Try These 6 Black-Owned Restaurants

A recent special at Veggie Thumper: the Everything Bagel Buffalo Cauliflower Sandwich.

Writer: Karla Walsh

Black lives matter, and I am sorry that I haven’t made it a bigger priority in my reporting to showcase more businesses owned by people of color. I can do better, as can all of us at dsm.

I vow to make a concerted effort to aim for a more diverse mix in our local food coverage and beyond. For today, we’re focusing on six black-owned businesses that are open post-pandemic shutdown. We’ll be supporting them now and often in the months and years to come—because where we spend our money and how we use our voices matter.

Coaches Kolaches: Opened by a former Iowa State University and Iowa Barnstormer football player, this spot offers kolaches (a stuffed yeast bread pastry) that are a savory delight. For breakfast, you’ll find steak, sausage, bacon, egg and/or cheese hiding inside the fluffy dough, and come lunch, ham and sausage are on the menu. (8257 University Ave., Clive, facebook.com/Coacheskolaches)

BLK & Bold: Launched by Pernell Cezar Jr. “to make purpose popular,” BLK & Bold is now sold at select Target and Whole Foods Market locations across the country. By buying their coffee or tea, your caffeine fix will be making a difference: BLK & Bold donates 5% of its wholesale proceeds to support programs that help youths, end homelessness and enhance workforce development. Order care packages (hint, hint: there are a few thoughtful Father’s Day options now available!) or subscribe to have a consistent supply of your favorite coffee beans or tea leaves delivered to your door so you never run out again. Read more about the company in this recent dsm article. (blkandbold.com)

Fat Tuesday: While most of us are staying closer to home these days, it is still possible to enjoy a taste of the Big Easy. New Orleans and Cajun fare is front and center at Fat Tuesday, where generous portions of jambalaya, etouffee, gumbo and po’ boys almost but not quite make it impossible to save room for the sides of Cajun greens, Cajun coleslaw and more. (6112 S.W. Ninth St., fattuesday-restaurant.com)

Wingz on Wheelz: With its fried catfish, homemade mac and cheese and wings (naturally), this food truck is known for its comfort food. Every Wednesday, wings are 50 cents each. Feeling really hungry? You can order 100 at a time. (1817 University Ave.; find menus and more on Facebook)

Veggie Thumper: Vegan comfort food does exist! With creative and colorful twists on classic recipes like a Philly “Cheesesteak,” Smoky Red Bean Burger and Hot “Sausage” Open-Face Sandwich, every homemade recipe served from this food bus is 100% vegan. Get your fix at the Beaverdale Tuesday Farmers Market from 4 to 7:30 p.m., and at Franklin Junior High (4801 Franklin Ave.) and Ace Hardware (4808 University Ave.) on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. (veggiethumper.com)

Mustang Grill: Named after the DallasCenter-Grimes mascot, this neighborhood bar and grill offers everything from loaded breakfast plates to saucy ribs. If you’re craving a few fried snacks, flip to the appetizer menu and consider sharing some fried pickles, pretzel bites or Crispitos (stuffed and fried tortilla rolls). (213 S.E. Main St., Grimes, mustanggrillgrimes.com)