A Central Florida Black-Owned Businesses + History Tour

Last Updated on March 5, 2024

To celebrate Juneteenth, we participated in Black Friday Orlando, a scavenger hunt through the Orlando area, stopping at various Central Florida black-owned businesses and historic sites!

We compiled a tour of some of our favorite restaurants, shops, and historic sites throughout the Central Florida area.

Take the tour yourself and support local black-owned businesses while learning about the incredible African-American community in Central Florida.

A Cup of Joe at Birchwood Coffee Co

Start out your morning tour with a delicious cup of coffee from Birchwood Coffee Co located in Apopka.

Birchwood is owned by Danielle Bjork, who believes coffee is always an essential part of her family’s life. To Bjork, coffee is the epicenter of family gatherings, memories, laughs, and love.

Not only can you get a great coffee, espresso, cold brew, or tea, Danielle also serves breakfast, pastries, and more. In fact, all of the pastries and baked goods are inspired by a family member.

Look for Grandma Ruth’s Buttermilk Pound Cake, Auntie Pam’s Peach Cobbler, Great Grandma Loreen’s Sweet Potato Pie, and Uncle Andrae’s Pecan Pie, to name a few.

Birchwood Coffee Co Address: 2107 E Semoran Blvd D, Apopka, FL 32703

A Delicious Breakfast at Brick & Spoon

After a coffee from Danielle, make sure to stop by Brick and Spoon in Maitland, where they are “allergic to boring breakfast.”

Their menu is full of unique meals with a Southern comfort food flair. Whether you’re looking for brunch, lunch, breakfast, or coffee – you will find what you’re looking for on their expansive menu.

If you’re brave, make sure to try their customizable build-your-own bloody mary.

It’s hard to pick just one meal at Brick and Spoon when they’re all so delicious. From shrimp and grits to bananas foster french toast to the bayou benedict, you truly can not go wrong with anything you choose.

If you do venture to Brick and Spoon, keep in mind that you may wait for a table – especially during Sunday brunch.

Brick & Spoon Address: 933 S Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751

Learn About Eatonville’s Most Famous Resident at the Zora Neale Hurston Museum

Eatonville not only has a rich heritage, but it also played a big role in literary history, thanks in part to one of its most famous residents, Zora Neale Hurston. 

In her works, she celebrates her hometown, Eatonville, as representative of the dignity and beauty of rural Southern, African-American life and culture.

The Zora Neale Hurston Museum teaches visitors about the history of Eatonville, Zora Neale Hurston, and also highlights emerging artists of African descent.

The museum doesn’t charge admission but does appreciate a donation to help them continue educating their visitors.

Do you want to learn more about the historic town of Eatonville? Check out the historic town of Eatonville Florida!

Zora Neale Hurston Museum Address: 642 W New England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

Pay Tribute to the African American Community at the Hannibal Square Heritage Center

Your next stop through the black-owned businesses and historical sites throughout Orlando is Hannibal Square Heritage Center in Winter Park.

Their mission is for their visitors to become more aware of, respect, explore and participate in the heritage and history of Winter Park’s African-American community.

The center houses an exhibition of family photographs and the history of the African-American community called The Heritage Collection: Photographs and Oral Histories of West Winter Park​.

The building is also located in a very historic area of Winter Park – Hannibal Square.

Winter Park was the first planned community in Central Florida and built around the railroad. The west side of Winter Park is known as Hannibal Square and was officially founded in 1881.

The free black families who lived in this area had a steady source of labor through the railroad and service positions with wealthy white residents.

This resulted in educational opportunities, home and business ownership, and prosperity for the black residents of Winter Park.

In 1887, the city of Winter Park was incorporated, including Hannibal Square. Two black men from the area were elected Aldermen.

Since Winter Park is a desirable place to live, this has resulted in a high level of gentrification. The purpose of the Hannibal Square Heritage Center is to preserve what is left of the inspiring black heritage.

Hannibal Square Heritage Center Address: 642 W New England Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789

Stop for a Snack Break at B Cupcakes

A woman and black-owned business, B Cupcakes has won multiple awards throughout Orlando and Central Florida for their cupcakes.

You can choose from 20+ daily flavors, all made from scratch every day.

B Cupcakes uses fresh, high-quality ingredients like sweet cream butter, rich chocolate, and real fruit.

Choose from delicious selections like Sweet Potato, Lemon Coconut Crunch, and Key Lime, or stick to the classics like Chocoholic or Strawberry.

If you need a pick-me-up, you may want to order a cupcake like the Rum Snowball or Bailey’s!

B Cupcakes Address: 3030 East Semoran Blvd #196, Apopka, FL 32703

Shop for African Gifts at Three Masks Inc.

Three Masks Inc wants to “share Africa from within” with its patrons. All of their gifts are authentic and straight from Africa. You can purchase, masks, statues, jewelry, African attire, shea butter, black soap, fragrance oil, incense, and more!

The staff is incredibly kind, happy to share stories and experiences from Africa with you, and consider themselves unofficial African ambassadors to Central Florida.

Even if you leave without a purchase, you will leave with a full heart and an inspiring story from the staff.

Three Masks Inc. Address: 1023 W Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32804

Clean Up at Naked Bar Soap Company

Located in Orlando, Naked Bar Soap company is a black-owned business selling natural soaps, scrubs, body butter, bath bombs, and more.

Not only do the soaps smell amazing, but are made with ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, shea butter, cocoa, and essential oils.

It’s hard not to want to buy one of everything while you’re in the store since everything smells so enticing.

You can’t go wrong with what you choose, because it’s clear that Naked Bar Soap Co team loves what they do and creates a great product.

If you make a purchase, you may even get a sample in your bag for free.

Naked Bar Soap Company Address: 2405 W Princeton St Unit 1, Orlando, FL 32804

Find the Miscellaneous Things You Need at Miscellaneous Market

This Central Florida black-owned business is owned and operated by sisters Landrea and Dede. Miscellaneous Market has everything you need — from stationary and books to puzzles, cups, cards, pins, and more.

If you ever need a gift for that special someone, you will find it at this quirky and adorable shop.

The best part? You’ll find lots of merchandise in the store for the Florida lover in all of us!

Make sure to stop by often, because the inventory changes out quickly. When you check out, make sure to chat with Landrea or Dede at the register.

Both sisters are absolute delights and help make the Miscellaneous Market even more charming.

Miscellaneous Market Address: 1903 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32804

Learn About African American History & Culture at the Wells’ Built Museum

The former Wells’ Built Hotel repurposed into a museum. It now houses memorabilia from the Civil Rights movement, African art and artifacts, and lots of historic treasures that helped define the Orlando African-American community.

The Wells’ Built Museum was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in February of 2000.

The hotel was initially built by Dr. William Monroe for African Americans visiting Orlando during the segregation area. Sadly, even though African Americans were taxpayer residents of Orlando, they didn’t have the same schools, police, health care, and facilities offered to the white citizens of the area.

The Wells’ Built Hotel gave them lodging and a home away from home during an era when they were not welcomed.

It is an incredibly important stop when looking at the black history of Central Florida.

Wells’ Built Museum Address: 511 W South St, Orlando, FL 32805

Bring Everyone Together for Dinner at Seana’s

Owned by Orlando native Joshua Johnson, this black-owned restaurant serves authentic Caribbean soul food in a relaxed environment.

Joshua got the idea for Seana’s after he was at a cousin’s birthday party and tried some delicious Caribbean food.

He felt that everyone needed the chance to try authentic, cooked-to-order soul food. He met the woman who prepared the food and went on to become the very first head chef at Seana’s.

Some of our favorites include the wing and shrimp basket, fried chicken, and oxtails! Grab a drink before your meal, relax, and enjoy the authentic environment of Seana’s.

Seana’s Address: 719 Good Homes Rd, Orlando, FL 32818

Take in the History at the Callahan Neighborhood Center

In 1895, the very first school for African Americans was built in Orlando. The Callahan Neighborhood Center was named after Dr. Jerry B. Callahan, an amazing man.

Dr. Callahan was born on a plantation in 1883, and eventually became the first black doctor to open a medical practice in Orlando, and the first African American doctor to practice surgery at Orange General Hospital.

The school was renovated and dedicated as a neighborhood center in 1987.

While the center is a working community center today, it is an important stop due to its prominence within the African American community of Orlando.

Stop by the building to take in its rich history and realize how far this community has come.

Callahan Neighborhood Center Address: 101 N Parramore Ave #1713, Orlando, FL 32801

Finish the Day with a Treat at the Chill Pop Lounge

Located in the Avalon Park area of Orlando, the final stop in our tour of black-owned businesses in Orlando is Chill Pop Lounge.

They serve delicious hand-crafted popsicles, ice cream, and boozy shakes! We recommend the Strawberry Orange popsicle or the Monster Cookie Ice Cream!

Support local businesses and end your day with a sweet treat after learning about the black history of Central Florida.

Callahan Neighborhood Center Address: 3464 Avalon Park W Blvd, Orlando, FL 32828

Looking for more black-owned restaurants across Florida? Check out our favorite black-owned restaurants.