Where to support black-owned businesses in Central Jersey – My Central Jersey

Have you been watching what is happening across the nation and wondering how you can help? 

Maybe you joined a protest, wrote to legislators, bought a book on racism in America, said a prayer.

It all helps, as does making a purchase from a black-owned business.

Here is a list of businesses in Central Jersey to support now and in the future. It will be updated and owners are invited to email JIntersimone@MyCentralJersey.com to have their businesses included. Please include the town the business is based in. 

This list is just a start. Help us share the names of black-owned businesses in Somerset, Hunterdon, Middlesex and Union counties. 

Somerset County

4 Brothers Breakfast is a Warren breakfast and lunch eatery specializing in Southern comfort dishes such as chicken and waffles, biscuits and grits. You’ll know you found this popular spot when you see the line trailing out the door. 4brothersbreakfasts.com. 

Amazing Taste – Soul Food Kitchen offers soul food favorites such as collard greens, BBQ chicken and baked macaroni ‘n cheese at their restaurant locations in South Bound Brook and North Plainfield. amazingtastesoulfood.com. 

BAM Desserts is a bakery in the Somerset section of Franklin Township known for their “baby BAMs” (mini Bundt cakes), cupcakes, brownies, cake pops and custom cookies. bamdesserts.com. 

READ: BAM Desserts moves to new Somerset location with open kitchen, space for classes

Carol’s Creative Chocolatez is a Somerville chocolatier that specializes in single origin chocolates from all over the world. They also make edible chocolate paintings and CBD-infused chocolates. carolscreativechocolatez.com. 

Evolve Clothing Gallery is a Somerville menswear boutique known for its focus on eclectic pieces from emerging designers as well as a curated selection of established brands. evolveclothinggallery.com. 

Jams by Kim, based in Hillsborough, makes all-natural jams, jellies and preserves. You can purchase products online or find at various farmers’ markets including the Highland Park Farmers Market and Duke Farms Market. jamsbykim.com. 

Performing Arts Academy is a Somerset school specializing in accelerated learning through individual curriculum and target tutoring for preschool to third grade children focused on the integration of the developing mind and body of the student with academics and the performing arts. performingartsacademy.net. 

Spice Isle is a Warren Carribbean-fusion restaurant that reflects the heritage of owner Joyce Joseph’s parents and generations prior; they hail from Grenada which is known as the “Island of Spice.” spiceislenj.com. 

Venue 518 is a Bound Brook caterer, banquet and meeting facility known for its multicultural cuisine. They offer on-site accomodations for 30-250 people and off-site catering for a minimum of 10 people. Plus, during the pandemic, they are offering takeout as well as free meals to those in need. venue518.com. 

Middlesex County

Above Art Studios is a New Brunswick art gallery known for its pop art, abstract art and other unique pieces. aboveartstudios.com. 

All Day Fitness is a Dunellen personal training facility specializing in weight loss, strength and conditioning, toning and athletic development. myalldayfitness.com.

Body and Music School of Performing Arts is a a non-profit performing arts school in Piscataway offering instruction for both children in adults in dance, acting and voice. bamsopa.com.

READ: With vegan eats, Seed Burger is revolutionizing fast food in New Brunswick

Create That Party is a South Plainfield event planning business offering event venues, design and planning. southplainfieldeventplanner.com. 

Donna McPherson CPA is a Piscataway-based business and money strategist known for her work with entrepreneurs and small business owners. donnamcphersoncpa.com. 

Estime’s Cafe is a breakfast eatery in the Colonia section of Woodbridge run by two Haitian brothers. estimescafe.com. 

Little Harvard is a pre-school and child card facility in the Iselin section of Woodbridge which is owned by the same owners of My Very Own School. littleharvardnj.com. 

My Very Own School is a licensed full service pre-school and child care facility in Middlesex. my-very-own-school.business.site.

Oasis Senior Advisors Central Jersey is a Piscataway-based business which handles all of the research and matching services required to find senior housing services ideal for you or your loved one. oasissenioradvisors.com. 

Rosetta’s Farm, based in South Plainfield, creates chili spice blends inspired by Owner Bill Devine’s mother, Rosetta, who always made meals packed with flavor. All blends are created from peppers grown on Devine’s farm. rosettafarms.com.

Seed Burger is a fast-casual vegan eatery in New Brunswick cooking up items such as Impossible Burgers, Beyond Burgers, buffalo chickpea burgers and kale burgers which will make you never look at that Whopper the same way again. seedburger.com.

Simply Jerk Jamaican Grill is a casual Monroe Township restaurant cooking up traditional Jamaican cuisine such as jerk chicken, coco bread and festival using family recipes. simplyjerkjamaicangrill.com. 

Stilettos and Screwdrivers is a Spotswood-based business offering repairs of items such as smart phones and tablets, speakers, hard drives, vending machines, laptops, gaming systems and more. stilettos-n-screwdrivers.com.

Sweets by Lovey is a Kendall Park-based baker offering items such as cupcakes, cake pops and cookies. sweetsbylovey.weebly.com. 

Union County

The Chambers Elite Group is a real estate office headquartered in Westfield led by Sarah Chambers, who helps buyers and sellers with homes in Somerset, Union, Middlesex and Essex counties. facebook.com/pg/THECHAMBERSELITEGROUP. 

KeyFab is a Rahway-based makeup artist offering services such as makeup lessons, bridal makeup and girls’ night makeovers. styleseat.com/makeupbykeyfab.

READ: More marches, protests coming to these Central Jersey townsLoveLee Wine is a Plainfield-based wine brand offering wine such as the Passion Sparkling Rose; the dry, balanced LoveLee Journey Blend; and LoveLee Legende Blend, made with blackberries and tobacco. loveleewine.com. 

The Shoe Soul Society is an online boutique which sells women’s shoes while also donating shoes to formerly incarcerated women. It was founded by Cheres Chambers, a Plainfield native. facebook.com/theshoesoulsociety. 

Why… Because Jesus Lives is a Roselle-based radio network. wbjlradio.com. 

Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA Today Network New Jersey since 2014, after becoming a blogger-turned-reporter following the creation of her award-winning travel blog. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. Contact: JIntersimone@Gannett.com or @JIntersimone. 

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