7 Alberta Black-Owned Food Businesses
Here’s 7 Alberta black-owned food businesses to support this month and always. February is Black History and this is our way of acknowledging that history in our own province and supporting the talented black food business owners that help us all Eat Alberta Like An Insider.
- Mojo Jojo Pickle’s Johwanna Alleyne (above center photo), shared demand for her pickled products, preserves and cocktail supplements has grown since the pandemic started. You can find Mojo Jojo products at their storefront on 82 Avenue in Edmonton or in fine grocers throughout the province. Try their brandied cocktail cherries in your next Old-Fashioned.
- Chef Jenny Burthwright brings southern-style barbecue to Calgary with Jane Bond BBQ. Chef Jenny is a self-trained entrepreneur who started her business with a food truck in 2012. Jane Bond BBQ has now grown into a restaurant, food truck and full-service catering operation. We’re gobblers of their peach cobbler.
- If you haven’t had a cinnamon bun from Edmonton’s The Sugarbowl you are missing out. Abel Shiferaw has owned the bistro pub for over 20 years now, but restaurants at this location have been serving delicious food to the Garneau and University areas since 1943. Insider Tip: Sugarbowl has a fantastic selection of Belgian and Alberta craft beers.
- Abel Shiferaw also owns the Sugarbowl’s sister restaurant, Eleanor and Laurent. He bravely opened it at the beginning of the pandemic because he had a yearning for a classic Parisian boulangerie and patisserie. The pastry case makes regulars of the patrons.
- Marathon Ethiopian is a beloved Calgary Kensington institution known for its very vegan and vegetarian friendly menu. Ask for extra injera bread to wipe up every bit of the delicious sauces.
- The best Jamaican Patties in Alberta come from Lloyd’s Patty Plus. Lloyd has been making them since he was 18 in his native Kingston, Jamaica. He moved to Calgary at age 31 and started his independent bakery. Now, after years of hard work,his tasty patties are sold by the millions across Canada. You can even find Lloyd’s at your local Sobey’s or Second Cup outlets.
- Adebola Esan is the passionate chef behind Calgary’s Flavours Cuisine & Catering. She has turned Flavours into one of the city’s go-to spots for authentic Nigerian cuisine. Look for West African signature dishes like pepper soup and suya – a sliced beef dish with Nigerian spices.