NRAEF : Blog
Black-Owned Culinary Businesses
As we continue to honor Black History Month, we are taking the time to highlight a few Black-owned culinary businesses you can support!

Based in Atlanta, Dope Coffee is co-founded by Chel Loyd, Stace Loyd, and Mike Loyd. Dope Coffee is more than just coffee, it’s an idea that Black communities can use capitalism, culture, and commodities to change their community. They use their specialty coffee to communicate their morals, and dedication to the culture. At the core, “Dope Coffee elevates and uplifts Black culture while serving great coffee to great people.” They have made a name for themselves with loyal customers that are dedicated to the success of the company. Their mission is to “bridge the world of coffee, hip-hop, and culture to one.”
If you’re in Atlanta, be sure to check them out! https://bit.ly/36fPbpp

Major’s Popcorn was founded by Chauniqua Major-Louis, often known as Major. She dreamt up Major’s Project Pop when she realized that “most popcorn on the market was a little too dirty for her taste,” so she created a product she felt comfortable feeding to her nieces. One pop-up show in Orlando led to another, and now there is Major’s Popcorn Shop! The mission of Major’s Popcorn Shop is to put people and purpose over profits. The company supports causes like U.S. Hunger and the National Black Food & Justice Alliance. Their mantra is that they will always commit to serving with care, because you matter!

Genelle Drayton is the owner and head baker at Sweet Dames Bakery. The bakery is a tribute to her family, from the items on the menu to being named after Genelle’s Grandma and Grandpa Dames. Genelle has fond memories of her childhood home being the place where neighbors came for good food, laughter, drinks and a party. Her hope is to create a product through Sweet Dames Artisan Confections that brings a similar level of joy and fun to people’s lives.
Find out how you can order her business’s delicious treats here: https://bit.ly/3Lv2Zg1

Big Red’s Hot Sauce is a family-owned company established in 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The man behind the brand is Paul, an avid gardener and cook of the family! Paul attributes his success to his childhood. After losing his father at 13, he grew up raised by his mother and at times money was low and stress was high. After starting to head down the wrong path, he decided to turn it around and let his mantra of hard work and faith lead him. Now, he makes the world a little spicier one bottle of hot sauce at a time! Paul wants to leave a legacy behind that it’s not always how you start, it’s how you finish, and dreams can become your reality!
Click here to order Big Red’s Hot Sauce: https://bit.ly/3Ju36q4
Now is your chance to win a giveaway with a prize from each of these amazing Black-owned culinary businesses! Head to our Facebook and/or Instagram page to enter by tagging one of your favorite Black-owned culinary businesses and/or restaurants in the comments! You have until February 22nd to enter, and winners will be announced on February 23rd. Good luck!
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