborhood eatery has the best home cooked, Southern-inspired breakfast. Most importantly it’s a great, cozy to dine in with colleagues and family.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 203 East 75th Street, Greater Grand Crossing<\/strong><\/p>\n Original Soul is not just one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Chicago<\/a>, it’s one of the best soul food spots in the city as well. How they get Tofu wings to taste just like Buffalo wings I’ll never know, but you’re definitely gonna wanna try it. For over 30 years, the beloved restaurant has provided food that’s both undeniably delicious and healthy. And hospitality is their top priority.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 4450 North Clark Street Sheridan Park<\/strong><\/p>\n The Black Ensemble Theater and performing arts center has been a Chicago institution for more than four decades. Founded by performing arts maven Jackie Taylor, the theater itself is prized for its original performances, outstanding productions and continued community and educational outreach programs city-wide. Their upcoming production, Moving Thru The Light\u00a0<\/i>is set to wow Chicago with a celebration of one of the greatest gospel singers of all time, Mahalia Jackson. You can buy your tickets here<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2748 North Lincoln Avenue, Lincoln Park<\/strong><\/p>\n Satisfy your sweet tooth at Lincoln Park’s Batter & Berries! This amazing breakfast spot was opened by Derek Rylon in 2012 and has been completely demolishing Chicago’s brunch scene ever since. They collaborate with several local artisans and purveyors to create a unique and vibrant experience. There’s no debate, Batter & Berries is a must!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 6760 South Stony Island Avenue, Jackson Park Highlands<\/strong><\/p>\n Founded by world-renown Chicago artist Theaster Gates, the Rebuild Foundation is a engine for building neighborhood community through the transformative power of performance art and cultural expression. The artists at the Foundation take spaces from within the community and re-develop them into social and cultural hubs, free programing and even housing for those that live there. Projects of the Rebuild Foundation include the Peach’s\u00a0Peach’s Currency Exchange Cafe<\/a>,\u00a0 the Listening House<\/a> and the Black Cinema House<\/a>, all of which host a wide array of amazing events, classes and social organizations on a weekly basis.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Multiple Locations<\/strong><\/p>\n Trust us when we say you have not tasted great pie till you’ve visited Justice of the Pies. Though only open for catering, pre-order and pick up at the moment, owner\u00a0Maya-Camille Broussard’s baking is wellll worth the wait. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, you can find Justice of the Pies goods at the Daley Plaza Farmers Market and Whole Foods Markets across the city.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Multiple Locations<\/strong><\/p>\n The answer to the question posed by owner\u00a0Regine Rousseau’s beverage company, Shall We Wine, is, of course, yes<\/em>. The wine, spirits and beer tasting company, founded in 1997, organizes events across the city based on celebrating what we all love most \u2013 alcohol. You can find Shall We Wine representatives at retail locations across Chicago or book them for your own event or retreat here<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 1745 West North Ave, Wicker Park<\/strong><\/p>\n Southern cooking flies North at the The Delta, a neighborhood restaurant and cocktail bar in Wicker Park. Owned and operated by veteran Chicago chef\u00a0Eldridge Williams, The Delta takes its roots from his childhood home in Memphis Tennessee, focusing on the melting pot of flavors and cuisines that is the Mississippi Delta. Oh, and did we mention the drinks? ‘Cause they’re out of the world.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 331 West 45 Street, Fuller Park<\/strong><\/p>\n Founded by activist, artist, dancer and all around badass Vershawn Sanders-Ward, Red Clay Dance Co. brings the art and movement of the African Diaspora to Chicago. Through both classes and performances, Sanders-Ward and her incredibly talented group of dancers aim to inspire real cultural and socio-economic change via the powers of art and expression. As if that wasn’t enough, the programs put on by Red Clay are absolutely breathtaking \u2013 you can find their full schedule here<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nOriginal Soul Vegetarian<\/a><\/h2>\n
Black Ensemble Theater<\/a><\/h2>\n
Batter & Berries<\/a><\/h2>\n
Rebuild Foundation<\/a><\/h2>\n
Justice of the Pies<\/a><\/h2>\n
Shall We Wine<\/a><\/h2>\n
The Delta<\/a><\/h2>\n
Red Clay Dance Company<\/a><\/h2>\n
Brown Sugar Bakery<\/a><\/h2>\n