Whether youβre searching for the sweetest treats around or you want to up your chicken and waffles game, black businesses in Durham got you covered. Check out these 12 black-owned establishments that have chosen the 919 as home base β and add these destinations to your must-hit local spots.
Psstβ¦we know there are many more successful black entrepreneurs not included on our list. What local business inspires you? Share with us here!
Chicken Hut
Did you know the Chicken Hut is Durham’s longest-serving black-owned restaurant?!β β
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This Bull City staple, originally known as The Chicken Box, was established in 1957 by the late Claiborne Tapp Jr, on what is now South Roxboro Street (initially Pine Street). Chicken Box moved to Fayetteville St. and became the Chicken Hut. β β
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TIPS:β β
βοΈ They only serve lunch, Monday-Friday starting at 11:30 am until 3:30 pmβ β
βοΈ You HAVE to try the fried chickenβ β
βοΈ Cash onlyβ β
βοΈ Show them your Shop Durham card now when you visit and they’ll hook you up with a FREE dessert with the purchase of a meal! β β
Dame’s Chicken and Waffles
Letβs be honest- chicken and waffles is good anytime of the day- breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We love Dameβs twist on the classic combo with their homemade flavor shmears. It really brings it to the next level.
Must Try: Their shmears with the waffles- itβs flavored butter that will make you forget syrup
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Brunch & Breakfast Spots in Durham here
Beyu Caffe
Beyu is a local staple and they definitely allow everyone to Be-You. The environment, service and food are awesome. Theyβve got ample seating so you can settle in and get work done or bring a crew and socialize.
Must Order: Sweet Potato French Toast, Shrimp and grits
Be sure to show them your Shop Durham card when you visit and they’ll hook you up with 10% off on coffee & breakfast items, weekday mornings until 10:30am. (Pastries excluded.)
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Brunch & Breakfast Spots in Durham here
Zweli’s
If youβre looking for a date night away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown, Zweliβs is the perfect spot. Youβll find them in an unsuspecting strip mall off 15-501, but donβt let that fool you. Here youβll find the only authentic Zimbabwe restaurant in the country. We recommend the chicken wings, oxtails, and peanut butter collard greens.
Show them your Shop Durham card when you visit and they’ll reward you with a Free Veggie Samosa with the purchase of any entree!
Check out our guide to Zweli’s here
Bull City Music School
A native of Memphis, Tennessee,Β Jeanetta HopkinsΒ has always had music play a major role in her life.Β A life long learner of music and humanity, she created Bull City Music School to further spread a message of love,Β respect, and self-confidence.
Experience master classes, get ready for music competitions or simply learn the beauty of music. The music school isnβt just for children. Adults can get reacquainted with an instrument or choose a new one.Β
Jeddah’s Teaβ
Jeddah’s Tea serves up premium teas, coffee & pastries from across the globe in their new spot in Downtown Durham. They’ve created an amazing place for people from all backgrounds to gather, converse and enjoy themselves in a welcoming environment and we love them for that.
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Show them your Shop Durham card when you visit and they’ll reward you with 10% off your beverage of choice!
Bull City Laughsβ
Bull City Laughs is a one of a kind comedy tour of Durham that features the cityβs history, and yep, itβs on a renovated, open-air school bus! You’ll hop on the bus to visit places like Black Wall Street, NCCU, Duke University, American Tobacco Campus, Durham Bulls Stadium, Duke Gardens, and historic neighborhoods. Your tour guide and comedian, Brandon, also highlights local spots to grab food and where to drink like a local.
Tip: Buy 2 tickets and get 1 free using your Shop Durham card!
Big C Wafflesβ
One of the best combos of all time, am I right? Love that you can mix different waffle flavors at Big C Waffles– they’ve got 6 different flavors including everything from thin mint to donut to red velvet.β
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Be sure to show them your Shop Durham card when you visit and they’ll reward you with 10% off!
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Brunch & Breakfast Spots in Durham here
Nailz
When walking into a nail boutique, people are relieved by the opportunity to sit down, exhale, and relish in the tranquility of a relaxing manicure or pedicure. Many salons provide a blissful experience; however, Joy, the owner of Nailz NC, has a mission to go beyond simply pampering her customers. Her goal is to make each individual who steps in feel beautiful, radiant, and ultimately, the best version of themselves.
Check out our complete guide to Nailz here
Favor Desserts
The story of Favor Desserts began in an unlikely place- prison. Keijuane Hester was serving time and was assigned to work in the kitchen. That’s where he learned his baking skills. When he was released, Keijuane started cooking cakes and selling slices door-to-door, mostly to businesses, barber shops, beauty salons and nail salons. That was about 15 years ago. He now has two locations- one in Durham and one in Greensboro and serves up over 30 different cake flavors to thousands of customers.
His story shows you that anything is possible. We’re proud to have them as part of the Durham community and our Shop Durham program. Use your Shop Durham card when you get your sweet fix and they’ll reward you with 10% off your purchase!
Wonderpuff
Wonderpuff, a handcrafted exploration of cotton candy possibilities powered by a husband and wife duo, has quickly become a Bull City staple.
They serve up unique flavors like lavender, chili mango, and orange cardamom. You can find them at pop ups around the Triangle (like our upcoming Shop Durham Night Market this Spring!) and local collaborations at spots like Kingfisher’s cocktail bar.
Nolia Coffeeβ
Nolia is a coffee shop by Golden Belt Campus with a family-friendly space that includes healthy menu items, a play space for the kiddos, and great coffee, of course. βοΈ β
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Check out their storytimes, happy hours, and weekly vendors.β
True Flavors Diner
The atmosphere at True Flavors Diner is energetic and comfortable, designed like no diner youβve seen before. An open kitchen greets guests as they enter and treats them to a true βbehind the scenesβ show complete with seating at the lunch counter. We love their modern take on classic Southern homestyle fare.
Must order: Chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits
Be sure to show them your Shop Durham card when you visit and they’ll reward you with 10% off 25% or more.
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Brunch & Breakfast Spots in Durham here
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