August is National Black Business Month, a time that highlights the importance of Black-owned businesses to our communities as well as our national economy. According to recent data, there are approximately 3.12 million Black-owned businesses in the United States. These businesses employ 1.18 million people and generate $133.7 billion in total sales. In Portland, Black-owned businesses can be found in business districts citywide and offer everything from critically acclaimed food to passionate professional services. Celebrate National Black Business Month in these business districts: 

  • Alberta: If you are hungry, don’t forget to try the Detroit-style pizza at Assembly Brewing. Assembly is Oregon’s first Black-owned and operated brewery!
  • Beaumont: Check out the selection of games, puzzles, and dice at one of Portland’s newest game stores, Puddletown Games. They even offer in-person group gaming dates!
  • Central Eastside: Hidden Opulence is a Design House that’s focused in apparel sustainability and upcycling. They are your one-stop shop when it comes to refreshing or perfecting those cherished items in your wardrobe or from your home.
  • Division/Clinton: Check out Third Eye Books & Gifts’ extensive selection of African-centered books, accessories, and gifts; the largest in the Portland Metro Area.
  • Foster Area: Bringing you Rex Whiskey, Miru Vodka, mixers, and more, Royalty Spirits is a distillery that hosts events such as live jazz and cocktail tastings. 
  • Hawthorne: Tattoo 34 is a street tattoo shop that specializes in flash and custom-drawn pieces.
  • Lloyd: Satisfy your sweet tooth with Joe Brown’s Carmel Corn, which has been a Portland institution since 1932. They sell flavored popcorn, nuts, candy, cookies, cotton candy, and Hana’s Snowballs.  
  • Midway: Sisters Ethiopian Restaurant serves traditional Ethiopian dishes and is an excellent place to get a taste of East African cuisine. They also offer a range of vegan and gluten-free options, as well as traditional dishes like Doro Wot and Lamb Tibs. 
  • Mississippi Ave: Rose City Taps and Rosé is the brainchild of two fathers who came together to build a legacy for their families and generations to come. This pub has a fabulous patio and is a great spot for parties and events.
  • Old Town: If you love coffee, sports, and fashion, then Deadstock Coffee Roasters is right up your alley. They love sneakers so much here that you can even get a sneaker stencil on any drink made with steamed milk!
  • Soul District: Champions Barbershop is an upscale barbershop that offers “champion-level” grooming and customer service. For some Soul Food in the Soul District, try Kee’s Loaded Kitchen, which serves smoked brisket, fried chicken, mac and cheese, loaded baked potatoes, and desserts.
  • St. Johns: Get a taste of the Caribbean at Jamaica House, a Jamaican restaurant in a converted house, serving jerk chicken and curries.

This list is non-exhaustive. Be sure to show us your favorite Black-owned businesses on Facebook and Instagram. Visit mercatuspdx.com for a more comprehensive business directory.