EVANSVILLE − The last time the Courier & Press compiled a Black-owned food business roundup was in 2021. At that time, there were 19 restaurants, food trucks and pop-ups owned by Black people in the Evansville area.

Today, there are 35.

“I think it’s fabulous to see how Black-owned business in general and the foodpreneurship has grown,” said attorney Tanisha Carothers, who heads the Evansville Black Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s not surprising that people have found a way to take food and make a business, because it’s such a cultural part of our DNA," she said. "It’s a way of healing. It’s natural to us to share food.”

She noted that the blossoming of Black-owned food businesses since 2021 might also have something to do with what COVID taught us.

“COVID broke down a lot of barriers,” she said. “Now we more often think of things that are delivery-based, or pop-ups, or food trucks. Maybe people were unemployed and got the courage to go after a dream in what they were passionate about. I think in general we have decided as a community to go after our dreams. We now have a Black mayor and a Black police chief, and there are more Black lawyers than ever. The culture is changing and the food businesses are reflecting that emerging confidence and the tools we have to create a business. “

"I would encourage the overall community to support these businesses,” she added. “It might be a different structure, maybe delivery or a food truck, but for a business culture to flourish it needs support from everyone.”

Following are our 35 local Black-owned food businesses.

Evansville and Newburgh

7Mile Lounge

715 Main St.; 812-550-1127

This Downtown hangout is owned by Arveneda and Art McDonald. Arveneda is also the principal of the Joshua Academy charter school. It’s open on weekends and for special events, and offers a mature vibe with an over-25 age restriction. There’s no kitchen, but beer and wine-based drinks are served and there are often food trucks, food or wine-centered ticketed events or catered meals.

Bea Manje Lakay Mini Market

1016 S. Weinbach Ave. Suite G; 812-444-9737

Stop in the Bea Manje Lakay Mini Market for Haitian goods and food.

Bedford Collab

1202 S. Bedford Ave.

This shared-use kitchen has been taking shape for a few years under the ownership and leadership of DeAndre Wilson, Jeff Gott, Merrick Korach and Danielle Powel. When complete, it will be a home base, commissary and production facility for local foodpreneurs, businesspeople who create a food product, whether it maybe be catered services or packaged food.

Cakes by Shea

812-773-9472

Fron Shea Hillman is an expert baker who also taught baking and pastry classes in the culinary program at Ivy Tech Community College. Specialty cakes with custom decorations are her forte. Check out her Facebook page for a great photo gallery. Look for cakes decorated with traditional icing; themed cakes with cartoon characters, undersea motifs or animals; or cakes built to look like a purse, a hot air balloon, or, say, Pennywise the clown. Cookies, cheesecakes, cupcakes and more are also on Hillman’s menu. Call or message the Facebook page at facebook.com/sheascakes for more information.

Caribbean Cuisine

1010 S. Kentucky Ave.; 812-303-0631

If you like flavorful Caribbean food, you’ll enjoy Caribbean Cuisine. Meldy Devallon and Lovelie Francois co-own the business, which features the foods of Haiti. From mild oxtail stew to fiery pikliz relish which looks like slaw but contains habanero chilies; from fried plantain bananas to mounds of seasoned rice with red beans; from whole fried red snapper with all the garnishes to Hatian-style macaroni and cheese, if you haven’t tried this food it will open new doors for your taste buds.

Chef Adam Edwards

812-319-7887

If you need an elegant in-home dinner party, weekly meal prep or a cooking class right in your own kitchen, Chef Adam Edwards is the man to call. A culinary graduate of Johnson and Wales University in Miami, Edwards has many years of experience in fine dining. He’ll work out a custom menu with you, but some of the dishes he’s served recently have been a dark chocolate tart with berries, beef wellington, shrimp ceviche with avocado and fried plantain, and a spinach salad with fruit, feta cheese and pomegranate arils.

Dontae’s Highland Pizza Parlor

6669 Kratzville Road; 812-777-0016

Chef Dontae Hines has been making some of Evansville’s favorite pizza and creative sandwiches for years. A Dontae’s, he’s cooking up crisp crust pizzas such as the BBQ Gurg with barbecue sauce, pulled pork, candied jalapeños and pineapple, or have a stromboli or one of Dontae’s creative toasted paninis such as The Clucking Pig with chicken, bacon, white cheddar, onion, roasted tomato and pesto.

Frank Jr.’s Catering Service

3012 Covert Ave #F; 812-475-9880

Frank Jr.’s was a longtime East Side Evansville barbecue spot known for great ribs and spectacular sauce with just the right blend of spice, tang and sweetness. Owner Frank Patton is doing catering only these days for his long-time regulars. They still may enjoy his excellent barbecue, other dishes and homemade pies, including chess, pecan, sweet potato and apple.

Half Price Market

2810 Mount Vernon Ave.; 812-777-0144

This Haitian market offers Caribbean products including snacks and drinks, grain and rice, and some fresh fruit and vegetables.

Lamasco Bar & Grille

1331 W. Franklin St.; 812-437-0171

Chef Charles Mereday recently purchased the Lamasco Grill on West. Franklin Street. He’s kept the casual neighborhood watering hole atmosphere and some good pub grub while upscaling the menu to include steaks, grilled-crust gourmet pizza, gourmet versions of homestyle dishes such as meatloaf and tacos, and an elegant weekend brunch menu. Don’t miss the duck confit tacos, grilled octopus, and tarte flambee pizza with bacon, white sauce and caramelized onions.

LoneStar Bar-B-Que & Soul Food

2403 Washington Ave.; 812-303-3351

Tommy and Tabitha Washington are the owners. Originally from Dallas, the pair brings a Texas flair to the Evansville barbecue scene and have garnered a great reputation for fantastic brisket and honey-sweet cornbread. Also on the menu are ribs, pulled pork, and barbecue chicken with sides such as greens, sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese, baked beans and banana pudding for dessert. Dishes such as the Texas Torpedo and Cyclone loaded nachos are topped with barbecue and a host of other goodies.

McKenna’s Southern Cuisine

McKenna Warfield owns McKenna’s Southern Cuisine catering, which she describes as “where Southern style meets Soul Food.” Warfield also likes cooking dishes with flavors from around the world. As a caterer, she prepares everything from southern biscuits and gravy to lasagna, boudin balls, Mexican cornbread casserole, seafood boils, Parmesan-sauced chicken and much more. To contact Warfield, join her Facebook group.

Mikey’s Caribbean

900 Main St.; in the Main Street Food & Beverage Dining Hall

Mikey’s Caribbean restaurant is owned by Marc Demosthenes. It’s one of multiple restaurants inside the Main Street Food & Beverage food hall. On the menu are Haitian specialties such as griot (meat such as pork or turkey) that has been simmered in a flavorful broth until tender, then fried; fried plantain rounds with spicy pikliz relish; whole deep fried red snapper; Haitian bottled beverages and much more.

Peace 4U Catering

Jasmine (Roxanne) Calhoun can whip up anything from Soul Food to international foods and unique desserts. A glance through her Facebook page turns up cinnamon rolls, jumbo pineapple cupcakes, seafood mac and cheese, whole roasted Cornish hen, General Tso’s chicken wings and more. For more information visit the Peace4U Facebook page.

Posh Sweet Treat Creations

812-773-8870

If you have a sweet tooth, April Marie Winstead from Posh Sweet Treats has you covered. From cake pops to cookies and cupcakes, candy or chocolate-coated fruits and pretzels, to cheesecake or pudding cups and more. Groups up to 250 may be serviced. Desserts must be ordered 48 hours or more ahead, and are for pick up at Kitchen 812 on weekdays from 11a.m.-5 p.m., or on the weekend by appointment only. Delivery can be arranged.

Smalbert’s Comfort Food Catering

Smalbert’s is a new catering service by Melanie Albert. She specializes in meals prepared in her inspected kitchen and brought with full service to your home. She will even bring tables and decorate if needed. For holidays, she offers combo meals that customers may order ahead of time for pickup. Custom menus are Albert’s thing, but some entrée’s she’s cooked recently are Cajun salmon and shrimp pasta, Beef Bourguignon and Tequila and lime-marinated steak with rice and black bean salsa. Contact her through her Facebook page.

Souvenir de Dieu Haitian Market

1655 Lincoln Ave.; 786-222-8363

Located on Lincoln, the Souvenir de Dieu (Remembrance of God) Haitian Market market offers Caribbean products including snacks and drinks, grain and rice, and some fresh fruit and vegetables.

Turn Table LLC

This catering business owned by Jeff Gott and DeAndre Wilson can take care of your private event whether it’s an elegant wedding, corporate luncheon, or something in between. From adorable finger foods to fresh pasta to pizza and desserts, the guys from Turn Table can do it all.

Henderson, Ky

John Earl’s Ice House and Fine Foods

733 Martin Luther King Blvd., Henderson, Ky.; 270-854-4798

John Earl’s, owned and run by John and Carmalita McFarland, is a tiny walk-up restaurant offering casual food favorites such as fried appetizers, burgers, wings, barbecue sandwiches, tenderloins, catfish and chicken salad. The house-made cole slaw is a favorite side. Soft serve ice cream may be enjoyed in a cup, as a sundae or in a thick milkshake with add-ins. No credit or debit cards are accepted at John Earl’s.

M&M Fish & Seafood

802 Second St., Henderson, Ky.; 270-212-1427

This brand-new business in Henderson specializes in fried fish -- catfish steaks, fiddlers and fillets; swai; buffalo ribs; salmon nuggets and shrimp. Have a basket with fries and slaw, or a catfish sandwich. Chicken wings, and desserts are also on the menu.

Mama’s Pizza

1526 N. Green St., Henderson, Ky.; 270-830-0101

This pizza shop, owned by Karen and Earlie Rupert, is known for large and heavily loaded pizzas such as the 16-inch Big Daddy, the 18-inch Granddaddy and 20-inch Gutbuster with extra portions of all the house toppings. Double-decker pizzas are also offered or you can get a regular-sized pizza topped with whatever you like. Have a stromboli or pizza oven sandwich, and watch for the fried fish buffet. The fish is fried fresh and comes on a plate, and the sides are on the buffet.

Taylor’s Grill on Wheels

130 N. Water St., Henderson, Ky.; 270-854-4302

Right across the street from Henderson’s Audubon Mill Park, Carl and Maai Taylor’s carry-out barbecue spot is perfectly situated for grabbing lunch or dinner to eat at a picnic table overlooking the river. You’ll find all your favorite smoked meats, with pulled pork on sandwiches, on nachos or loaded fries, on a baked potato, stirred into macaroni and cheese, and more. Smoked chicken breast, pork chops and occasionally ribs, brisket or mutton are on the menu. Watch for other specials. Taylor's Grill on Wheels now has a food truck as well, and catering is offered.

Mobile units

BIG Wally’s BBQ

812-550-2007

Shannon Yarbrough is the pitmaster for Big Wally’s BBQ truck. On the menu, look for meats including pulled pork, pork chops, chicken breast and brisket, and find them loaded up on nachos.

Hood Burgers & More

Anise Langley owns and operates the Hood Burgers and More truck. It’s a brand-new business and will be on the road more later this spring. On the menu look for fried catfish, burgers, wings and more. For more information, visit the Facebook page.

Hot Diggity Dog, Just Doggin' Around

812-589-1202

Catch the Hot Diggety Dog cart and owner Emmanuel Adiki doggin' around at local events, breweries, and other businesses. On the menu: Hot dogs and more. Have an all-beef dog, a jumbo dog, or a jumbo Angus dog with your choice of toppings from basic mustard or ketchup to giardiniera peppers, kraut, chili, cheese sauce or kraut, or one of Adiki's specialty dogs. Now also on the menu are chicken tenders, pulled pork dishes, nachos and a chicken sandwich.

Lee’s Phillies and More

Cheesy’s the name of the game at Tommy Boyd’s Lee's Phillies and More food truck. Gooey Philly sandwiches, Philly loaded crinkle fries, fried catfish and fries are always on the menu. For more information visit the Facebook page.

Loaded Fry Shack

812-802-6906

Ken Poe and Deja Vass are behind the Loaded Fry Shack, a truck where you can get your hand cut fries loaded with anything from chili and cheese to shrimp to bacon, mac n cheese, pico de gallo, pulled pork, alfredo sauce and more. When you’re done, enjoy a messy bowl dessert with cookies and cream, peach cobbler, banana pudding or another sweet flavor.

Peachy Treats Southern Style

Trevanskey and Devetta “Peachy” Seals brought their Southern Style up with them from Mississippi. They offer snowballs − extreme snow cones with a myriad of flavored syrups, candy toppings, cookies, whipped cream and more. Look for Kool-Aid pickles, and savory specials are offered as well, depending on the event. Watch the Facebook page for announcements and message for more information. Peachy Treats also rents inflatables and offers party packages.

Pee Wee’s Soul Food

414-678-8883

Get some soul at Barbara Franklin’s Soul Food truck, where she serves southern Magnolia sausage, Kool-Aid pickles, catfish sandwiches, burgers and more every day, and soul food specials such as meat loaf, neck bones, smothered pork chops, rib tips, turkey legs and pig feet with sides such as sweet potatoes, greens and macaroni and cheese.

Random Fill-Ups

812-777-6716

Random Justice Phillips will be back with Random Fill-Ups this summer. Stop at the truck where you can fill up on all kinds of fun and creative food. Phillips built his name on giant smoked turkey legs but changes the menu often with new creations. We can’t wait to see what his menu will hold in 2024.

Rolldoggs Catering

270-860-3876

Canaan Hatchett has made a name for himself with his locally-famous chess pies, but he now also has a hot dog cart, where you can get a hot dog snack – and a slice of chess or pecan pie. Watch the Facebook page for times and dates of service.

Sumn Thing Different LLC

812-226-4066 or 812-604-2998

Shelly Black changed the name of her business, formerly called Wingz & Thingz, to Sumn Thing Different and gave the menu lots more variety. You can still find her wings and enormous Italian beef sandwich but now there’s much more. Have breakfast, lunch or dinner from the truck. Try a cinnamon roll or waffle breakfast sandwiches, fried fish strips and fries, loaded waffle fries, a panini sandwich, chicken bacon ranch wrap and more.

Trappin’ Chick’n

270-860-1107

It’s all chicken all day at Bryson and Tirita Hatchett’s Trappin’ Chick’n truck. You’ll find it in Henderson with a massive menu of wing selections with sauce choices from Korean BBQ to mango habanero to garlic parm. Chicken tenders are jumbo and hand-breaded. Have one on a Nashville hot slider or chopped on the loaded red potatoes. Nachos, loaded fries and more all are topped with chicken.

Tri-State Snack Shop

812-454-8683

The Tri-State Snack Shop truck specializes in fried fish cooked up by husband and wife team Demetrius and Needra May. Other specials to hit the menu are Philly Egg Rolls, loaded Philly fries or nachos, and desserts include chess pie and German chocolate cake.

Vegan Eats and Treats

You don’t have to be a vegan to love the food from Tori Chapman’s Vegan Eats and Treats. You never know what will be on the menu but expect it to be delicious, from desserts to buffalo Chick’n eggrolls, loaded meatless burgers, fried green tomatoes and vegan bacon sandwiches, and more. For more information, visit the Facebook page.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Evansville-area Black-owned food businesses nearly double in 3 years