Black-owned businesses to support right now in Chattanooga

When thinking about what I can do to support my black neighbors here at home, I had the idea to put together a post highlighting some of the black-owned businesses here in Chattanooga.

I’ve had the privilege of talking with a few of these owners on Instagram, but none of this post is sponsored by any of these businesses. I also know this is only a few of the amazing black owners here in River City. If you know of more, I’d love to highlight them as well!

1. Still Life Fitness – Owner : Darryl Eubanks II

Darryl and I actually went to college together! We recently got reacquainted as I came across his fitness biz through a mutual friend. I had no idea he was in Chattanooga too! Darryl has a heart of gold and is such a hard worker. He leads a killer bootcamp class, and leads with this mantra:

“Our vision is to create a persevering mindset world wide through fitness. Each and everyone of us that is breathing still has still inside of them. No matter what you have been through or are going through you still have life. We aim to reach individuals who desire to reach their personal optimal fitness level, increase mental fortitude, and to establish accountability.”

2. Chatt Taste – Owner: Briana Garza

I don’t know Briana well, but have loved interacting with her on Instagram. Here is a bit of her why:

When asked about the Chatt Taste origin story, what’s typically expected is an epiphany of poetic proportions, but truly the start was: simple and genuine. I’m the daughter of a veteran. My family has lived on 3 different continents, 5 domestic states; and they have all been unique. The first order of business after a move was to find out where the locals eat.

That’s where you find the community. That’s what I’ve created in Chatt Taste: a fast track to community.

I love that her focus is community, and double love that it is centered around food. I’m really looking forward to scheduling a food tour as soon as this pandemic is behind us.

3. The Chattery – Co-owners: Shawanda Mason (left) & Jennifer Holder (right)

The Chattery has hosted over 150 community members to lead a class, and counting. There are recurring classes such as calligraphy, which has been a popular course since The Chattery’s beginning, and one-of-a-kind courses with celebrity hosts, such as Austin Channing Brown, a well-known author who led a discussion and lecture on racial injustice in September of 2019.

We are a nonprofit organization who believes in enjoyable adult education by providing fun, affordable and accessible classes and workshops for our community.

I’m dying to take the online Introduction to the Enneagram – ONLINE CLASS on June 8th.

4. Davis Wayne’s – Owners : Cynthia Wood & Antonia Poland

These two met in Chattanooga and opened Davis Wayne’s, a restaurant that focuses on comfort foods in Ooltewah’s Cambridge Square development.

I think a lot of life’s troubles could be solved with a little soul food.

4. Bessie Smith Cultural Center 

The mission of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center is to preserve and celebrate African American History and Culture in Chattanooga through art, education, research and entertainment.

Crowned as Empress of the Blues, Bessie Smith earned the honor as the greatest classic blues singer of the 1920’s. According to the 1900 census, Bessie Smith was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee in July 1892. Bessie Smith was one of the biggest African-American stars of the 1920’s and was popular with both Whites and African-Americans.

5. Chattanooga Segway Tours – Owner: Dianna Ward

Segway Tours provides exciting tours of Chattanooga on Segway, Bike or Walking Tours. We will share the museums, green spaces, entertainment, and tastes of Chattanooga.

Okay, so, I’ve never ridden a segway before. I minor key terrified. But I love that Dianna is allowing visitors to see our beautiful city in such a fun way. Watch out Paul Blart, we’re coming for ya.

6. Chatter Box Cafe – Owner : Brandon Ellis

Holy cow pig, get ready for some of the best BBQ to ever grace your taste buds. This is a favorite at downtown festivals, as well as one of those drive-way-out-of-the-way foods.

Chatter Box Cafe is an extension of Brandon’s love of food and feeding his community. His menu is always changing and evolving in order to feature the freshest options available, though it always involves meats smoked for hours on his indirect hardwood smoker. Each morning, Brandon spends time splitting logs while prepping his smoker. From brisket to ribs to chicken wings, everything that Brandon prepares on his smoker is cooked low and slow to tender, seasoned perfection.

7. Chattanooga Cigar Club – Part-owner : Curtis Greene

Located at 1518 Market St., a block away from the Chattanooga Choo Choo, large leather couches, exposed brick walls and contemporary jazz music greet customers when they walk in the door. The cigar club’s menu includes cocktails, beer and wine, appetizers, and entrees. The menu also includes a selection of sides and bourbon bread pudding for dessert. Yum!

Chattanooga Cigar Club is Chattanooga’s premier cigar and cocktail lounge. We offer premium hand-rolled cigars from around the world and speakeasy-style craft cocktails with a modern flair. When you visit the Chattanooga Cigar Club, you’re sure to experience the evolution in cigar lounges.

8. Uncle Larry’s Restaurant : Owner – Uncle Larry

Josh and I used to live right beside the Ooltewah location, and man, do I miss it! I think fried okra might be my favorite food on the planet. You have to go try theirs!

I hope you enjoyed this little round-up. I recently came across this link of more black businesses and entrepreneurs from the Chattanooga area, and even a form to submit more. I hope this makes it easier for you to support these neighbors with love and your pocketbook.

b. love,