Camp North End is one of Charlotte’s larger communities for creatives, visitors, and entrepreneurs looking for a high-traffic, vibrant area to connect with the city. Visiting Camp North End on a Friday evening or Saturday afternoon means passing by all kinds of Black art, music, food, or entertainment. Black culture at Camp North End includes diverse Black-owned businesses, studios, and restaurants, bringing different pieces of our cultural experiences to the 76-acre multi-use space.

#buyblack at Camp North End

Support black-owned for your business, event, or personal goals when visiting Camp. Black entrepreneurs looking for their ideal location will feel welcomed by the growing number of fly-as-hell black-owned brands on the property.

MacFly Fresh Printing Co.

The original promoters of all things fresh and fly in Charlotte, MacFly Fresh Printing Co. is a constant Black presence providing custom printed apparel, digital services, and event curation. MacFly Fresh collaborates with many other businesses, brands, and events in the area – often by screen-printing promotional shirts or other merchandise in real-time.

One thing about MacFly is they focus on quality and fashion. So, entering their space means indulging in fiercely-soft fabric, the sensory delights of dope visuals, and the unique styles of screen printing – check out their latest creations on Instagram @macflyfresh.

You vs. Yourself Performance and Fitness

A QCity Metro favorite and new member of the Camp North End community is You vs. Yourself (YVY) Performance and Fitness, which opened its 3,000 sq. ft. location in May 2022. The fitness center is a private training facility with public offerings such as classes, massage services, and yoga.

YVY inspires and empowers people to reach their life goals, from elite athletes and goal-oriented fitness enthusiasts to postpartum mothers seeking community and motivation. Also, you can apply to rent their space for private events, pop-ups, and workshops for up to 75 guests.

Loyd Visuals

Loyd Visuals takes a strategic approach to non-traditional storytelling through visual and audio production, animation, consulting, and creation. Three brothers own and operate the production company while inspiring communities and empowering their partners.

Camp North End’s Black art experiences

What’s camp without art? The murals and art tenants bring color, creativity, and movement to Camp North End. The community frequently features art events and exhibitions with onsite galleries, studios, local organizations and individuals. It’s a great place to discover, purchase, and learn about Charlotte’s Black art scene.

BLKMRKTCLT

BLKMRKTCLT is a studio space co-owned by local artists Dammit Wesley and Sir Will. Decorated with colorful artwork of working artists, the garage-style gallery gives a comfortable, creative space to artists of color. Co-owner Dammit Wesley is also a DJ, so you might hear him spinning heat at one of their events or parties. Get a picture in front of their “Colored Only!” neon sign and tag @BLKMRKTCLT when you share on social media.

Dupp & Swat

Brothers and sisters Dion and Davita Galloway opened Dupp & Swatt, reaching Black creatives and entrepreneurs through events and shopping opportunities. Dupp & Swat features Black art, fashion, food, and crafts. They host a wide spectrum of events and also have a membership where you can access special pricing and limited edition merchandise from local artists. Check out the “Others Only” membership here.

Black food and beverage at Camp North End

You won’t go hungry here because you can find some food at one of their Black-owned restaurants. Award-finalist Black chefs and franchise owners hold down the Black food scene with savory and sugary selections.

Bayhaven Restaurant Group

Leah and Louise

James Beard-nominated Chef Greg Collier and Subrina Collier, founders of the Bayhaven Restaurant Group, opened Leah and Louis, Mississippi-inspired restaurant to serve ingenious comfort foods and craft beverages for the Black-foodie in all of us. The restaurant and ambiance are beautiful, so it’s naturally a popular spot for dinner. So, do yourself a favor and book your reservation online ahead of time because it will be packed.

Passage Seafood

Opening in 2022, Passage Seafood pulls its menu out of the Atlantic Ocean with a coastal-style experience featuring oysters, fish, and seasonal seafood plates. If you’re looking for a more modern fish market-type place to enjoy a weekend afternoon sharing white wine with your friends, Passage Seafood will be your new favorite destination.

Bird is the Word

Eager to stake their claim as king of southern fried chicken sandwiches, Bird is the Word opens later in 2022, and we expect a line wrapped around the corner when they do. The counter-service café concept makes quick, chef-inspired casual dining and family meals.

Beyond Amazing Donuts

Beyond Amazing Donuts sells sweet delectables for morning coffee and late-afternoon cravings. Their vanilla glaze is almost as good as chocolate! The B.A.D. brand operates as a pop-up donut shop at HEX Coffee at Camp North End but soon will open its storefront. Check out their pop-up schedule and learn more about their opening by following @b.a.donuts.clt and the owner, Jasmine (@confectionsofamartian), on Instagram.

Popbar

If you’re walking around Camp North End and looking for something to cool down with, stop by the Popbar stand for a frozen dessert. The franchisee location at the camp is Black-owned, and you can show your support by getting an ice cream sandwich popbar or another gelato flavor on a stick. I’m obsessed with their vegan peanut butter cup gelato dipped in dark chocolate.

All in all, Camp North End has you covered from head to toe in beautiful Blackness.