Introduce Yourself to a New Black-Owned Business During Black History Month

As we celebrate Black History Month and honor African-American individuals who have made a significant impact on the Chicago Southland, it’s also a time where we can seek out and support the black-owned businesses that contribute to our communities. Carve out some time this month to celebrate and explore a local black-owned business.

Copper Still Martini Lounge & Speakeasy
Homewood

This two-level speakeasy and cocktail lounge brings a little bit of glam of the golden age to downtown Homewood. Fun prohibition-era vibes ooze from the underground where you will enjoy live music with a touch of rebellion as the cocktails flow.

Vintrendi Wine Company
Olympia Fields

Vintrendi Wine Company evolved from its predecessor company, Vanguard Beverage, a boutique wine and spirits distribution company designed to fill a void in the wine business. In an effort to bring more approachable and unique wines, the owner ultimately became the winemaker. You can now try his hand-crafted wine offerings in Vintrendi’s tasting room and lounge.

Vintrendi was the first licensed, Black-Owned and Operated Winery in the State of Illinois and has also been inducted into the Illinois Made Program by the Illinois Department of Tourism.

Hidden Manna Cafe
Matteson

Enjoying a meal at Hidden Manna Cafe is like taking a trip to the south. In using high-quality, fresh ingredients from local suppliers, the talented chefs are able to provide southern-style, cajun and creole specialties that taste like they came right out of your grandmother’s kitchen.

Homewood Brewing Co.
Homewood

The Chicago Southland’s newest brewery has taken the tradition of beer brewing to new heights. In addition to the standard favorites, they have a second brewing system that allows for small-batch experimentation and creativity.

Founder Carmela Wallace spearheaded the project to create a space for community to gather for well-brewed craft beers and creative food in an upscale, but welcoming atmosphere that would also serve as place to pay homage to her late son, Jarad Higgins, better known as rapper Juice WRLD. Pieces of his art are woven into the location with his quotes etched into table tops and a mural of her son painted on the back wall of the brewery’s rooftop.

Beyond the Book: A Literary Experience
Homewood

The brainchild of an award-winning author, former Harpo Productions employee and PhD executive, this beautiful brick-and-mortar bookstore was formed from a love of storytelling and community. Besides providing best-selling books, it provides a space where creatives can come together or come to a quiet space to be inspired. A podcast space is also available for use by members.

In addition to those above, make your way around the Chicago Southland to discover other Black-Owned businesses, including S.L Wine Bar in Lansing, Soul to Go in South Holland, Flossmoor Social, birch + bloom in Flossmoor, Tiny’s Flowers in Lansing, The Lab in Calumet City, Balloon Bar in Flossmoor, Highly Flavored Chicago City Grill in Calumet City, GrannyMa’s Kitchen in Monee, Soul Food Heaven in Blue Island, Alison Turner Nail Studio in Flossmoor, The Cafe Where Grown Folks Play in Hazel Crest, Parks Pastries in Homewood, Yesterday’s Gentlemen Barbershoppe in Flossmoor and Richard’s Super Premium Ice Cream in Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood.

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