You've probably felt it—that specific hum of energy when you walk into a place where the owners actually know your name. Or at least, they act like they want to. In Columbus, that feeling is everywhere, but it hits a little different when you’re leaning into the local ecosystem of black owned businesses Columbus Ohio residents have built from the ground up.
It’s not just about "supporting" a cause. Honestly? It’s about the fact that some of the best food, sharpest clothes, and most unique community spaces in Central Ohio are tucked away in neighborhoods like Olde Towne East, the Short North, and Bronzeville.
If you’re just visiting or you’ve lived here since the 614 was a lot quieter, the landscape has changed. It's bigger. More vibrant. And frankly, more essential to the city's economy than ever, contributing billions annually to the local region.
The Flavor of the City: Can't-Miss Eats
Let’s talk food because that’s usually where the heart is. If you haven't been to Upper Cup Coffee on Parsons Avenue, are you even living in Columbus? It’s basically the unofficial living room of Olde Towne East. The owner, Michale Habte, brings this Eritrean coffee culture that’s sophisticated but somehow totally unpretentious. You walk in, it smells like roasting beans and community, and the lattes are—no exaggeration—top-tier.
Then there’s the North Market. Most people head there for the spectacle, but you go there for Willowbeez SoulVeg. It’s vegan, but don’t let that scare the carnivores away. It’s "soulful" plant-based food. Think jerk "chicken" that actually has a kick and cornbread that tastes like a hug.
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Expert Tip: If you’re heading to the Short North, Jerky’s Jamaican Grill on High Street is the move for authentic spice. It’s one of those spots that reminds you why the neighborhood’s food scene used to be so legendary before the big chains started moving in.
- B&K Smokehouse: Tucked away on Main Street. Best brisket in the city? Many say yes.
- Hoyo’s Kitchen: Also in the North Market (and Dublin). Somali food that will make you rethink everything you know about fast-casual dining. Get the safari chicken.
- Way Down Yonder: If you want New Orleans flavor in the Midwest, this is it. The beignets are a spiritual experience.
Why Black Owned Businesses Columbus Ohio Are the Real City Blueprint
It’s kind of wild when you look at the numbers. Recent data shows that Black-owned enterprises in Central Ohio contribute roughly $2.2 billion to the local economy. That’s not a small number. It’s the backbone.
But it’s also about spaces like Zora’s House. It’s a co-working and community space specifically for women and gender-expansive people of color. They do these "First Friday" events—one coming up in late January 2026—that focus on vision boarding and resetting. It’s more than just a desk and a Wi-Fi password; it’s a sanctuary.
When you spend your money at Sole Classics in the Short North, you aren't just buying a pair of sneakers. You’re supporting a boutique that has survived the rapidly changing face of High Street by staying true to street culture. They’ve been there for over a decade. In "Short North years," that’s basically a lifetime.
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Beyond the Menu: Retail and Wellness
If your house is looking a little "big-box boring," you need to visit Coles Plants. It’s a Black-owned shop that specializes in indoor house plants. The vibe is immaculate, and they actually help you not kill your new green friends.
Then there's Replenish: The Spa Co-op. Located in a beautiful historic building Downtown, it’s the antithesis of those cold, clinical spas you find in the malls. It’s family-owned, focused on holistic wellness, and they make their own products. It feels like a secret, even though it’s right there on Washington Ave.
Navigating the Challenges
We have to be real here. It’s not all sunshine and ribbon cuttings. Black entrepreneurs in Columbus still face a massive credit gap. Nationally, Black-owned firms are denied credit at nearly twice the rate of white-owned firms.
In Columbus, organizations like the Central Ohio African American Chamber of Commerce (COAACC) and the Women’s Center for Economic Opportunity (WCEO) are doing the heavy lifting to bridge that gap. They provide the networking and "smart data" that helps a micro-business scale up into a major employer.
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How to Actually Support the Scene
Supporting black owned businesses Columbus Ohio doesn't mean you have to change your entire life. It just means being a little more intentional.
- Check the Directory: Before you Google "barber near me," check the COAACC directory or the "Experience Columbus" minority-owned business list. You’ll find gems like Fresche Barber Shop or Nail Behavior that you might have missed.
- Move Your Meeting: Instead of the big green mermaid coffee shop, suggest meeting a client at Black Kahawa Coffee or Parable Cafe. The coffee is better, and the atmosphere is actually conducive to a conversation.
- Gift Purposefully: Need a gift? Donna’s Delicious Dozens in Gahanna makes custom donuts that blow people's minds. Or hit up Dreams on High for unique boutique apparel.
Columbus is a city of neighborhoods. Each one has a different pulse, but the ones that feel the most "alive" are usually the ones where local, Black-owned businesses are thriving. Whether you're grabbing a burger at Preston’s (which, by the way, is arguably the best smash burger in the state) or getting a facial at Mone't Obree Day Spa, you’re part of a cycle that keeps this city from becoming just another cookie-cutter metro.
Your Next Steps in the 614
- Plan a Saturday crawl: Start with coffee at Upper Cup, head to the Short North for some shopping at Ransom Supply, and end with dinner at Hen Quarter in Dublin for some elevated soul food.
- Follow the social feeds: Many of these businesses, like Too Good Eats or Creole 2 Geaux, use Instagram to announce specials and pop-ups.
- Invest in the community: Attend an event at The King Arts Complex or join a "Gather & Grow" session at Zora’s House to see the brilliance of local leaders firsthand.
The reality is that Columbus is only as strong as its local entrepreneurs. When you choose to spend your dollars at these spots, you're making sure the city's future looks as diverse and vibrant as its people.