“Are you related to the Hicks Twins?”
That was one of the first questions my hotel attendant asked me when I checked in for my stay in Wichita. The question set the tone for exactly how I imagined Black Wichita, Kansas, to be.
With a population of about 400,000 people, approximately 9.5 percent identify as Black, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. While it has the largest Black population in the state, it’s still relatively small compared to larger cities. Still, the question posed to me at check-in reflected something much more special about the Black community. It’s close-knit, a place where your last name can say a lot about you, and the small community of Black residents is intentional about where they are spending their money.
I still don’t know who the Hicks twins are. But I do know that Black-owned businesses in Wichita are worth exploring. What stood out is the lengths that some of these Black business owners go to pour back into the community. Here are some Black businesses to support during your visit.
Coffee And Breakfast At Greater Grounds Coffee
922 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67202 | Website
One of the most beautiful spaces in Wichita is Black-owned. Greater Grounds Coffee is located on one of the main corridors on E. Douglas in downtown. Navy veteran Byron McSwain owns the coffee shop. His time at sea and his faith inspired the coffee shop.
The name comes from Noah’s story in Genesis 8, when a dove finally returned with an olive tree leaf after 40 days of flooding, symbolizing new beginnings. No matter what you believe, McSwain wants people to know there are always better days ahead and more ground to cover.
Inside, the space is filled with olive trees, and a piano has become a space for local musicians. Customers can now take the shop’s coffee with them, as McSwain and his team recently started roasting their own coffee beans.
Shopping At 2 Beatz Boutique
320 S Market St, Wichita, KS 67202 | Website
Ladies, this is exclusively for you. A word of caution: give yourself some time as you shop inside 2 Beatz Boutique. The styles and accessories can fit a range of activities, from work and vacation to birthdays and going out.
Owner Phylicia Thompson is intentional about making the clothing size-inclusive. The Curvy Bae collection goes up to 3XL. Throughout the store, several spaces and kiosks showcase other Black-owned businesses, including makeup and jewelry. Thompson also co-founded Bringing It Black, which creates opportunities for people of color to showcase businesses, network, and tell their stories.
Lunch At Artichoke Sandwichbar
Two Locations: 811 N Broadway St, Wichita, KS 67214 | 2959 N Rock Rd, Wichita, KS 67226 (Inside the Terracotta Tower) | Website
Artichoke Sandwichbar is an Irish bar and restaurant that has operated since 1984. It’s currently partially Black-owned after Uche Onwugbufor purchased it from the previous owner. This spot has a no-frills, cozy atmosphere that doesn’t need a reservation. On the napkin holder, I read a quote: “A good Guinness and friendly welcome are always on tap.” I can verify the latter part.
Order the jalapeno artichoke dip for a starter. The Famous No. 8 is the only sandwich to try for your first time. It’s a local favorite made with turkey, bacon, Swiss cheese, cream cheese (most sandwiches have this on the menu), lettuce, and tomato grilled on an onion hoagie. It’s topped with Italian dressing and Parmesan cheese.
There are now two locations in Wichita, but the N. Broadway location is the original.
Left On Read Bookstore
2721 E Central Ave, Ste 121, Wichita, KS 67214 | Website
Left On Read is owned by husband-and-wife duo Corinthian and Dr. Latasha Eley. Dr. Eley, who has a background in higher education, operates the bookstore, which opened in November 2024. In less than two years, the Eleys have already moved into a larger space.
It’s a dream come true for Dr. Eley, who always dreamed of owning a bookstore and an ice cream shop as a child. There’s no ice cream (yet), but on your way inside, there’s a picture of an ice cream cone painted on the side of the building. Dr. Eley recently discovered this after moving into the building. Talk about fate.
Inside, guests will find that every book is written by a Black author, and the novelty items are crafted by Black creators and small businesses. Dr. Eley also regularly hosts events, such as book club meetings and author talks.
Dinner At Nelson’s Kitchen
1712 E Morris St, Wichita, KS 67211 | Website
This is a local favorite. It seemed like everywhere I went, people told me to make sure I check out Nelson’s Kitchen, so I obliged. I worried about the side-eye I would get if I ran into someone who gave me the recommendation, only to inform them that I didn’t go. Locals did not steer me wrong.
Validation is what I felt when I saw fried fish and spaghetti on the menu because this has been a debate within the Black community for some time. Apparently, some didn’t grow up with “Fish Fry Fridays” and didn’t know that it pairs well with spaghetti. This will be either a nostalgic experience for those who know it or a first-time experience for those on the fence about this Black staple.
The fish was seasoned and fried to perfection, and my only regret was not trying the special sauce. Don’t leave without trying one of their daiquiris.
Shopping At Knockout Sneaker Boutique
4600 W Kellogg Dr, Wichita, KS 67209 | Website
My first thought when walking inside Knockout Sneaker Boutique is that you don’t expect a big-city-style sneaker shop in a small town. The walls were filled with Retro Jordans, Nike Dunks, special releases from Adidas, and New Balances in different colorways.
Located downtown, Knockout — owned by three friends — is partially Black-owned. In addition to the sneakers, other Black and local business owners utilize the space, including YGB Studios by Mark Lozada. Lozada has a creative, sustainable fashion line where he repurposes items that some may deem as throwaways.
What pulls at your heartstrings with Knockout is how the owners give back to those in need. Outside the store is a box labeled “free shoes” for those in need, with no questions asked.
Brunch At Haven Restaurant And Lounge
315 N Mead St, Wichita, KS 67202 | Website
One of the best meals I had in Wichita was brunch at Haven Restaurant and Lounge by Kasi Ross. After working and spending time in Atlanta, Ross decided to come back home and invest in his community. Haven is short for “safe haven,” and Ross created it as a safe gathering space to connect with friends, loved ones, and the community over delicious food.
During Sunday brunch, Ross said that he is a “huge foodie.” The menu is Southern-inspired, and so is the hospitality and warmth inside. He emphasized that Haven has real catfish on the menu, and it is one of his best-sellers along with the gumbo and brunch bowl.
He’s also big on giving back. He sat down with us on his way to a charity basketball game for the community, and early in the summer, he held a send-off for Wichita high school seniors heading to HBCUs.
Support Black Artists At Mulberry Art Gallery
2721 E. Central Ave., Suite 215, Wichita, KS 67214 | Website
Just steps away from Left On Read in Revolutsia Mall, a shipping container complex, is Mulberry Art Gallery. Black art makes up less than 2% of the market, so Anthony Joiner is making sure to connect Black artists, artists of color, and historically underrepresented artists with those who step into the gallery.
Joiner is an artist himself. Through Mulberry Art Gallery, he gives artists and other underrepresented creators a dedicated space to exhibit and market their work.
Plan A Wellness Date At Infinite Wellness
214 S Rock Rd, Wichita, KS 67207
Infinite Wellness is a collective workspace where individual health and beauty providers lease private suites. Infinite Wellness houses various independent local practitioners, including Sensual Selections & Spa by Shaunita Phillips and Scalp Micro Midwest PMU by TJ Everett, a favorite among men nationwide experiencing hair loss.
Enjoy A Nightcap At Love & Co. Kitchen And Cocktails
1720 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67214
Most people associate the Love Family in Wichita with great music and good food. Adrian “Bub” Love and his sister, Kiavoni Judie, are keeping the family’s culinary traditions alive with Love & Co. Kitchen and Cocktails. The brother-and-sister duo is following in their grandmother’s footsteps. Ahnawake Love owned Mama Love’s Kitchen in the late 1990s.
The menu features a twist on Southern comfort classics, including collard green artichoke dip and chips, salads, a chicken-and-pancakes special, and brunch items. It’s also the perfect venue for a nightcap in Wichita.
Love told us his space is an ode and museum to his family.
