Living abroad during turbulent times in the U.S. often leaves expats at a loss. How can we take meaningful action from so far away? Beyond casting our Overseas Absentee Ballots during elections and performative actions like posting on social media, how can we make an impact? Supporting Black-owned businesses in Paris is one easy way to put your money where your mouth is—especially when these entrepreneurs are offering up tasty plates, chic styles, and meaningful spaces.
Gumbo Yaya
One thing that sucks about living in Paris? There’s no Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles. However, Gumbo Yah Yah is here to fill that void. Their bright, eye-catching signage drew me in when passing through the 10th arrondissement, and I’ve never looked back. While I’ve been thinking about branching out to order their Gumbo Hot Sandwich, my go-to is their Waffle Burger—a chicken waffle sandwich with cheddar and coleslaw, and a side of fries.
Coven Paris
What is Coven? A book club. An ethical café serving up craft coffee. A feminist bookshop. A community. Coven’s founder Lucie Camara plans to combine both her hospitality expertise in the specialty coffee scene and her love of literature in her future cafe-bookshop space. Until then—follow Coven on Instagram for Lucie’s book recommendations, project updates, and the occasional glimpse of Lucie’s dog Sadie Zmith.
Jah Jah by Le Tricycle
Jah Jah by Le Tricycle serves up vegan Afro-Carribean fare on Rue des Petites Écuries. Sound familiar? Jah Jah takes its name from Coralie Jouhier and Daqui Gomis’ original project: a bicycle food “truck” Le Tricycle. While there’s no set menu, think vegan cauliflower wings, soy hot dogs and burgers, as well as hot and cold bowls.
Dear Muesli
Dear Muesli specializes in…you guessed it: muesli and granola! Founded in 2015 by brothers Dikom and Bakang Bakang, and Sylvain Leba, Dear Muesli grew its customer base thanks to their active and playful Instagram presence. Their granola and muesli can be found topping yogurt bowls in some of Paris’ hippest cafés and partnering up with institutions like Dammann Frères for special edition recipes.
Maison Chateau Rouge
Named for the Chateau Rouge neighborhood in northern Paris and inspired by designer Youssouf Fofana’s Senegalese heritage, Maison Chateau Rouge offers colorful and crisp looks ranging from tailored shirts to pencil skirts. Originally specializing in wax fabric clothing, Maison Chateau Rouge has expanded into a pop lifestyle brand encompassing basketry, decorative crockery, and even Bana-Bana hibiscus tea. The brand also supports Les Oiseaux Migrateurs, a foundation supporting African small business entrepreneurs.
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