February is Black History Month, a time to honor the Black men and women who have made significant contributions to the United States. In that spirit, we have rounded up a list of a few Black-owned businesses in Five Towns - Valley Stream - The Rockaways and surrounding areas and Long Beach - Oceanside - Rockville Centre and surrounding areas. Each of these businesses help make these local communities the special place it is. We love to support these Black-owned businesses in our communities all year-round, and hope you do too!
Did you know?
Black business owners account for about 10 percent of U.S. businesses and about 30 percent of all minority-owned businesses, totaling approximately two million companies owned by African Americans, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. But a June 2020 report from the National Bureau of Economic Research showed Black-owned businesses were disproportionately affected by the pandemic, with 41 percent closing their doors because of the pandemic and its fallout.
How can you make a difference?
Spend your money intentionally. Shop at Black-owned businesses in our community. Post on social media to spread the word about Black-owned businesses. Support causes that support Black entrepreneurs. Make it a habit to intentionally support Black businesses.
Here is a list of Black-owned businesses in Five Towns - Valley Stream - The Rockaways and surrounding areas and Long Beach - Oceanside - Rockville Centre and surrounding areas:
Know of a Black-owned business in any of the towns listed below that are not listed here? Reach out to TatianaS@MacaroniKid.com and we will add it to our list!
RESTAURANTS
Prime 39
39 Atlantic Avenue, Lynbrook
About: Prime cut steaks, seafood and vegan entrees. Manhattan eclectic vibe. Sunday brunches too. Owned by Bryan Postell.
Standard Pour
64 Rockaway Ave, Valley Stream
About: Espresso cafe and wine bar with tasty foods. Owned by Shanelle County and Darlene Gomez.
Pretty Toni's Cafe
759 West Merrick Road, Valley Stream
About: Soul food and home of the red velvet waffle! Owned by Toni and Gary Clifton.
JoJo's Juice Bar
124 Brooklyn Ave, Valley Stream
About: Caribbean food. Vegetarian, burgers, salmon, smoothies, salads, wraps and more.
Backyard Barbecue
300 Woodcleft Ave, Freeport
About: Southern cooking. Bbq food and blues, grown folks atmosphere, sports viewing. Owned by Archie and Valerie.
BEAUTY & FASHION
Quintessential Lifestyles
435 Merrick road, Oceanside
About: Hair, boutique, fashion, event space, branding. Owned by Peta-Gay McCalla.
Royal Cyn Beauty Supply Store
814 Merrick Road, Baldwin
About: Beauty supplies including hair. Owned by Cynthia.
The Fitting Curve
222 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre
About: Bra shop with sizes S - 3XL. Co-founders and Lingerie Experts: Kelly, Helene & Stephanie.
SWEETS
The Goodie Bag NY
1215 Station Plaza, Hewlett
About: Elaborate custom cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Family owned by Darlene, Caprice, Eleesa, and Dale.
Swirl Bliss
1777 Grand Ave, Baldwin
About: Frozen yogurt, sorbet, and smoothies. Co-owned by Carline, Charles, Stephen, and Nyree.
FITNESS & DANCE
Uly Karate and Fitness
1215 Station Plaza, Hewlett
About: Karate, boxing, strength and much more. For kids and adults. Owned by Ulises Y Ramos.
Layla's Dance & Drum
130 S Central Ave, Valley Stream
About: Specializes in African, Caribbean and Latin Dance, hip hop and more. The owner & artistic director is Anayo Michel.
PLANTS
MB Florals
746 Grand Terrace Ave, N. Baldwin
About: Flower shop and floral designs for all occasions. Hand-curated by Marjorie Bien-AimeΜ.
EYECARE
J & J Premium Eyecare
1304 Grand Ave, N. Baldwin
About: Eye care, optometrist and eye glasses. Optometrist: Dr. Phyllis Gorelick
HEALTH & HEALING
Mind Meets Movement Counseling Service
381 Sunrise Highway suite 602, Lynbrook
About: Owned by Licensed Clinical Social Worker, certified yoga teacher and psychotherapist, Katiuscia Gray.
Wake and Bake Cafe
103 Rockaway Ave, Valley Stream
About: CBD products to promote healing. And cafe. Owned by Jessica Naissant.
Orange Skye Day Spa
50 Rockaway Ave, Valley Stream
About: Day spa - massage, facials, body treatments, spa parties. Owned by Catherine Morris.
SURFING & SKATEBOARDING
STATION RBNY
91-08 B Rockaway Bch Blvd, Rockaway Beach
About: Shop for surfing and skateboarding. Rentals, lessons, lockers, repair. Owned by Nigel Louis.
Do you know of a Black-owned restaurant in any of our local towns, not listed here? Email tatianas@macaronikid.com and we'll add it to the list!
Black Owned Long Island has many listings of black businesses. We appreciate their work and commitment to promoting Long Island's Black-owned businesses and are thankful to them for compiling this list!
Other Long Island black businesses can be found on the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce website.
Find some black owned businesses in Far Rockaway at Black Owned Business Network website.
