Supporting Black-Owned Businesses Across Charlotte

Charlotte's coffee scene includes locally owned businesses that combine specialty drinks with culture, creativity and community gathering spaces.

According to a 2026 LendingTree analysis, Charlotte tied for No. 16 among the 100 metropolitan areas included in the study. Black-owned companies represented 6.5% of businesses in the Charlotte metro based on 2023 data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Annual Business Survey.

Here are five Black-owned coffee and tea businesses to consider visiting. Locations, menus and operating hours can change, so check each business's official website or social media before making plans.

5 Black-Owned Coffee and Tea Shops to Visit in Charlotte

1. Archive CLT in West Charlotte

Archive CLT describes itself as a Black woman-owned café and cultural hub on Beatties Ford Road. Founder Cheryse Terry created a space that combines coffee with books, magazines, stationery, records and memorabilia celebrating Black culture.

Visitors can expect locally roasted coffee, teas and signature drinks in a setting designed for both conversation and cultural discovery.

• Specialty coffee and signature lattes
• Books, magazines, records and cultural memorabilia
• Community programming and creative events

2. Sugar & Sip Coffee and Workshop in Uptown

Sugar & Sip opened in 2025 at 725 West Fifth Street in Uptown Charlotte. Owner Shai Wallace designed the café as both a coffee shop and a community-oriented space where customers can work, attend events or meet with friends.

The menu changes seasonally and includes specialty coffee, matcha and chai drinks. Follow Sugar & Sip on Instagram for current hours, menus and workshop announcements.

• Seasonal specialty lattes, matcha and chai
• Co-working and lounge areas
• Workshops and community events

3. Gotcha Matcha & Espresso in Uptown

Gotcha Matcha & Espresso began as a pop-up before founder Eric Hicklen Jr. opened a permanent café at 200 South Tryon Street.

The concept was inspired by the matcha drinks and desserts Hicklen encountered during a trip to Thailand. Its menu combines ceremonial-grade matcha with espresso drinks and flavors such as ube, coconut and Biscoff.

• Ceremonial-grade matcha drinks
• Creative seasonal flavors
• Espresso, tea and pastry selections

4. Hilltop Coffee in Mallard Creek

Hilltop Coffee is located on Mallard Creek Road in northeast Charlotte. The café is owned by Howard University alumni Joy Shiver and Rashad Hart, who named the business after the university's student newspaper.

The menu includes coffee, espresso drinks, matcha, loose-leaf tea, cold-pressed juices and food such as pastries, sandwiches and wraps.

• Coffee and espresso drinks
• Matcha, loose-leaf tea and cold-pressed juice
• Breakfast and lunch options

5. The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary in Camp Greene

The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary is an herbal tea lounge operated by Sherry Waters at 2326 Arty Avenue in Charlotte's historic Camp Greene neighborhood.

The lounge focuses on loose-leaf herbal teas, wellness and quiet gathering. Its programming can include art, live performances, meditation and other community events.

• Herbal and loose-leaf tea selections
• Pastries and a relaxed lounge environment
• Wellness, arts and community programming

Why Locally Owned Coffee and Tea Shops Matter

Local cafés can function as more than places to purchase a drink. They may also provide meeting space, showcase neighborhood culture, host independent artists and create opportunities for other small businesses.

Customers can support these businesses by visiting, purchasing products directly, attending events, following their official accounts and sharing accurate recommendations. Leaving a thoughtful review can also help other Charlotte residents discover them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find more Black-owned businesses in Charlotte?
Local business directories, neighborhood publications and organizations focused on Black entrepreneurship can provide additional options. Because businesses can relocate or change hours, confirm details through the company's official website or social media before visiting.

Are all five businesses traditional coffee shops?
No. Archive, Sugar & Sip, Gotcha Matcha and Hilltop primarily operate as cafés or coffee concepts. The Pauline is an herbal tea lounge with a stronger emphasis on tea, wellness and community programming.

How can I support a locally owned café without making a large purchase?
Buying a drink, attending an event, purchasing a gift card, sharing the business with friends or leaving an accurate online review can all provide meaningful support.

Exploring Charlotte's Neighborhoods?

Local businesses are an important part of understanding how different Charlotte neighborhoods feel from day to day. If you are comparing communities, housing options or commute patterns, connect with Stone Realty Group for guidance based on your priorities.