After falling in love with coffee culture in Eritrea, Efrem Feseha knew that he wanted to bring the East African coffee experience to Seattle. In 2019, he opened Boon Boona Coffee in Renton, sourcing the highest quality coffee in collaboration and relationship with farmers in coffee’s birthplace, East Africa. In 2021, Boon Boona Coffee opened its second location in Seattle. Through his coffee roastery and cafe, Efrem brings the local community together in a vibrant and inclusive space.

Bonus: Check out Boon Boona's original location in Renton.

Chef Kristi Brown (owner of the catering company That Brown Girl Cooks) and her son Damon Bomar have one mission: foster community through fresh food and fine cooking. In December 2020, Communion Restaurant & Bar opened in Central District in the historic Liberty Bank Building serving what Chef Kristi calls "Seattle Soul" food — a cultural mix of the Central District, Chinatown-International District, as well as her family roots in Kansas City. You'll find Southern-inspired dishes with Seattle-area influences on Communion's menu, like their Fried Catfish Po'Mi (a glorious cross between a fried catfish po'boy and Vietnamese banh mi), Slow Burn black-eyed pea hummus with Ethiopian spices, and BBQ shrimp and grits.

Owned by Earl Lancaster, Earl’s Cuts & Styles is a black-owned barbershop and Central District neighborhood institution that gives some of the best fades, cuts, and trims at affordable prices. Known for its family-feel, the shop attracts longtime regulars with all kinds of hair textures and styles.

Owned by immigration lawyer Sharon Healey since 2019, Good Neighbor Cafe is located in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood and boasts a literary-themed menu. Among the selection of hearty sandwiches is the Ernest Hemingway bagel sandwich, which features cream cheese, smoked salmon, red onions, and capers on your choice of bagel. Other familiar names on the menu include the Charles Dickens (bacon, arugula, tomato), the Alex Haley (sliced turkey and swiss cheese) and the Harper Lee (sliced ham with veggies and spicy mustard). The cafe also offers local Madsen Cacao coffee, quesadillas, crepes, and a rotating "Soup of the Day."

Terrell Jackson's grandparents opened the original Catfish Corner in 1985. After the business shut its doors, Terrell wanted to continue his grandparents' legacy, so he reopened and renamed it Jackson's Catfish Corner just blocks away from Catfish Corner's original location. At the family-owned business, Terrell sees his customers as family. Everything Terrell serves is finger-licking good — from the 1/2 pound basket of fried catfish to some of the best cornbread muffins you'll ever eat.

Branching out from their corporate backgrounds, Rodney Hines and Todd Herriott founded Métier Brewing Company in 2018 with the vision of creating a welcoming gathering space and a family-friendly destination. At their Central District location, Rodney and Todd offer 12-16 distinctive beers on tap. Proceeds from Métier's award-winning Coconut Porter help fund their internship program, which aims to boost diversity in the brewing industry by training aspiring beer makers.

Bonus: Check out Métier Brewing Company's original location in Woodinville. 

Noir Lux Candle Co. began as a labor of love for owner Colina Bruce. In 2022, she opened the doors to her brick-and-mortar candle bar in Belltown. Each candle that Colina sells is handcrafted in small batches with her customers and community in mind. She describes the scents as an ode to good times and great vibes, from jasmine and sea salt to white tea and bergamot. The candles are created with 100% all natural soy wax, 100% phthalate-free fragrance oils, and wooden wicks. 

The Postman was founded by KeAnna and D'Vonne Pickett, whose families have lived in Seattle's Central District neighborhood for five generations. D'Vonne's grandfather Jacques Chappell was a mail carrier for 37 years, and in 2018, KeAnna and D'Vonne opened their mailbox rental and shipping center to honor his memory. Following D'Vonne's tragic death, KeAnna and her family continue to build on his legacy as a leader in the community. Stop by the original Central District location or visit the South Seattle location.

Bonus: The Postman also offers copy, scan, fax, and notary services.