This morning, looking to support the Black community where I live and not just online, I Googled “black-owned businesses in Boulder County.” While there are 325+ Black-owned businesses in Denver, there was almost nothing in the Boulder area.
I shouldn’t have been too surprised, as Boulder County overall suffers a serious lack of melanin: less than 1% of Boulder County residents are Black. Longmont, the most “diverse” city in the county with a 25% Hispanic/Latino population —3x the Hispanic population of wealthier, whiter Boulder– is still 99% non-Black.
After some digging, I finally found Equity Solutions’ new list of black-owned businesses through my favorite Main Street shop Maker General‘s Instagram page, as well as in this crowd-sourced Google doc. While there are more Black-owned businesses and professional services (contractors, realtors, consultants, etc.) on those lists, I decided to highlight 5 black-owned businesses in Boulder County with public storefronts: 4 restaurants and a shop.
Please consider supporting these amazing businesses year-round, not just in light of the protests. I’ve been to 4 of the 5 so far and can assure you — you’re in for a treat!
1. Maker General
Maker General, pictured above, is an adorable “general store” for creatives, full of textiles, supplies, DIY kits, and quirky-cute gifts.
It’s one of the first businesses I fell in love with in Longmont while house-hunting, part of the vibrant Main Street corridor of small shops that’s a “main” reason I chose Longmont in the first place.
They offer tons of creative workshops like macrame and sewing and open Saturday 11-2 for face-masked shopping. You can also schedule appointment-only shopping by emailing makergenerallongmont@gmail.com. They’re planning to stock a variety of black art and curated books for allies in addition to their usual artsy fare, which I can’t wait to see!
2. Mateo
Mateo is a trendy French restaurant serving classics like croque monsieur and poules frites alongside fresh takes like a Colorado lamb bolognaise. It’s the only one on this list I haven’t tried yet and now #1 on my list for future meals!
Mateo is currently open for takeout. Watch their website for potential re-opening dates, too — I’ve heard they have one of the best brunches in Boulder.
3. Ras Kassas
After 4 years of living in Oakland less than a mile from at least 5 world-class Ethiopian joints, I risked serious injera withdrawal by moving to Colorado. Thank goodness for Ras Kassas! Their doro wat is flavorful, injera spongy and perfect, and their beg tibs have just the right amount of kick.
They’re open 3-8pm for takeout and patio seating beginning June 10, according to their Facebook page. Give them a call!
4. Jacaranda
Jacaranda is one of the independent restaurants at Rosetta Hall, Boulder’s hip food hall with killer rooftop views of the flatirons.
Don’t miss chef Modou Jaiteh‘s signature peanut butter stew with Boulder lamb, fried plaintains, and kimchi! The stew was my first meal at Jacaranda/Rosetta and I haven’t been able to tear myself away yet after multiple visits. There’s a vegetarian Ghana Po Boy that looks delicious, too, among other West African-inspired favorites.
Jacaranda is open 12-9 Wednesday-Sunday for takeout and limited dine-in (including the rooftop!) by prior reservation.
5. Big Daddy’s Texas BBQ
Big Daddy’s Texas BBQ food truck is a regular at the Rayback Collective and at Longmont’s Food Truck Fridays, where I first fell in love with their fabulous brisket. They also occasionally offer local delivery of smoked meats — YUM.
Follow owner Megill “Big Daddy” Stewart on Instagram and YouTube to see where the truck will pop up next!
Opening hours and takeout information were accurate at the time of publishing, but please verify hours with the businesses before you go.
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