5.9% of all firms in Frederick County are Black-owned — creating jobs, fostering innovation, and contributing to economic growth in underserved communities. From Caribbean restaurants to the first Black woman-owned luxury spa to a VR gaming lounge, Frederick's Black entrepreneurial movement is organized, proud, and growing fast.
Frederick's Black-owned food scene is dominated by Caribbean and African flavors — and it's expanding. Tropix Pots Cuisines Bar & Grill (490 Prospect Blvd), founded by Kamike Myers-Pinnock, brings authentic Jamaican cuisine. Jollof on Point (450 Prospect Blvd), owned by Abimbola Oluboyo, is already eyeing new locations and a Nigerian sauce product line. Jerk N' Jive Bar & Kitchen, opened by James and Danielle Smith in November 2017, now has two locations — the first Caribbean restaurant to plant its flag in Frederick and grow it into an institution. Heavenly Wings (106 S Market St) and B-Dub's Island Soul round out the soul food and wings side of the scene.
See Full Food Guide →Le Bijoux Day Spa (205 Broadway St), owned by Sandra Troutman, made history as the first Black woman-owned luxury day spa in Frederick. Glam By Shaddy (45 Waverley Dr), owned by Adeola Adebara, is one of the city's most recognized Black-owned beauty businesses. MIDAR Beauty Bar and Briq Haus Pilates (505 N Market St) are both verified through the Downtown Frederick Partnership.
On the wellness side, Lake Linganore Psychiatry (617 W Patrick St), owned by Sheila Tate PMHNP-BC, is working to expand mental health access for Frederick's community. Kindway Counseling (15 N Court St) operates downtown as a Black-owned counseling and therapy practice.
Aya Cultural Arts Studio is a cultural arts school and community space keeping Black arts alive in the city. 88Visual, founded by Brandon Chapman and De'Von Wellesley during the pandemic, produces films and video content for local businesses — donating over 30 videos to struggling Frederick establishments during COVID. Leading Edge Academy of Dance (L.E.A.D.) is a performing arts dance studio rooted in the community. And @VR Virtual Reality brings virtual reality and gaming to Frederick — a Black-owned tech experience unlike anything else in the city.
Frederick's premier Black-owned IT solutions company — web design, tech support, branding, and digital services for businesses across the entire DMV region. Built in Frederick, serving everywhere.
Visit atsolutionsdmv.com →Sustaining Our Unique Legacy — a nonprofit dedicated entirely to supporting and uplifting Black-owned businesses in Frederick.
Annual outdoor celebration of Black-owned businesses, culture, music, and creativity in Frederick County.
Facebook community connecting Black-owned business owners and supporters across Frederick County and surrounding areas.
Hosted "The History of Black Business in Frederick" in Feb 2026 at the Frederick Visitor Center — a powerful community conversation.