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In honor of Black History Month, @properties is excited to spotlight a variety of Black-owned businesses throughout Chicago. Following is a roundup of just some of the great businesses you can support year-round. And we’ll be making a stop at two of them over the next few weeks as part of our @ Loves Local Series. Keep an eye on our blog and our Facebook and Instagram accounts for details, and we hope to see you there!

Batter and Berries

Brunch fans, rejoice! Batter and Berries, with locations in Lincoln Park and the South Loop, is a favorite among locals for delicious omelets, homemade biscuits and gravy, and mouthwatering pancakes and waffles. Established in 2012 by Dr. Tanya and Craig Richardson, the restaurant is home of the world-famous French toast flight, which gives diners a taste of strawberry, lemon, caramel, and blueberry French toasts. There are even daily French toast specials on rotation featuring unique flavors and combinations.

Sip & Savor

On the hunt for one of the city’s best cups of joe? Head to Sip & Savor, a coffee house that serves up certified fair trade coffee alongside a menu of breakfast options, as well as pastries and small bites from local bakeries. Trez V. Pugh, founder and CEO of Sip and Savor, Inc., has always been passionate about his community, and sought to create jobs and unify neighbors through his original coffee house venture over a decade ago. Today, Sip & Savor has three locations throughout the South Side in Bronzeville, in the Rosenwald complex, and in Hyde Park. Join @properties at Sip & Savor’s Bronzeville location on February 11th anytime between 10:00am and 12:00pm, and enjoy a 12-oz beverage of your choice free of charge!

Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery

Calling all bibliophiles! Find your next read at Semicolon, a locally owned bookstore, gallery, and community space in West Town. Curator and author Danielle Mullen opened Semicolon in 2019 with the intent of connecting the indie art and literary communities of Chicagoland. The shop’s brick and mortar location offers a robust selection of books, while its website has an even wider range available and showcases various virtual events and collaborations.

Jon Basíl Tequila

Chicago-native Uduimoh Umolu launched Jon Basíl in 2018, naming the business after his greatest influence, his father John. The company distills its tequila from high-quality blue agave plants in Jalisco, Mexico, and can be found on the shelves of Hyde Park’s Kimbark Beverage Shoppe and several other liquor stores throughout Chicagoland. The handcrafted spirit can be served on its own or in a cocktail like a Paloma or Tequila Sunrise! Check out their website for a variety of Tequila-based cocktail recipes that you can add to your repertoire.

Justice of the Pies

Founded by self-taught pastry chef Maya-Camille Broussard in honor of her late father Stephen, the “pie master,” Justice of the Pies launched back in 2014. A mission-based business in East Garfield Park, the artisan pastry shop serves sweet and savory pies, quiches, and tarts alongside a commitment to bettering the community. Pumpkin and key lime pies find themselves in the company of unique flavors such as lavender blueberry, bleu cheese praline pear, and chocolate bacon bourbon pecan. Meanwhile, savory pies and quiches are filled and topped with delectable ingredients that will surely have you coming back for more.

Rose Blossom Chicago

There’s nothing like a fresh bouquet of flowers to brighten up your home, and Rose Blossom Chicago’s owner (and veteran) Ashley Tillman knows it. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a loved one, Rose Blossom Chicago has a great selection of rose bouquets and assorted arrangements for every occasion. Celebrating Valentine’s Day? Now is the perfect time to place your order with Rose Blossom Chicago

AndySunflower Café

Andrea (Andy) Robinson launched AndySunflower Café in 2018 as a mobile coffee cart in Chicago. Now with two locations in Beverly and Pullman, AndySunflower Café serves artisanal lattes, coffees, iced teas, and is known for its arsenal of Trademark drinks. Our second @ Loves Local event will take place at AndySunflower Café’s Beverly location in Ain’t She Sweet Cafe on February 24th. Visit anytime between 9:00am and 11:00am, and get a 12-oz beverage on @properties.

Mango Moi

We could all use a little self-care these days. Fortunately, Chicago-based Mango Moi has all the products you need to combat winter skin woes. Mango Moi was founded by Chicago native Amanda Cayemite in 2020 with the goal of empowering her community and helping people feel beautiful from the inside out. Treat yourself to one of Mango Moi’s all natural, mango-based butters, scrubs, and hair treatments, and purchase from a variety of collections on Mango Moi’s website

An Orange Moon

Situated on North Avenue in Wicker Park, An Orange Moon has been one of the city’s best spots to shop for high-quality vintage furniture since it opened its original Gage Park location in 2009. Owned by husband-and-wife duo Ty and Lynne McDaniel, the vibrant shop offers an intimate shopping experience, selling everything from chairs and tables to sculptures and other art. Lynne and Ty have even curated a private show for Hermès and were contracted to design sets for Chicago Fire and Chicago PD

Friistyle

Belgian-style pomme frites have taken on a new meaning at Friistyle (pronounced “free-style”). Corey Gilkey opened the Bronzeville restaurant in 2018, and it quickly became a neighborhood favorite. Friistyle offers a twist on the traditional Belgian street food, and dresses up fresh hand cut fries with everything from chicken wings and Italian beef to roast lamb and jerk salmon. The menu is truly one of a kind, and has something that every potato lover will enjoy

Free MVMT Shop

Wicker Park’s Free MVMT Shop makes workouts fun with unique movement-based experiences. Founder Ashley Rockwood opened the studio in 2017 with the mission of bringing people together in a judgement-free environment while also supporting local artists and nonprofits. Although studio classes are not being offered at this time, Free MVMT Shop has a calendar full of virtual classes, with everything from yoga and meditation to cardio, sculpt, and dance

For a more extensive list of Black-owned businesses around Chicagoland where you can offer your year-round support, click here.

As a reminder, be sure to check each website for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19.

Black-Owned Businesses to Support in Chicago