Want to deepen your impact on small businesses? Support these Black-owned businesses in Alexandria today, tomorrow and beyond. Explore our non-exhaustive list of restaurants, retail, beauty and wellness businesses, and see how owners described their operations to us. Keep reading for inspiration on where to grab your next cup of coffee, get a hair refresh or upgrade your yoga game.
Delve deeper into Alexandria’s Black history and culture here.
To request the addition of your Black-owned business, contact the author at [email protected]. The operation must be visitor-facing, including restaurants, shops, salons and fitness studios, and located within the City of Alexandria.
Restaurants and Cafés
1799 Prime Steak & Seafood
1799 Prime Steak & Seafood is a polished yet inviting steakhouse in Old Town, owned by Jahmond Quander, a member of one of the oldest documented African American families, and co-founded by Chef Sonny Tena. A custom mural in the back courtyard depicts the Quander family’s ancestral journey from Ghana to North America, George Washington’s Mount Vernon and the opening of 1799.
Must-Try Orders: Lamb chops, crab cakes and mac & cheese.
Abyssinia Market & Coffee House
Image Credit: Adedayo “Dayo” Kosoko for Visit Alexandria
Abyssinia Market & Coffee House is a Black woman-owned and operated café in South Old Town. Owner Lily Damtew and her team specialize in locally-roasted Ethiopian yergacheffe coffee, a large selection of craft beer and wine from all over the world and more.
Café du Soleil is French-inspired café with an excellent assortment of coffee drinks, pastries and classic French-style dishes that customers can enjoy in a friendly, cozy, inviting and casual atmosphere on S. Union Street.
Must-Try Dishes: Outside of the coffee, Café du Soleil’s crêpes are the crowd favorites. The top crêpes include the ham, egg and cheese, smoked salmon and quiche Lorraine varieties.
Tucked inside Cameron Station, Cameron Café is a local coffee shop and café that brings together residents of the West End to celebrate life’s moments while they caffeinate. Their ample outdoor seating is the perfect setting to sip, savor and socialize after an amble through nearby Ben Brenman Park.
Must-Try Drinks: Double Macchiato and Latte Frappe
Common Plate Hospitality
Image Credits, left to right: Augie’s Mussel House and Beer Garden; Mason Social; Urbano 116
Wondering who’s behind Old Town favorites like Augie’s Mussel House and Beer Garden, Mason Social and Urbano 116? Common Plate Hospitality, co-owned by Larry Walston and Chad Sparrow, blends both innovative architectural design, creative culinary offerings and craft bar programs to create a full experience for their guests. Sample mussels while sipping one of 70 brews at Augie’s, dig into a sweet or savory brunch at Mason Social and enjoy a sangria with ceviche at Urbano 116.
Augie’s Must-Try Dishes: 10 mouth-watering mussel flavors, or Augie’s cheesesteak paired with a seasonal beer
Mason Social’s Must-Try Dishes: Mason Fried Chicken with a Parker Grey Cocktail
Urbano 116’s Must-Try Dishes: Grilled steak & chicken fajitas with a top shelf margarita—home of the only 56oz. Margarita!
Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats
Image Credit: Adedayo “Dayo” Kosoko for Visit Alexandria
Old Town’s latest sweet spot is Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats, a 1950s-inspired soda fountain serving legendary Wisconsin-style frozen custard and nostalgic treats from Commerce Street’s historic Ice House. Owner Brandon Byrd (pictured above) debuted the brick-and-mortar space in late spring 2021, and he and his team serve up decadent desserts from 12 to 6 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays.
Must-Try Dishes: Apple Cider Donutwich and Turtle Pecan Sundae
Founded in 2009 by co-owners Lionel Holmes and Pamela Swanson, Haute Dogs & Fries offers a fresh take on the American classic—hot dogs! Their signature hot dogs are 100% beef, grilled and tucked inside toasty New England split-top buns. Haute Dogs consciously sources their ingredients locally and uses local vendors to give back to the community.
Must-Try Dishes: The Bombshell (topped with mango-pineapple relish, sautéed onions and fresh jalapeños) or the Banh Mi Dog, inspired by the Vietnamese sandwich.
Thompson Hospitality
Hen Quarter
Image Credit: Misha Enriquez for Visit Alexandria
Located in the heart of Old Town on King Street, Hen Quarter is owned and operated by Thompson Hospitality, which is the nation’s largest minority-owned food and facilities management company. Hen Quarter is driven by the power of the table and the belief that time is best spent enjoying crave-able food and delicious drinks with friends and family. Hen Quarter specializes in Southern fare, fried chicken and their favorite…brunch!
Must-Try Dish: Hen Quarter’s new family-style bottomless brunch menu for $25.95 per person. Select as many menu items as you’d like for an endlessly delicious weekend.
Also a part of Thompson Hospitality (and located on the ground floor of Hen Quarter), The Rub is inspired by a true love for fried chicken and beer, paired with the ethos that eating out or in, or on-the-go, should feel like a fun backyard party with delicious food, ice-cold drinks and good friends.
Must-Try Dish: The Krispy Chicken Collab, piled high with fried chicken, “Carolina Reaper” hot honey, mustard coleslaw and pickle chips atop a custom doughnut bun made in collaboration with GoodCo. Dough. Pair the “sando” with a refreshing “Margarita in a ’Mingo” (pictured above).
Shopping
Bashford & Pitt
Images Courtesy of Bashford & Pitt
Owned by Lauren Crisler, pictured above, Bashford & Pitt sells scented, 100% soy candles with a historic twist. With aromas from warm and inviting to crisp and fresh, Bashford & Pitt has a scent for every mood and occasion. The candles are available for sale online and at the Alexandria Visitor Center.
Best-Selling Item: Customers love the 1783 candle, inspired by the first Christmas George Washington spent in his home, fireside, after leading America to victory in the Revolutionary War. Scents of cloves, amber, sandalwood and a hint of smoke fill the room as this candle’s warm and relaxing scent invokes sitting next to a hearth.
Prince Street’s Harambee Books & Artworks, owned by Bernard Reaves, is Northern Virginia’s only Black-owned bookstore. Named after the Swahili word for “working together,” Harambee’s mission is to promote literacy education as a fundamental human right for all. Come and browse a unique selection of books and hard-to-find classic literature by and about people of African descent, plus exclusive artworks and fashionable apparels. Additionally, explore Harambee’s educational resources, reading programs and community-based events.
Most Popular Purchases: Customers love browsing classics like James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time and newer titles like Cicely Tyson’s memoir, Just As I Am, as well as discovering niche small press and independently published works.
AR Workshop
Image Courtesy of AR Workshop
Helmed by owner Stephanie Kelly, AR Workshop is a boutique DIY craft studio that offers hands-on classes for creating custom home décor from raw materials. It’s a haven of creativity which fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie which shines through in every aspect of the workshop experience.
Most Popular Experiences:AR Workshop’s 3-hour DIY Chunky Knit Blanket workshop does not require any previous knitting experience nor any tools. Plus, the boutique recently expanded its offerings Candle Pouring + Scent Mixology workshops, in which guests create one-of-a-kind candle scents.
Historical Tours
Manumission Tour Company
Image Credit: Chris Cruz for Visit Alexandria
Founded by Alexandria City Councilman John T. Chapman (pictured above), Manumission Tour Company provides guided walking tours that explore the experiences of African Americans in early Alexandria, from the Underground Railroad to the successes of free Black individuals in antebellum Alexandria.
Most Surprising Tour Site: The historic home at 505 Cameron Street, whose ordinary façade belies the fascinating stories of Oscar and Joseph Ball, who lived in the home and ran away to freedom along the Underground Railroad.
Salons & Beauty Spots
Allure Hair Loft
Terry Coullette, master barber and owner of Allure Hair Loft, describes his operation as the definition of modern grooming with an old school foundation. When clients visit Allure Hair Loft, they receive the highest level of grooming services in a relaxing, modern environment.
Most Popular Hair Services: The “Classic Men’s Haircut,” comprised of seamless fading and accurate lining, and the custom “Hair Toupee,” an old service with a modern twist.
Elle Hair Studio
Looking for hair care ranging from to ombré or balayage to loc maintenance? Make an appointment at Elle Hair Studio, a private boutique hair salon located right outside of Old Town.
Most Popular Hair Service: Highlights
Envy Us Beauty Supply
Image Credit: Envy Us Beauty Supply
Find all your beauty needs at Envy Us Beauty Supply, owner Aesha Ray’s (pictured above) S. Van Dorn St. shop specializing in hair care, skin care, cosmetics, hair extensions and accessories with a large selection of Black-owned beauty brands.
Most popular products: Vast selection of Black-owned beauty brands
Good Brows is a luxury brow boutique dedicated to precision brow shaping and permanent makeup. Let owner Simone Fennell (pictured above) demonstrate the game-changing power of well-shaped brows.
Most Popular Beauty Treatments: Precision brow shaping and powder ombré brow tattoo
Hazel O. Salon
Image Credits: Sarah Marcella Creative (left); A. Marie Imagery (right)
Named in homage to the grandmother of owners Marcia Rhodes Tyler and Nikita Montgomery (pictured above), Hazel O. Salon is the quintessential urban beauty oasis servicing all hair types. Clients are treated to a sleek, sophisticated interior and staff experienced in styling a vast range of hair types and textures.
Most Popular Hair Services: Curly hair care and color services
Joi Dreams Salon
Image Credits: Joi Dreams Salon
Joi Dreams Salon, operated by the namesake stylist and barber (pictured above), has serviced a diverse clientele in Alexandria for more than 11 years. Located on Del Ray’s Mount Vernon Avenue, Joi Dreams Salon is a little salon with big personality, run by a stylist who loves what she does and the people she serves.
Owner and Stylist Leon Howell (pictured above) describes Salon Alexander as a diverse salon with a diverse clientele to match. Visit for a friendly face and leave with a fresh style.
Most Popular Hair Service: Color treatment
The Ultimate Barber
The team at The Ultimate Barber in Potomac Yard have built their reputation on consistency and reliability. Visit for a haircut at the barbershop voted the city and region’s “Best Men’s Haircut” and “Best Barbershop” since 2012 by Northern Virginia Magazine, Virginia Living Magazine and The Zebra Press.
Most Popular Hair Service: Men’s traditional fade
Wellness and Fitness Studios
Foundation Fitness
Image Credits: Foundation Fitness
Del Ray’s Foundation Fitness boasts a team of highly skilled personal trainers, led by Owner and Managing Partner C.J. Wesby (pictured above at left), who can keep you on track and moving forward toward your health and fitness goals.
Most popular service: Set up a time to meet with a personal trainer and release some pent-up stress while you reach your goals.
Make No Excuses Fitcamp
Image Credits: Make No Excuses Fitcamp
Make No Excuses Fitcamp is a boutique gym that focuses on improving movement patterns and increasing one’s quality of life through proper training procedures. Owner Remi Rory’s gym is known for providing personalized attention and individualized programming.
Most popular service: One-on-one training sessions
PIES Fitness Yoga Studio
Image Credit: PIES Fitness Yoga Studio
PIES Fitness Yoga Studio, a safe haven of community on Prince Street, owned by Marsha Banks-Harold, thrives in offering compassionate, inclusive and personable service to welcome and support all beings on their wellness journey. From Zumba to belly dancing to yoga for all bodies, PIES’ classes provide a positive setting to sweat it out.
Most Popular Class: “My Body Don’t Bend That Way,” PIES’ flagship class featuring customized yoga poses, an open and laughter-filled environment and an abundance of support.
Sunflowers Healing and Wellness
Image Credit: Sunflowers Healing and Wellness
Navigate the peaks and valleys of life with compassionate guidance and custom life tools from Sunflowers Healing and Wellness. Owner and founder Lindsey Vick (pictured above) invites you work with her team of practitioners for proven tools to affect all areas of life, from relationships to careers to birth and more. Located in Del Ray and providing services virtually, Sunflowers Healing and Wellness offers hypnotherapy, reiki, life coaching and an array of childbirth support services.
Most Popular Services: Hypnotherapy and childbirth support
Trident Athletics
Image Credit: Trident Athletics
Looking to revamp your fitness routine? Trident Athletics, owned by Chriss and Andrea Smith (pictured above), is made up of a diverse team of more than 25 passionate, committed and dynamic trainers who love nothing more than changing people’s lives through fitness. Trident’s trainers pride themselves on their extensive knowledge and experience but are most proud of their ability to connect with and motivate their clients.
Most Popular Class: The 5:15 a.m. class, an early bird favorite
More Alexandria Businesses
Frolick Dogs
Image Credit: Frolick Dogs
Frolick Dogs, the area’s first and only dog gym, is located in the West End and owned by Kevin Gilliam (pictured above) and his wife Kim. Frolick Dogs is committed to canine wellness and just celebrated its 7th anniversary. Guests are invited to drop in during open gym hours to exercise their dogs utilizing the gym’s agility course, dog treadmills, balance equipment and more. They can also enroll in obedience training with Kevin, take agility and other group classes, and even rent the space for birthday parties, adoptiversaries and more.
Most popular offering: Doggie birthday parties for your four-legged bestie
Laura Hatcher Photography
Image Credit: Laura Hatcher Photography
Laura Hatcher Photography is a veteran-owned small business in the heart of historic Old Town Alexandria. Laura is a nationally published event, headshot and branding photographer serving Northern Virginia.
Popular services: Professional headshots for local businesses and transitioning veterans; documenting legacies during military ceremonial events
Header Image Credits, left to right: Sarah Marcella Creative and Old Town Boutique District; Cameron Café; Adedayo “Dayo” Kosoko for Visit Alexandria
