How We Can Support Local Black-Owned Businesses
After a long two months that limited celebrations of the Christmas holiday and New Year for many Californians, the latest stay-at-home order has finally been lifted. The order, which was implemented on the 21st of November last year, closed down many shops in Fresno and the Central Valley, creating yet another hurdle for shop owners. Many embraced online shopping to further market and sell their products, while others waited for their chance to open. With the order coming to an end on January 25, many stores are open yet again to the public. albeit with limited capacity in order to further try and stop the spread of COVID-19.
Although restarting operations will likely prove a difficult task for shop owners, we as a community can ensure that their transition will go more smoothly by supporting our local businesses. There, and in honor of Black History Month, The Syrinx is highlighting a few black-owned establishments in the Central Valley for you to support and visit!
Food:
Planet Vegan
Are you looking for a mouth-watering burger? Planet Vegan is your place. Just look at the pictures on their website to see the deliciousness of their burgers: https://www.planetveganburger.com.
Planet Vegan is a gourmet food truck that sells vegan burgers, criss-cut fries, and mozzarella sticks. Planet Vegan is open Thursday to Sunday, from 1pm-8pm. They are located at 6375 N Blackstone Ave, Fresno, CA. They also offer deliveries and pick-up orders via the Kytchn app.
Triumph African Restaurant
Who knew you could get traditional African food in Fresno? Triumph African Restaurant offers its customers just that. They use traditional recipes and provide a laid-back setting at 5730 N First Street, Fresno, CA.
If you don’t want to dine in person, you can order online: https://triumphafricantogo.com/#page-top .
Fresno Gumbo House
Fresno Gumbo House offers a variety of soul and seafood dishes, but they are most famous for their eponymous gumbo. They are located at 3259 W Clinton Ave, Fresno, CA. You can contact them at (559) 800-4631 and access their menu here: https://www.facebook.com/fresno.gumbohouse/menu .
Drinks/Desserts:
Yellow Mug Coffee
Happiness can be found in sipping from a yellow mug. Brighten your day by drinking Yellow Mug Coffee’s unique blend of coffee and espresso. Sip on some specialized espresso at their shop, located at 1137 E Champlain Dr, Fresno, CA. Join their Facebook page to learn more: https://www.facebook.com/Yellowmugcoffee/ .
Tower Blendz
Tower Blendz serves fresh and locally sourced acai bowls, smoothies, wellness shots and salads. According to their mission statement, they are striving to influence healthy lifestyle changes. Located on 802 E Olive Ave, Tower Blendz is a great spot if you are looking for either a drink (be it a healthy smoothie or a ginger shot to get you going) or a plate of delicious food grown right here in the Central Valley. You can see their menu here:. https://towerblendz.salesvu.com/
Enthrall You Bites
This locally-owned business doesn’t have a location just yet, but they operate in Fresno! EYB is on Instagram and Facebook, and specializes in bite-size pastries and desserts. They also offer catering services and delivery! To peruse their menu and inquire about what they are and how they operate, head over to Enthrall You Bites on Facebook to DM them. Of course, you can always let the food speak for itself!
Self-care:
B.O.K Natural
B.O.K is an online skincare shop based in Fresno. Their CEO, Brianna Knight, shared through the B.O.K website that the store’s name “ stands for Brenton Ozias Knight. Brenton is our CEO’s only living son. After losing Brenton’s twin brother our CEO, Brianna Knight, wanted to honor her sons through her passion for skincare. Skincare was a way for Brianna to heal through the loss of her son and she wanted to share that with you all.”
If you feel like your skin needs a little extra love nowadays, be sure to pay a visit to the B.O.K website! (https://www.bokclinical.com/)
Self Made Beard Co.
Are you one of those lucky ones who can grow a luscious beard? Do you need help taking care of it, but don’t know what to use? Give Self Made Bear Co. a chance! The online service is based in Visalia, and specializes in beard balm, oils, shampoo and even merch for tending to any and all facial hair! Their self-proclaimed organic and natural supply ships the same day as orders made before 3 PM.
If you are curious about what they offer and have any concerns or questions, you can reach them at https://www.selfmadebeardco.com/shop.
Revelry Boutique
Jimaie Shelton runs Revelry Boutique, striving to offer “fresh new beautiful styles.” Her boutique offers affordable clothing, accessories and Color Street nail polish strips. The strips are not stickers, but 100% real nail polish. Her boutique also offers clothing in a wide range of sizes (XS-3X).
If you’re wanting to get some cute clothes and support a local lady, click here: https://linktr.ee/revelryboutique
Whether you visit online or in-person, these shops will definitely appreciate your attention. With it being uncertain how long shops will be open to the public, we hope you take advantage of your opportunity and visit these stores—not just because they’re local businesses, but so you can show your respect and appreciation by stopping by these black-owned establishments this Black History Month and beyond!
Authors: Julian Alcaraz | Features Editor
Author: Emily Bogdanov |Staff Writer
