February is Black History Month, and although everyday is an excuse to celebrate the success of our business owners, this felt like a beautiful opportunity to highlight some of Centretown’s most incredible black-owned businesses.
Centretown has boomed with black-owned businesses over the last few years, and is proving to continue to be a great place for many Ottawans to get their start, or continue their goals as business owners. The following are just a few of those incredible places that we think are worth checking out this February.
BBQ Golden Grill - 523 Gladstone Ave
With the winter being as frigid as it has been, it felt only right to start this list with something that will warm both your body and your soul.
BBQ Golden Grill on Gladstone has been serving up West African BBQ for as long as I can remember. I recall being a university student, and moving onto Gladstone Ave with my friends, only to see a beacon of light (metaphorically) coming from the businesses across the street. Aromas of grilled chicken and other delights filled the air, until we could no longer resist. Their takes on African and Caribbean influenced dishes have been many Ottawans introductions to the cuisine, and for good reason. It’s hard to describe the feeling a smell can give you as you enter a building – so go check them out for yourself! I promise that the goosebumps will wear off eventually.
Baguette Brochette - 222 Bank St
A newer addition to the rolodex of Centretown businesses is Baguette Brochette!
Inspired by the founder’s origin from Africa, Baguette Brochette expertly combines the essence of African street food with classic French sandwicherie. What started as an addition to the Montreal sandwich scene has since made its way to Ottawa and found a home in Centretown. These long baguette style sandwiches combine fresh ingredients and African influence to deliver a delish, home-made-away-from-home feel. Our personal favourite? The merguez baguette. A special, wildly flavourful sausage sandwich that hits home every time. Welcome to the neighbourhood Baguette Brochette, we hope you’re here to stay.
Soungui Fitness - 4 Florence St
With all this eating, we’re going to need to work off some of the damage we’ve done! Thankfully our next Centretown black-owned business is Soungui Fitness. Opened in 2018 by Soungui Koulamallah, Soungui Fitness aims to offer both practicality and a science-based approach to each individual fitness journey. Koulamallah took his degree in Fitness & Health promotion and decided to tackle the endeavour of a private fitness and personal training gym.The gym offers remote fitness sessions, consultations, onsite sessions and much more. The philosophy at Soungui Fitness is that health and wellness is a multi-faceted approach, promoting not only physical health, but mental health and wellbeing as well. Check them out for a consultation if you’re starting or continuing your fitness journey.
The Vanitea Room - 551 Somerset St W
Originally founded by two best friends in 2015, Hind and Chanel had a dream of bringing High Tea, and all of its elegance to Ottawa.
Inspired by their travels, the friends thought it was “high time” that the city of Ottawa had its introduction to what much of Europe and the Middle East had been participating in for centuries.
Afternoon tea is more than just an experience, it’s a way of life, and Hind & Chanel knew they could recreate this way of life right here in Centretown.
Today, the Vanitea Room is so much more than that! They have developed it into a comforting and elegant space used for afternoon tea, private parties, children’s tea, and their infamous drag dinners & brunches. The Vanitea Room has become a staple in the community over the last 10 years, and we are so excited that they call Centretown home.
Knyota Non-Alcoholic Drinks - 104 Bank St
Dry January may be over, but your hot-spot for non-alc beverages is still alive and well! Knyota is the Ottawa emporium for all your non-alcoholic beverage needs. From all the individual items you could ever need, to their non-alc beer box subscription service – Knyota is upping the game for those who are looking to cut out or cut back on their drinking. They even provide in house tasting experiences so you can try before you buy!
Visit their website to book classes, sign up for their subscriptions and loyalty services, or to take advantage of their mocktail recipes blog! What more could you ask for?
Centretown has always been a place of inclusivity and creativity – although Black History Month is a prime opportunity to highlight black-owned businesses, it’s important that we remember these are entrepreneurs who are working their butts off year round to bring you the things they’re passionate about. Use this February as an opportunity to be introduced to something potentially new, because we are confident it will keep you excited and visiting year round!
With love, from Centretown.
Author: Jordan Pizzuti
Date: February 10, 2026
