Voting with your wallet is one of the best ways to show support for a cause or a movement.
This is especially true when it comes to the fight for racial equality in America, which has been top of mind for nearly everyone this spring and summer.
And, during the coronavirus pandemic, there’s never been a better time to prioritize spending at small businesses, which are really struggling right now.
If you’re hoping to be more intentional about your shopping or dining choices, consider supporting these Black-owned businesses in Boulder and beyond.
This list is by no means exhaustive, but it’s a good place to start. Know of one that we should add to this list? Let us know!
Mateo, 1837 Pearl Street, Boulder
More info: mateorestaurant.com/
Owner and chef Matthew Jansen has truly created something with staying power. As other restaurants come and go, Mateo has been holding steady in Pearl Street since 2001. On the menu, you’ll find dishes like steak frites, river trout (served with shaved fennel gremolata and lemon), spaghettini and other fare.
Maker General, 381 Main Street, Longmont
More info: makergeneral.com/
Baltimore transplants Julie Benoit and Stephanie Sterling opened Maker General in Longmont. Not only does the store sell hand-picked goods and supplies, but it also serves as a hub for creatives and makers in Boulder County. The store offers DIY kits, fabric, patterns, gifts, cross-stitch and embroidery supplies and more. They also host regular workshops, like how to make macrame plant hangers or how to mend your denim.
Raglin Market, 5378 Gunbarrel Center Ct #2, Boulder
More info: raglin-market.com/
After all his success with Mateo, Matthew Jansen opened Raglin Market in Gunbarrel in 2018. His newest venture specializes in fresh, local ingredients, the majority of which have been sourced from within 50 miles of the restaurant. It’s open for lunch, happy hour and dinner.
Jacaranda, 1109 Walnut Street, Boulder
More info: rosettahall.com/chefs/jacaranda/
Jacaranda chef and owner Modou Jaiteh grew up in Gambia watching his mother prepare food in the kitchen. The restaurant, located inside the new Rosetta Hall, specializes in West African cuisine with African influences on cuisine from New Orleans and the Carolinas. Some popular dishes include the Ghana po’boy and peanut butter stew.
Big Daddy’s Texas BBQ, mobile food truck/various locations
More info: bigdaddystxbbq.com/
If you’re craving some delicious smoked meats, be sure to hit up Big Daddy’s Texas BBQ, owned by experienced barbecue cook Megill Stewart. His mobile food truck specializes in catering and some delivery options. Check out the Big Daddy Facebook page for the latest updates.
John’s Auto Care, 1900 55th Street #104, Boulder
More info: johnsautorepairboulder.com/
John Argrow opened John’s Auto Care in 2005. The mechanic shop specializes in all the latest technologies while remaining true to old-fashioned values. Argrow and his team work on domestic and imported cars, SUVs and light trucks.
Blackat Video Productions, mobile
More info: blackatvideoproductions.com/
Filmmaker Katrina Miller is the brains behind Blackat Video Productions. One of her recent projects is a film that follows a 91-year-old African American woman in Boulder as she navigates the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Miller works with a number of Colorado businesses, providing creative consulting, instruction, direction and video shooting and editing services.
Brooklyn Barber Academy, 2660 Canyon Blvd, Unit A-16, Boulder
More info: thebrooklynbarberacademy.com/
Owner Ja’Mal Gilmore grew up in Brooklyn, where he spent much of his free time hanging around local barbershops. He served in the Navy for six years before arriving in Boulder and opening the academy, which is a barbershop and a community mentorship space for young people. Gilmore and his team help teens navigate to adulthood with the motto: “Be smart. Act smart. Live smart.”
