By Kathy Chouteau
There’s no better way to show your love for local Black-owned businesses during Black History Month—and beyond—by supporting them with your patronage. And with the COVID-19 pandemic approaching its one-year mark, and given the economic blow it’s dealt to businesses, there’s no time like the present to show some serious consumer-love.
To this end, the Standard has compiled a roundup of various Black-owned businesses in Richmond and nearby. Our list just scratches the surface of the businesses out there, so we encourage our readers to share your own favorite local Black-owned businesses in the comments.
Richmond businesses for foodies:
Cassandra’s Wedding Cakes & Beyond: A beloved local bakery at 321 23rd St. in Richmond. Offering delectable baked goods like holiday/wedding/birthday cakes, edible image cakes, cupcakes, pies and more. Call 510-232-4616 or visit here.
CJ’s Barbecue & Fish: Located at 2401 Macdonald Ave. in Richmond. One of the OG Black-owned businesses on Macdonald Avenue. Sells just what its name suggests. Call 510-235-7471. here.
Mississippi Catfish: Located at 12440 San Pablo Ave. in Richmond, Mississippi Catfish features fish & chips and a variety of southern fare. Call 510-682-5377 or visit here. 
R&R Coffee: R&R Coffee is an onsite kiosk at Bridge Storage & ArtSpace and offers delicious breakfast and brunch, coffee and tea amid a creative and park-like outdoor atmosphere. Owner Phillip Mitchell also runs the Commissary Kitchen at Bridge Storage & ArtSpace. R&R Coffee is located at 23 Maine Ave. in Richmond. Call 415-875-0786. Visit here.
Red Bay Coffee: The first coffee shop to swing open its doors in downtown Richmond in two decades makes its home in the Richmond Food Hall at 1503 Macdonald Ave. in Richmond. The Founder/CEO is Keba Konte. here.
Snapper’s Seafood Restaurant: A well-known locals favorite at 1501 Ohio Ave. in Richmond. Specializing in seafood and southern comfort-style specialties. Call 510-235-63284 or visit here.
Richmond/General Services:
All Access Construction: The full-service construction contractor provides services including masonry, concrete work and retaining walls. Located at Vista del Mar Shopping Center, 15501 San Pablo Ave #226. (510) 701-4400. For more info, go here.
CoBiz Richmond: Operated by CEO Wesley Alexander and his team, CoBiz provides work space, business acumen, a sense of community and opportunities for its members to make a difference in the lives of each other and the local community through diverse programming. Located at 1503 Macdonald Ave., Suite A, in Richmond. Call 510-309-7107, email [email protected] or visit here.
D3 Comic Book Spot: An online black-owned, family-run business operated by lifelong Richmond resident Darren Macon, his mother and sons. As its name suggests, D3 Comic Book Spot offers online shoppers a wide-ranging collection of comics for people of all ages, including popular comic brands like DC, Marvel, Image Comics and more. Visit D3 Comic Book Spot.
Exclusive Shoes: Owned by Kennedy High alum Jason Drisker, the shop specializes in “urban shoe ware culture.” Want a pair of retro Air Jordans? This is the place. Located at 4926 McBryde Ave. in Richmond. Call 415-579-7762 or visit here.
Fisher Realtors: Owned and operated by Joe Fisher and supported by his team of brokers, Fisher Realty provides real estate and related financial services. Located at 180 Broadway, Suite A, in Richmond. Contact 510-236-8204, [email protected] or visit here.
Gratitude Afrocentric Gift Store: Located at 322 Harbour Way, Suite 1A, in Richmond. Features a variety of unique gifts, including ethnic art, angels, figurines, African apparel, jewelry, books, incense, body oils, and many unique finds both new and antique. Call 510-680-5266. here.
Natrully Herbs and More: Located at 4113 Macdonald Ave. in Richmond, Natrully Herbs and More opened in May of 2019 and brings the owners’ love for herbs and healthy lifestyle to the community. The business also helps educate people on wellness, herbs, veganism and self-care. For more information, go here.
Rich City Studios: Owned by musician and businessman Charles Turner (aka “ChuckT”), Rich City Studios operates out of Market Square Mall in downtown Richmond and offers music production, audio recording, mixing and other related services using state-of-the-art equipment. Contact 510-374-6061 or visit here.
Odom’s Landscaping: This full-service landscaping and gardening company will help make your property look tidy and inviting. (510)621-9656. For more information, go here.
Rich City Rides Bike Shop: The bike shop, established in 2014, is the for-profit arm of Rich City Rides, founded in 2012 by local activist Najari Smith. Rich City Rides has become a central force for cycling advocacy and health in the Richmond community. Its bike shop is also a central location in downtown Richmond for new bikes, parts, accessories, apparel, service, repairs, and customizations. To shop online or for more information, visit here.
Redline Pictures Film Company: Larrie Lawson offers a wide range of video production services, including for music videos, weddings, live events and commercials. (510) 260-6753. Check out some of his work here.
The Rich Clothing Company: Founded and co-owned by Osaretin Ogbebor, whose family has a long history in Richmond, the online shop features unique apparel with original Richmond-themed designs. Shop online at here.
TMB Tax and Associates: TamikaMarie Smith launched her full-serving tax planning accounting and tax firm in 2005 and hasn’t looked back since. The business is located at 2231 Macdonald Ave., (510) 239-5021, here.
San Pablo/El Sobrante:
ADF Handyman & Painting: Looking for a professional handyman or painter? Contact Amos Louis at 510-467-4541. For hauling call 510-545-2075 or visit here.
Berto Car Wash: Get your full-service auto detailing, which includes hand wash, engine cleaning, interior cleaning and vacuuming at 1200 Rumrill Road. Call (510) 778-1517 or visit here.
CES Real Estate School: This school will prep you to get your California real estate license at 2089 Vale Road (510) 223-2636. For more info, go here.
Chris’ Kitchen Soul Food: San Pablo soul food restaurant located at 1260 Rumrill Blvd., San Pablo. Call 510-235-9117 or visit here.
Hawkins Merchant Solutions: Following a decades long sales career in merchant services, Elijah Hawkins launched this business in order to help small businesses protect and increase revenue via innovative, cost-effective financial and digital solutions. The business is located at 2415 San Pablo Dam Rd. Ste. 106 in San Pablo, (888) 645-6447, and its website is here.
Lisa Weathers, broker: Lisa Marie Weathers, M.A, is a mortgage and real estate broker who specializes in first-time homebuyers and DAP programs (DRE# 01442029 NMLS# 334664). For more info, go here.
Mirco-Easy Vocational School: Kola Onafowode, computer entrepreneur and educator, operates both Micro-Easy Computer, Inc, and also Micro-Easy Vocational Institute, which is a full-service vocational computer training school at 3851 San Pablo Dam Rd. El Sobrante. For more information, call (510) 262-9949 and visit here.
Sol-licious Catering Service: Nicole Creswell cooks up delicious originals at this full-service food catering company at 1964-16th St. (510) 932-6340. Learn more here.
Tipped by Tay: A full-service women & men’s nail salon located at 15708 Crestwood Dr. (510) 253-5201. For more info, go here.
Mike Kinney contributed to this report
