Veteran-owned Small Businesses
Use Intentionalist to explore and #SpendLikeItMatters at Veteran-owned small businesses in your community, including coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, bars, gyms, and more.
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Intentionalist is built on one simple idea: where we spend our money matters. We make it easy to find, learn about, and support small businesses and the diverse people behind them through everyday decisions about where we eat, drink, and shop.
Owners Linh Bien and Andy Tran started Banh Mi Up as an acclaimed food cart in October 2018. After a successful first year, they decided it was time to move the business to a restaurant. While they focus on familiar Vietnamese dishes, the pair also explore cuisine from other Asian countries. You'll find wontons in chili oil and shrimp tempura on the menu alongside their titular pork banh mi.
The duo recently expanded the business to a secondary location on Alberta street, dubbed Banh Mi Up Kitchen. Don't forget to grab a drink to go with your meal-- they've got fun options like Vietnamese Ube coffee and butterfly passionfruit lemonade!
Banh Mi Up Kitchen is the restaurant's second location, offering a menu chock-full of familiar favorites in quick service, take-out-only format. Owners Linh Bien and Andy Tran focus on familiar Vietnamese dishes, the pair are also interested in exploring cuisine from other Asian countries. You'll find wontons in chili oil and shrimp tempura on the menu alongside their titular pork banh mi.
Don't forget to grab a drink to go with your meal-- they've got fun options like Vietnamese Ube coffee and butterfly passionfruit lemonade!
Founded in 1996, BBay Running is the oldest running & walking shoe store in Whatcom County. Located in the heart of downtown Bellingham, owner David Penrose and his team provide healthy lifestyle solutions in walking, cross-training & running shoes, apparel and accessories.
Founded by Yamarie Escalera Gonzalez in 2021, Boriclaws School of Nail Technology blends professional nail technology education with expert salon services. More than just a school, Boriclaws offers comprehensive technical training for aspiring nail artists while simultaneously providing high-quality nail services to the community. Committed to empowering individuals through creativity and skill development, the business supports marginalized communities and helps students transform their passion into professional careers.
Shane Matlock first dreamed of owning his own coffee shop or restaurant during a part-time gig as a barista in high school. For 15 years that followed, Shane served as a U.S. Army Officer, which took him all over the world, including 3 years on the border of France and Belgium. It was here that Shane discovered what he believes to be the tastiest waffle in the world: the Liège (lee-ehj) waffle.
Shane brought his own Liège-style waffles back to the states in 2017, first through catering and a food truck, and now, his cafe in downtown Attleboro, Massachusetts. Burgundian has a curated and unique menu inspired by street foods from around the world.
Fun Fact: Shane is working on a British Double Decker Bus cafe - stay tuned!
In 2016, Santos May-Pat and Ray Ogo opened Cater 4 You, excited to build their companies home in Redmond. Santos and Ray will cater breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a variety of different options at different price points. Pick from their appetizer, corporate, a la carte, or special events, or specialty menus to find the perfect food for your next event.
Bonus: Santos and Ray also own the food truck Mas Pika.
Catffeinated is no ordinary coffee shop. In fact, it’s Tacoma’s first cat cafe and lounge! Owners Melanie and Kristi opened in 2020 with the idea to serve coffee and tea in a setting where roaming cats abound. Come sip your favorite beverage and frolic with the felines. Adoptions are also available.
Bonus: The cat cafe is also used for events and workshops. Check out the popular Cats & Mats yoga event!
Cedar River BBQ has been a Renton favorite for over 20 years. What keeps people coming back is their Texas-style slow-smoked meats, house-made BBQ sauces, and mouth-watering sides like macaroni and cheese and Mexican street corn.
Owners Anand and Raajan Kumar took over the business in 2022, committed to keeping Renton's favorite BBQ going. The community has welcomed them with open arms in return, and it's a great place for the whole family to enjoy.
Cedar River BBQ offers catering, so keep them in mind for your next summer BBQ or work event.
Founded by Dr. Jana Richardson and Steve Richardson in 2020, Chicago Pelvic Health and Wellness has worked to bring awareness to the challenging and complex pelvic health issues women and men face. Through individualized care plans, they are committed to empowering their patients to feel good in their bodies and get back to the life they love. The team at Chicago Pelvic Health and Wellness prides itself on quality, respectful, and empathetic care so that each patient feels heard and understood.
DND Soul Cuisine takes its visitors on a journey down South, serving up platefuls of authentic soul food favorites like cornmeal-crusted catfish and fried chicken served up with a side of collard greens. After noticing the lack of southern food spots in Tacoma, Marie Johns-Davis decided to take her family recipes and start up a restaurant of her own.
Don't skip on their famous shrimp po' boy, served on a butter-toasted hoagie roll and topped with lettuce, onion, tomato, and their special Aioli sauce with a side of house fries. Make sure to come hungry and leave some room for dessert: a slice of their peach cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream is the perfect way to finish a meal.
In 2014, Constance Milstein and Father Rick Curry embarked on a shared mission to establish Dog Tag Bakery, driven by their unwavering commitment to support and empower veterans, military spouses, and caregivers. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by these individuals after their service, they sought to create a welcoming space that not only provides delicious baked goods but also offers a comprehensive education and employment program.
At Dog Tag, veterans are equipped with tools and skills to help them confidently reintegrate into their communities after their service. Along the way, they gain a strong network of support that continues to empower them even after finishing the program.
Stop by their bakery to enjoy some delicious pastries and join in supporting their mission to create brighter futures for those who have served our country.
Healer Vibe (Vee-Bay) Smith is dedicated to helping his patients identify and heal their physical and emotional pain from the source. Vibe is a second-generation spiritual healer and takes after his grandmother in his work. After an emotional life journey that has included Coast Guard service, lots of traveling, and immense spiritual mentorship. Whether you're looking to heal from anger, PTSD, anxiety, fatigue, stiffness, soreness, or weakness, Vibe is eager to ease your healing journey.
Dreamer Ice Cream is not your average ice cream shop. Owners Timothy & Ileyana Coleman wanted to create something inspiring that matched their mission to overcome homelessness and hardship and pursue the American dream. Living up to its name, the menu goes beyond two scoops on a cone, and features a build-your-own creation option! From waffle pops to chocolate-covered Oreos to ice cream nachos, you can embrace your inner dreamer and create the ultimate dessert. And if you'd like to drink your dessert, choose from dreamy milkshake flavors like strawberry shortcake and banana pudding.
Beyond frozen delights, the goal is to become a community hub where everyone is welcome, while offering support for underrepresented groups and funding children's programs.
At Dulac Dental of Springfield, Dr. Jason W. Dulac aims to help people take care of their beautiful smiles and ensure those smiles lasts forever. He offers a broad range of dental services and works closely with trusted specialists to provide you with the best possible dental care. Jason has years of experience and advanced training in extensive dental areas. At Dulac Dental of Springfield, it is his priority to create a warm, comfortable, and welcoming environment for his patients and deliver minimally invasive treatment with the best knowledge and care.
Evolve Home is your one-stop shop for all things women's apparel and home, offering a curated collection of unique apparel, decor, plants, rugs, and mid-century furniture. Owner Cindy Hickly intends for the space to be more than a boutique - she opened in 2014 with the intention of providing a home away from home, a relaxing space for people to slow down and just be.
Evolve stocks one-of-a-kind vintage finds and items curated from local Tacoma artists. Maybe you're revamping your living room, maybe you're looking for a summer sundress, maybe you just want to wander and browse-- regardless, stopping by is sure to Evolve your style.
Did you know that farmed salmon are fed color pellets to get their pink color? Facts like these are what pushed Brandon and Krystal Williams to open FishScale in 2017, where they use fish that are sourced according to Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program. The burgers are topped with homemade condiments made from organic ingredients. FishScale's sustainable sourcing has gotten rave reviews, making it a popular spot in the D.C. area. At FishScale the food doesn't only taste good, it's good for the environment!
Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe is a family and Veteran-owned and operated business with origins dating back to 1962. Though the business changed hands within the family as well as names, doughnuts have always been the primary focus, as well as a welcoming and comfortable space to enjoy them with great company. You can find their shop in Arlington, across the river from Washington, D.C.
Bonus: Once you've had your fill of doughnuts, enjoy a variety of sandwiches, soups, and more for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe is a family and Veteran-owned and operated business with origins dating back to 1962. Though the business changed hands within the family as well as names, doughnuts have always been the primary focus, as well as a welcoming and comfortable space to enjoy them with great company. You can find their shop in Arlington, across the river from Washington, D.C.
Bonus: Once you’ve had your fill of doughnuts, enjoy a variety of sandwiches, soups, and more for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe is a family and Veteran-owned and operated business with origins dating back to 1962. Though the business changed hands within the family as well as names, doughnuts have always been the primary focus, as well as a welcoming and comfortable space to enjoy them with great company. You can find their shop in Arlington, across the river from Washington, D.C.
Bonus: Once you’ve had your fill of doughnuts, enjoy a variety of sandwiches, soups, and more for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
After years of schooling and working, 10-year Navy veteran Tim Fletcher-Velasco decided he wanted to help people find their beauty both inside and out. He and his husband Kevin started Honey Glow Health in 2022, specializing in non-invasive cosmetic and aesthetic procedures including botox, filler, laser resurfacing, and more.
The Honey Glow Health team takes pride in providing a luxurious and high-end experience and ensuring that patients receive the highest quality healthcare and treatments. Head to their website to book a consultation and view any special offers!
Barbara Jeanine and Kathy Hansen opened their first coffee shop in 2011 in San Diego’s popular Hillcrest neighborhood. It wasn’t long before Crystal Jones (their niece) joined the team in 2015. Now, Industrial Grind Coffee is a funky little shop specializing in coffee, hand-crafted chocolates, gluten-free pastries, and the best make-at-home mixes like their cinnamon roll coffee cake mix for their customers to take with them and enjoy!
Bonus: If you stop in and enjoy one of their delicious gluten-free treats, you can purchase the recipe and make them for yourself at home!
Tamaya Edwards had the idea for a rage room just before the COVID pandemic began. After moving through grief and trauma, she recognized that her family needed an outlet that was safe to express all of their emotions. IRaged Olympia opened in 2022 in Olympia, Washington to provide families and communities a form of expressive therapy and a recreational form of temporary stress relief.
In a nutshell, you can break their stuff, and they’ll clean it up.
Ken Moorman opened Jirani Coffeehouse in Old Town Manassas in 2015 driven by his dream to build a love of specialty coffee, community, and culture. The café's name comes from a Swahili word meaning "neighbor." Ken ensures every drink is delicious by focusing on each part of the coffee making process, from growing to grinding the ethically sourced, locally roasted, and freshly ground coffee beans.
Pro tip: Jirani's stage features everything from poetry slams to local musicians and a little library favored by local authors and students alike. Stay tuned for the latest happenings by checking out the shop's calendar.
Santos May-Pat and Ray Ogo founded their food truck Mas Pika in 2020. The truck, and the name, is a representation of their partnership and their cultural/ethnic background. Mas in Spanish is more and Pika in Chamorro is spice. With their fusion they bring flavors from Mexico's southern tip (Yucatan) to the Southern Pacific of Guam and the Northern Marianas.
Bonus: Santos and Ray also own a catering company, Cater 4 You.
After college and a 12-year military career, Keveyonna Davis started her wellness journey. In 2016, she opened her massage practice and later began wellness coaching. At her practice in Lacey, she provides individualized Therapeutic Plans specific to your wellness goals. To Keveyonna, there isn’t one way of living well, pain-free, stress-free, or tension-free. The key is discovering what works for “your” body and the flow of your lifestyle.
Drew Downing, Avery Adams, Tara Anderson, and Michael Cleveland teamed up to serve joyful meals, showcase the Orcas Island food culture, and build community through locally-focused dining. At Matia Kitchen & Bar you can find a full cocktail bar and upscale dining in a casual, relaxing atmosphere. With a combined 75 years of experience in restaurants, finance, and building systems, each of the four owners brings a unique voice that helps Matia provide each customer with an outstanding experience.
Mattice Beauty Supply is a Black Disabled Woman-owned business specializing in Black hair care, local beauty brands, wigs, and braiding hair. Recognizing the unmet needs of the community, owner Mattice Hoyt was inspired to offer access to products not readily available at major retail chains. In addition, Mattice Beauty Supply provides a conference room where fellow entrepreneurs host a variety of classes and events, promoting a sense of community and empowerment.
Ah, fusion food. The miraculous adventure of bringing together some of your favorite flavors. In 2019, Daniel and Evelina Diaz opened the Mexi-Rican Food Truck, bringing together West Coast Mexican food, traditional Puerto Rican food, and waffles. When they were stationed abroad, Daniel and Evelina tasted their first Belgian (Liège) waffles, and the rest is history.
Customers rave about the friendly service and tasty drinks served at MmmJavalicious, a small coffee stand in Kirkland, WA owned by Carla Suman. Carla says this business is her bread and butter and she takes a lot of pride in what she does. MmmJavalicious serves a variety of caffeinated favorites like their americano, mocha, and chai as well as sweet drinks like hot chocolate and Italian soda. Their bakery menu includes delicious muffin tops, gourmet cookies, bagels, and more!
Stop by and try the popular lotus drink!
Tip: Stop by on Thursdays for Triple Punch Thursdays for punch card holders!
Jelynn Malone and Beverly Magtanong were on a trip to the Philippines when they had the idea to build their micro coffee roastery, Mostra Coffee, that also made a difference in their own backyard and in the world. They brought in Beverly's husband Sam Magtanong and longtime friend, Chef Mike Arquines, and the four created Mostra Coffee. With their individual gifts, passion, and a shared Filipino heritage combined, they serve coffee with a mission.
Bonus: Mostra Coffee also has locations in the Caramel Mountain Ranch Home Center and on Bankers Hill.
Jelynn Malone and Beverly Magtanong were on a trip to the Philippines when they had the idea to build their micro coffee roastery, Mostra Coffee, that also made a difference in their own backyard and in the world. They brought in Beverly's husband Sam Magtanong and longtime friend, Chef Mike Arquines, and the four created Mostra Coffee. With their individual gifts, passion, and a shared Filipino heritage combined, they serve coffee with a mission.
Bonus: Mostra Coffee also has locations in the 4S Ranch common area and in the Caramel Mountain Ranch Home Center.
Jelynn Malone and Beverly Magtanong were on a trip to the Philippines when they had the idea to build their micro coffee roastery, Mostra Coffee, that also made a difference in their own backyard and in the world. They brought in Beverly's husband Sam Magtanong and longtime friend, Chef Mike Arquines, and the four created Mostra Coffee. With their individual gifts, passion, and a shared Filipino heritage combined, they serve coffee with a mission.
Bonus: Mostra Coffee also has locations in the 4S Ranch common area and on Bankers Hill.
In 2011, Rebecca and Charles Marbas opened Northwest Lumpia to share Charles's family lumpia recipe with their community. Northwest Lumpia specializes in what Rebecca and Charles call fusion lumpia. While their menu features more typical meat and vegetable filled lumpia, Rebecca and Charles experiment with flavors like peanut butter and jelly.
Bonus: Keep an eye out for Northwest Lumpia's rotating special flavors.
Beer and good conversation flow freely at Off Day Beer and Wine, a fun-focused "juice" bar for adults with an overflowing assortment of craft beer, wine, seltzer, cider, and kombucha offerings. Super-friendly owners Nuri Song and Lai Thach are high school sweethearts who opened up the bar in 2020 as a place for people to relax, socialize, and strike up a conversation with someone new.
Lai and Nuri stock their tap lists with local craft beverages. Stop by for a chat and a snack while you crack open a cold one. You're sure to walk away with a few new friends!
Inspired by her mom's love of art and getting inked, Imani Wainwright helped open Pen & Portrait in 2022. The mother-daughter duo and their team of talented artists offer a welcoming, comfortable space for people of all skin tones can adorn their bodies with beautiful art.
The shop's tattoo artists specialize in a range of styles from realistic portraits and anime tributes to minimalist designs and watercolor masterpieces.
The first Black-owned pizzeria in Washington state, Pizza By Ruffin is a Black, woman, and veteran-owned business. Owners Isaiah Ruffin and Colleen Constant serve pizza al taglio - "pizza by the cut" - specializing in toppings and flavors that reflect the Black diaspora, from Ethiopian Dorowat to Jamaican curry. In addition to their delicious pizza, they also offer beer and wine from other minority owned businesses in Washington.
As the Capitol Hill neighborhood was shaped by grunge and Pride parades, Raven Myrick was shaping the community's hairstyles. Over the years, the neighborhood has gentrified and tastes have changed — but Raven has remained. Known as a hub for "cuts, color, and conversation," the neighborhood barbershop specializes in brave, expressive styles. Book a cut, color, or style and rest assured that you're in trustworthy hands.
After COVID-19, Adam Furler knew he needed a place of his own to share food, wine, and experiences. In 2021, he opened Restaurant Christine to share seasonal Northwestern comfort food and good drinks with his neighbors and community in Greenlake. Adam named the restaurant after his grandmother, who once owned several restaurants in the Seattle area. He aims to continue carrying on her legacy.
Adam's menu changes regularly based on the availability of local ingredients but two things remain constant: everything is 100% made from scratch and 100% delicious.
In 2014, Carlos Cruz became a massage therapist to help his clients create immediate, positive change to their body. His journey to bodywork started as a medic in the United States Army, where he became discouraged by the ideas of the "quick fix" that many Western medicine techniques focused on.
Whether you are a weekend warrior, a professional athlete, or just trying to come back from an injury, Carlos wants to help with your chronic pain, acute pain, or body imbalances. Using a variety of techniques from acupuncture and Chinese herbal prescriptions to focused treatment and structural integration bodywork, Carlos merges newer, Scientific-based treatments with Eastern medicine techniques for a holistic approach to injury and pain management.
Kendal Au and Joseph McFadden opened Roots Movement in 2018 to teach POC, low income, and other underserved communities the excellent self-care that Pilates offers. Before Roots Movement, the couple ran Pilates to the People, LLC in Oakland and Berkeley California for nearly a decade, but were forced to move out of the Bay Area due to gentrification. Kendal and Joseph moved to Seattle where they've continued to offer high-quality virtual and in-person massage, acupressure, Pilates classes, and much more.
Scoops ’N’ Smiles is the official ice cream of the Philadelphia Union, created by brothers Akain and Yuself Rowland in 2016. The West Philly natives grew up eating water ice and decided to make their own, and you’ll find at least 10 flavors in the store at all times. Scoops ’N’ Smiles also serves a rotating list of Dutch Farm ice cream, made with quality ingredients and hand-packed to ensure every spoonful exceeds expectations. A visit to Scoops ’N’ Scoops is sure to cure that sweet craving, leaving customers smiling and satisfied.
Jackie Christian moved her salon from Atlanta to Seattle in 2019 seeing the lack of natural hair care options and the frustration of Black women in the area. She quickly built a clientele of over 300 women and a few men who want natural hair care. Six17 Salon specializes in hair that has not been chemically straightened and a commitment to each individual customer. They are all about empowering and educating their clients as it relates to their hair and almost always, the information Jackie and her team provide trickles into the customer's daily lives and yields the most amazing results.
Super Genius Tattoo is owned by Damon Conklin, a charismatic veteran who was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. After a tumultuous childhood, Damon found a passion for tattooing and has been at it since 1995. Over time Damon has become one of the most respected artists in the area, and is joined by a talented team at Super Genius.
Fun fact: In 2001, Damon founded The Seattle Tattoo Expo. The event is held in Seattle and international and local artists congregate every summer to showcase their work and gather as a community.
Kunthida Matteson and her husband opened Tasty Doux Bakery's brick and mortar in 2017, driven by Kunthida's passion for baking. During Le Cordon Bleu baking school, the couple learned the techniques to make their pastries unique using a mixture of French pastries, Asian flavors, and American cakes. At their bakery, Kunthida and her husband create treats that are not overly sweet but are absolutely overly delicious. Tasty Doux's cream puffs, macarons, cupcakes, and other baked goods are made with premium ingredients for everyone to enjoy.
Owner Alex Houghton founded Tera Painting in 2012 after completing his enlisted service in the U.S. Army. The company's motto is "Passionate Painting Perfectionists", offering customers experienced interior and exterior residential painting services.
Ernestine Brown began making soap as a form of mental therapy while serving in the military. She soon realized the powerful effects and benefits of using all-natural products and wanted to share them with her community. In 2012, she started selling her soaps and body butter at farmer's markets and festivals, which helped her build her business into the brick-and-mortar it is today, inside Liberty Public Market in San Diego.
Her high-quality, all-natural, and organic products are a perfect self-care treat and provide relief to skin conditions like Eczema, Psoriasis, and Rosacea.
The Vet Chef, a popular traveling food truck in the Seattle area, was established in 2015 by Kyle Gourlie to help veterans transition back into society while also cultivating a community between veterans and civilians. Through their employment opportunities, mentoring, and support, The Vet Chef hopes to help assist Veteran staff and their family members to overcome the obstacles and challenges they continue to face.
Visit their website to find out where the truck is at and stop by to snag something from their Mexican-inspired menu.
Created in 2018 by Dorothea Gamble and Dagmar Mitchell, Trunc is a boutique focused on providing the community with accessible, sustainable, quality, and affordable handcrafted and functional products. Trunc’s goal is to enhance the lives of its customers while offering impeccable customer service. Carrying products from artisans of all cultures, backgrounds, and lifestyles, Trunc's makers are as diverse as its product assortment. Trunc offers a variety of products ranging from clothing, jewelry, and home goods, to skincare products.
Ula Cafe in Jamaica Plain, MA is all about nourishing food and soulful community. The neighborhood bakery, café, and meetup spot is co-owned by Kelly Fernandes, Marvin Mathelier, and Beth Santos whose commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion come through in all that they do. They strive to make as much of the food on-site as they can, with a focus on organic, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients whenever possible. Passionate about environmental responsibility? Ula Cafe’s goal is to become single-use plastic-free by 2023 in the front AND back of the house!
Pro tip: Be sure to try their homemade syrups!
Jens and T.J. Hansen opened Uva Furem Winery in 2020 and is the 1000th winery established in Washington State. Jens and T.J. are two Air Force Veteran brothers sharing a common passion for fine wines. Uva Furem offers a large variety of high-quality, small-lot wines with many layers not only in the wine, but also in the stories behind the names and labels.
Uva Furem Winery has an additional tasting room in Tacoma.
Jens and T.J. Hansen opened Uva Furem Winery in 2020 and is the 1000th winery established in Washington State. Jens and T.J. are two Air Force Veteran brothers sharing a common passion for fine wines. Uva Furem offers a large variety of high-quality, small-lot wines with many layers not only in the wine, but in the stories behind the names, labels, and unique stories.
Uva Furem Winery has an additional tasting room in Maple Valley.
Founded by Lori and Tim McConnell in 2010, West Seattle Runner is a family and veteran-owned specialty running store is West Seattle. From shoe selection, to training tips, West Seattle Runner offers expert advice and encouragement to runners of all experience levels.
Bonus: West Seattle Runner produces a charity 5K that benefits the local food bank. They offer free training for people looking to do their first half/full marathon, including those that haven't run before. They also donate old shoes and other items to a local shelter.
Grabbing a drink is one thing, but sharing that experience with a great group of people is a feeling like no other, and that is what Working Hands Fermentation stands for. Founded in 2014 with the goal of crafting new and unique cider and also bring people together, Working Hands Fermentation not only serves cider and beer, but the taproom also serves as a community space for its customers and often features live music. Owners John Metta, Chip Dickinson, Jon Terhaar, Kristyn Fix continue to make the space a home away from home for the residents of Hood River Heights.
Bonus: Working Hands Fermentation also offers weekly meal kits that can be paired with their ciders for happy hour specials!
Zuri's Gourmet Donutz is not your average donut shop. With galaxy-swirled donuts, garlic chili chicken donuts, and Bailey's apple fritters, you've never seen donuts like this before. Owner Davis Vincent is a U.S. Navy veteran, self-taught baker, and culinary mad genius behind the truly unique and inventive flavors at Zuri's Gourmet Donutz. Davis loves to experiment with any and all flavors he finds while perusing local markets.
Fun fact: Zuri's Gourmet Donutz also offers vegan and gluten-free options!





























































































