BY: OBY NWABUZOR, ENVISION GROWTH
FIND MORE OF THE BEST OF MILWAUKEE 2024 HERE
Editor’s Note: This year, Milwaukee Magazine asked several notable Milwaukeeans for their takes on the Best of Milwaukee. Many responded with much more great stuff than we could publish in our print issue, so we just had to share more of their picks here! Oby Nwabuzor is a developer, consultant and speaker and founder of Envision Growth.
Research suggests that the survival rate is lower for Black-owned businesses compared to all other businesses on average. According to a Bloomberg report, 8 out of 10 Black-owned businesses fail within the first 18 months and often face hurdles such as limited access to capital and lack of mentorship or sponsorship, among a list of other challenges such as historical discriminatory practices.
However, in the face of these challenges, we rise! According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Black-owned businesses number 3.5 million and last year increased employment by 7% to more than 1.2 million workers. This resilience is a beacon of hope, and the future is bright. Here are some local Black-owned business that aren’t just our community hubs and role models in representation but also great spots to grab a bite to eat!
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Sherman Phoenix
3536 W. FOND DU LAC AVE.
The Sherman Phoenix Marketplace is a vibrant center for Black-owned businesses in Milwaukee. It emerged from the ashes of a BMO Harris Bank building that was burned during unrest in the city and now stands as a symbol of economic empowerment and community revitalization. It has become a popular destination for locals and visitors, providing a distinctive shopping and cultural experience.
The marketplace highlights several Black-owned businesses offering various products and services. In addition to restaurants, cafes and bakeries, there are wellness services like salons and fitness centers; cultural experiences, such as art galleries and clothing stores; and more. Additionally, it serves as a community gathering space, hosting events and fostering collaboration among entrepreneurs.
HoneyBee Sage Wellness & Apothecary
1819 N. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DR.
HoneyBee Sage Wellness & Apothecary is a shop focusing on natural wellness products. It also offers a cafe serving herbal teas and alcohol-free drinks. The shop sells a variety of herbs and loose-leaf tea blends formulated for specific purposes, such as sleep support or hormone regulation. Additionally, it offers natural body care products, making it a one-stop shop for all your wellness needs. They also serve soup!
Buffalo Boss
540 N. 27TH ST.
This popular spot for wings is a favorite of mine! They offer regular or boneless wings, tenders, fries and more, plus a variety of sauces (from mild to spicy), dipping options like ranch or bleu cheese.
Twisted Plants
1233 E. BRADY ST; 4905 S. PACKARD AVE., CUDAHY
Everyone is always so welcoming at this great vegan restaurant option! Both locations offer a delicious selection of rich, plant-based comfort food, from burgers and sandwiches to salads and sides. They are known for creative menu items like the “Superbad” burger and the “Dazed and Confused” cauliflower bites.
Confectionately Yours by GGG
1920 N. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DR.
This bakery specializes in delicious treats and delicious breakfast sandwiches made with love by third-generation baker Adija Greer-Smith. They have a variety of baked goods, including cookies from classics like chocolate chip and snickerdoodle to more off-the-wall flavors. They also offer breakfast items, muffins, cakes, cheesecakes and other treats.
Mi Casa Su Café
1835 N. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DR.
The atmosphere at this American Southern comfort-style spot (just minutes from Fiserv Forum) is smooth and relaxed, with instrumental jazz music, beautiful artwork and friendly, upbeat staff. Mi Casa Su Cafe is known for both its selection of food – burgers, sandwiches, burritos, wraps and pasta bowls – and its affordable prices, plus a daily happy hour with half-price drinks.
Mobay Cafe
1022 S. FIRST ST.
Jamaica native Nadine Dixon’s Mobay Café specializes in authentic Caribbean and Jamaican cuisine. On their menu, you can find a variety of dishes, including the classic Jamaican specialty jerk chicken. Mobay also offers a selection of curries made with different meats such as chicken or goat, or vegetables – plus Caribbean sides such as rice and peas, fried plantains, and fresh salads. As for appetizers, they offer Jamaican meat patties and other savory starters.
1700 Pull Up
1700 W. FOND DU LAC AVE.
1700 Pull Up is a unique restaurant in the former Tandem space on Fond du Lac Avenue, continuing the tradition of serving the community with great food and a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant offers soul food staples such as enormous smoked-turkey legs, fried and smothered pork chops, pan-seared lamb chops, and classic sides like greens, macaroni and cheese, dressing and candied yams.
Chef and owner Rosetta Bond grew up in the neighborhood and uses this restaurant to nourish the local community. Additionally, the restaurant operates as a community hub by employing local youth and providing a gathering place for people in the community.
Rise and Grind Cafe
2737 N. Dr. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DR.
This cafe on MLK Drive offers breakfast and lunch options that focus on creating a welcoming space for everyone in the community. In addition to standard breakfast fare, the menu includes sandwiches, wraps and salads as well vegetarian/vegan options. On Saturdays, the cafe hosts a special all-you-can-eat soul food brunch. Rise and Grind also hosts events such as presentations from local businesses and live music to foster a vibrant atmosphere.
City Social Bar & Grill
530 N. WATER ST.
City Social Bar & Grill, which opened on Water Street this April, operates as two concepts under one roof: City Social, which provides a casual dining experience, and The LYNQ lounge and bar. The menu features a variety of bar-and-grill classics, including sliders with fries, wings with fries, catfish, shrimp and more.
