Our favourite Black-owned businesses in Toronto
Black History Month is all about recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Black individuals. These entrepreneurs empower themselves and others with great ideas, give their community visibility and a voice, and bring amazing products and services to the market. We invited our agents and employees to share their favourite Black-owned businesses in Toronto. Here are their top picks:
Image credit: blackownedto.com
Black Owned Toronto
Scarborough Town Centre
What started off as an Instagram account supporting Black-owned businesses in Toronto has evolved into a retail destination with a wide variety of products from local entrepreneurs. With a location in Scarborough Town Centre and a pop-up in the Eaton Centre (open until the end of Feb), owner Kerin John offers everything from fashion to food, candles to skin care, all from Black-owned businesses.
This month, they’re also hosting the Black History Market at the Scarborough Town Centre – check it out Feb 18-20 in the Centre Court!
Credit: instagram.com/illstyl3sammies
Illstyl3sammies
300 Richmond St.
St. Lucia-born owner Germaine Marshall lived in Philadelphia for years perfecting his amazing take on the authentic Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Now he’s brought his considerable talents to TO, serving up sammies to a loyal clientele.
“Love this place, the head chef here is always friendly and down for a good laugh. Plus, their sandwiches are the best in Toronto!” – Cameron Miller, Sales Representative
Credit: instagram.com/theislandscaribbean
The Islands Caribbean
North York (2 locations)
This food court gem serves up fast, fresh and authentic Jamaican cuisine that’s a real taste of the Caribbean. When you can’t make it to the islands in person, you can “make food your vacation” (love the tagline). We’re in!
Credit: instagram.com/thoborsbakery
Thobors Bakery
627 Mount Pleasant Rd.
When you’re craving a croissant, this Davisville Village bakery makes a perfectly flaky, buttery version that’s equal to anything you’d find in France. That’s because owners Marc and Sylvie Thobor are Parisian-trained bakers. You can’t go wrong picking up a treat here. Everything is good, from the chewy baguettes to the to-die-for pastries. Très yum!
“One of the best French bakeries I’ve come across outside of France. I’ve been going there for many years, and they have been consistently good with all their products. I love their chocolate almond croissants and their huge variety of breads.” – Julian Kashani, Broker
Credit: instagram.com/ryanlionbookz
Ryan Lion Books
These beloved children’s books about an adventurous lion named Ryan are written by father-son duo Andre and Anthony-Marcel Wright, and they have us feeling all the feels. They’re all about love and positivity, and are based on Andre and Anthony-Marcel’s own relationship. They also sell a line of cute and inspirational children’s clothes based on the books.
Credit: loveandnudes.com
Love & Nudes
After working in the fashion and beauty industries, owner Chantal Carter was frustrated by the absence of and misrepresentation in everyday products for women of colour – so she started Love & Nudes. The store sells lingerie that changes the perception of the colour “nude” by creating beautiful items to match a wide range of skin tones.
“It’s a lingerie brand made by and for women of colour. I love that Chantal Carter saw a gap in the market and set about rectifying it. And she did it in a socially-conscious way: the brand partners with a team that employs single mothers in South America, providing fair wages and working conditions. Best of all, I no longer need to search high and low for undergarments that match my skin tone!” – Maia Thomas, Manager, Content Marketing
Credit: instagram.com/adfrntbooklist
A Different Booklist
779 Bathurst St.
Co-owners (and husband and wife team) Itah Sadu and Miguel San Vincente run a bookstore that’s very special to Toronto readers interested in diverse voices. Visit this cozy, welcoming space for great books you won’t find anywhere else, events hosted by authors, poets and activists, and an unshakeable sense of community.
“I was raised in South Africa and had to watch my parents experience Apartheid. This is the place I go to get more information about the history of my country – and it makes me feel like home. They offer a diverse selection of books: black literature, history, urban economics and more. And I love the bright exterior and decor…I always feel like I’m in the Caribbean. It’s a popular hub on the weekends – before COVID they had open mic events, book launches and poetry readings. It has become a real community.” - Shay Mohamed, Sales Representative
Credit: instagram.com/westonsmoothiecafe
Weston Smoothie Cafe
1947 Weston Rd.
Lots of colourful smoothies and bubble teas are on offer at this sweet west-end spot. They also sell great-looking salads, baked goods, coffee and more – it’s the perfect place for a healthy pick-me-up, anytime.
Credit: instagram.com/beachhillbbq
Beach Hill Smokehouse
Multiple locations
If you’re a fan of fall-off-the-bone ribs, amazing brisket and super-tasty southern-style sandwiches, this popular spot should be your go-to for delicious nosh.
“The owner is from Texas and this BBQ place is truly authentic. You must try the Lockhart sandwich!” - Daaron Johnson, Sales Representative
What’s your favourite Black-owned business?
We’d love to discover even more amazing spots in the city: share ‘em with us on social!