Enjoy Evanston’s Black-Owned Businesses

Evanston is home to dozens of Black-owned businesses that infuse culture and creativity into our community. Make sure to add some of our favorite shops and restaurants to your list!

RESTAURANTS & SWEETS

CW Market & Ice Cream Parlour | Church & Dodge

Indulge your sweet tooth with CW’s creamy, handcrafted treats–from classics to flavors like salted caramel swirl and seasonal fruit sorbets. While there, you will be met by friendly staff who scoop up generous portions of happiness in every cone and cup. And you just may meet the owners and long-time Evanston residents, Clarence and Wendy Weaver, who are also found out and about in CW’s ice cream truck that is a mainstay for district events. The local shop also offers snacks, soup + sandwiches, and catered foods! 

Claire’s Korner | Church & Dodge

Savor the vibrant flavors of Jamaica at Claire's Korner, a cozy café in the Church & Dodge district. This spot, owned by Andrea Bhalai, offers an authentic taste of the Caribbean right here in Evanston. All menu items are delicious but some favorites include their mouthwatering jerk chicken, curried goat, and any of their selection of fresh juices.

Good to Go Jamaican Cuisine | Howard Street

Established in 2002 by husband and wife team, Lenice and Tony Levy, this hot spot along Howard fuses authentic Jamaican food with tropical cocktails and craft beer. Visit the lively patio during the warmer months and check out live reggae on Fridays. Be sure to sample the famous jerk sauce, a recipe handed down over generations from Tony’s great grandma.

Soul & Smoke | Ashland Arts

“D’Andre Carter and Heather Bublick have slowly created a barbecue empire in Chicago”, says a recent Eater Chicago article describing Soul & Smoke as one of Chicago’s essential restaurants. And while their Chicago locations are top-notch, it all began in Evanston’s Ashland Arts district. Construction is underway for an updated restaurant space with indoor and outdoor seating, which should be complete in Summer 2024!

Hecky’s Barbecue | Church & Dodge

This legendary Evanston institution has been around since the 80s, when Hecky Powell and his wife, Cheryl, launched the restaurant around a family BBQ sauce recipe. Decades later and people are still flocking to Hecky’s for their ribs, tips, and chicken. Hecky’s is also a mainstay in the community, sponsoring countless community groups and founding the Forrest E. Powell Foundation. The forthcoming documentary, If a Town Had a King, will highlight Hecky’s legendary impact.

Yo Fresh | Main Dempster Mile

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to a sweet treat, check out Yo Fresh in Main Dempster Mile. Started by Larry and Jean Murphy, the shop features 10 flavors that rotate seasonally. Their yogurts are kosher and full of immune-boosting probiotics, including non-fat, gluten-free, dairy-free, and no sugar added options. If you are looking for a more expansive menu, Yo Fresh also offers coffee, smoothies, pastries, soups, sandwiches, and more.

BEAUTY & ACCESSORIES

Ebony Barbershop | Church & Dodge

A must-visit is the oldest Black-owned barber shop in Evanston. Run by Gigi Giles, an Evanston native, whose father, Marshall, opened the shop in 1962 with just one chair. This location has been a center for civic engagement–the walls are covered with photos and newspaper clippings of people like Miles Davis, Roberta Flack, Sammy Davis Jr. and Harold Washington. Stop in for a haircut and a slice of Evanston’s history–all in one.

Maison du Prince | Main Dempster Mile

Acclaimed designer Ramsey Prince brings over 20 years of design industry experience to his latest venture, Maison Du Prince. This boutique offers curated collections of home accents and personal accessories sourced from around the globe. They also offer gorgeous floral arrangements and special event designs for all occasions.

Minouchic Boutique | Church & Dodge

Minouchic Boutique is an upscale resale boutique offering men's, women's & children's clothing, shoes, jewelry, and more. The boutique’s Haitian-born owner, Mary Toussaint, celebrates her heritage throughout the store. Most of the walls are covered with Haitian artwork, featuring artist Herold Alvares. 

Shower Blooms | Central Street

Shower Blooms was created by Olivia Jones after she discovered how natural skin care products helped her daughter. The result? A successful online and retail business along Central Street that offers handmade skincare products, including soaps, body scrubs and butters, and beard-care products. The shop also collaborates with local restaurants to host events, where groups can create imaginative soaps and scrubs while sipping and eating.