The national numbers, however, hide the more interesting story: Black business growth is happening at very different speeds across America’s metros.

Atlanta added more Black-owned employer businesses between 2017 and 2023 than any other U.S. metro. But it actually lost firms in the latest year of available data. Houston, meanwhile, added 902 Black-owned employer businesses in 2023 alone, the largest one-year increase in the country. Minneapolis-St. Paul and Tampa are growing from much smaller bases but at rates that now make them difficult to dismiss as secondary markets.

So this ranking asks the question: Where has the Black employer-business base actually expanded, and which metros now have the economic machinery to turn that growth into jobs, revenue and ownership?

Atlanta leads in six-year Black employer expansion. Houston leads in the latest-year momentum.

How We Ranked the Cities Where Black-Owned Businesses Are Growing Fastest

The ranking uses metropolitan statistical areas rather than municipal boundaries. That is important because founders, employees, customers, investors and suppliers routinely move across city limits within the same regional economy.

The primary dataset is the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Business Survey, supplemented by Brookings Metro’s 2026 analysis of comparable ABS data for 2017 through 2023. The latest Census release available as of August 2026 is the 2024 Annual Business Survey, covering reference year 2023. That data lag needs to be understood: “2024 ABS” does not mean the businesses were measured in 2024.

For Census purposes, majority ownership classifications are based on the person or people owning 51% or more of the stock or equity in the business. This article emphasizes employer firms—businesses with paid employees—rather than nonemployer businesses, because crossing from self-employment into hiring is an important measure of economic scale.

We use net Black-owned employer businesses added from 2017 to 2023 as the primary ranking metric. We then test that ranking against three additional indicators: percentage growth over the period, change between 2022 and 2023, and the Black share of the metro population.

The Fastest-Growing Black Business Metros

1. Atlanta: America’s Long-Run Black Business Growth Leader

Atlanta added 6,296 Black-owned employer businesses between 2017 and 2023, reaching 13,091. That represents approximately 92.7% growth from its estimated 2017 base, according to BlackElites calculations using the published Census-based figures. No metro added more.

But there is an important warning inside the result. Atlanta lost 675 Black employer firms between 2022 and 2023, a 4.9% decline from the prior year. Atlanta is therefore the strongest long-term growth market in this ranking, but it was not the strongest current-momentum market in the latest year.

The infrastructure behind Atlanta remains difficult to replicate. Black residents comprise about 37% of the metro population in the Brookings analysis. Atlanta is also home to the Atlanta University Center Consortium—Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine and Spelman College—which describes itself as the world’s oldest and largest association of HBCUs. That provides a persistent Black professional and talent network beyond the sheer population count.

2. Miami: Scale and Continued Momentum

Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach added 4,708 Black-owned employer firms between 2017 and 2023, reaching 9,897. That is roughly 90.7% growth from the 2017 base. Unlike Atlanta, Miami continued moving upward in the latest year, adding another 736 firms between 2022 and 2023, an increase of about 8%.

Miami’s position is particularly notable because it combines Black entrepreneurship with one of America’s most diverse consumer markets. Brookings’ table puts the metro’s Black population share at 23% and its minority population share at 56%.

Miami-Dade’s current business-development planning also includes workshops and individual assistance designed to help Black-owned companies navigate procurement, become county vendors and build the operating capacity required for larger government and corporate contracts. That matters because growth into employer status often requires a larger customer to justify hiring before the entrepreneur can afford to expand payroll.

3. New York: The Largest Current Black Employer Base

New York-Newark-Jersey City added 3,824 Black-owned employer businesses from 2017 to 2023. Its percentage increase—about 28.9%—was less spectacular than several Sun Belt metros, but its 17,042 Black-owned employer firms in 2023 made it the largest current Black employer-business base among the metros in the Census-based top 15.

New York also regained momentum in the latest year, adding 843 firms from 2022 to 2023, second only to Houston in absolute one-year growth.

Procurement provides one pathway to scale. In fiscal 2025, New York City agencies registered 1,118 contracts worth about $364 million through the M/WBE Small Purchase Method. Agencies can use the method for eligible purchases of up to $1.5 million. Those figures cover minority- and women-owned businesses broadly rather than Black firms alone, but they demonstrate the size of a contracting channel available inside the regional business ecosystem.

4. Washington, D.C.: A Contract-Intensive Black Business Economy

The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro added 3,646 Black-owned employer firms between 2017 and 2023, reaching 10,627. That represents roughly 52.2% growth from its 2017 base. The metro added another 141 firms in the latest year.

The Washington region’s advantage is less about cheap operating costs than proximity to one of the world’s largest procurement economies. Within the District itself, the fiscal 2026 Small Business Enterprise Opportunity Guide set a $1.5 billion spending goal with SBEs, $100 million above the previous fiscal year’s goal. The program is based on local small-business and Certified Business Enterprise eligibility rather than Black ownership alone, but it creates a large institutional customer market around which firms can build capacity.

5. Los Angeles: Growth Without a Large Black Population

Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim is one of the most useful cases in the ranking because it challenges the assumption that Black business growth simply follows the size of the Black population.

The metro had a Black population share of only about 8% in Brookings’ 2023 table, yet it added 3,536 Black-owned employer firms between 2017 and 2023 and reached 8,632. That works out to roughly 69.4% six-year growth. It added another 435 firms in the latest year.

Los Angeles County operates business-preference and certification infrastructure that connects minority, women, disadvantaged, disabled-veteran and local small businesses with public and private procurement opportunities. Its Community Business Enterprise listing is also used by county departments, agencies and prime contractors seeking subcontractors.

6. Houston: The Metro with the Strongest Current Momentum

Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands may be the most important city to watch in the entire ranking.

It added 3,232 Black employer businesses from 2017 to 2023, an increase of roughly 83.5%, taking the total to 7,101. Then, between 2022 and 2023 alone, Houston added 902 Black-owned employer firms—14.6% growth and the biggest numerical one-year gain of any U.S. metro. It also overtook Dallas for sixth place nationally in total Black employer firms.

Demography is helping. Dallas, Atlanta and Houston recorded the largest Black population gains among U.S. metros between 2020 and 2023, according to a Brookings analysis of Census population data. Houston also operates in a broader Texas economy that has continued attracting people and companies.

Procurement has historically supplied another route to scale. Houston’s FY2025 Office of Business Opportunity report recorded $579.5 million awarded to certified minority-, women- and small-business enterprises across city contracts and related agreements. Within goal-oriented certified-firm awards, Black-owned certified businesses received about $72.5 million.

There is now a major qualification. In July 2026, a federal judge permanently blocked the race-conscious provisions of Houston’s minority-contracting program as unconstitutional. The city said it would comply while considering an appeal. That ruling does not erase Houston’s business base, but it could alter one of the institutional routes through which minority firms have historically gained public-sector contract access.

Houston is therefore both the strongest recent growth story and a live test of whether Black employer-business momentum can continue when part of the policy infrastructure changes.

7. Dallas-Fort Worth: Major Long-Run Expansion, Then a Pause

Dallas-Fort Worth added 2,893 Black employer businesses from 2017 to 2023, an increase of about 86.2%, reaching 6,251 firms. But it lost 93 between 2022 and 2023.

The long-run foundation remains substantial. Dallas was one of the three metros with the largest Black population gains between 2020 and 2023. The City of Dallas also operates a Business Enterprise Hub offering contract-compliance assistance, training and growth resources, while neighboring Fort Worth has adopted a small-business procurement framework that includes a 5% bid preference on qualifying contracts up to $100,000 and a 30% small-business utilization target for larger contracts.

The latest decline means Dallas should no longer be treated automatically as the Texas momentum leader. Houston has taken that position in the newest Census data.

8. Philadelphia: Steady Expansion Rather Than a Boom

Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington added 2,376 Black employer firms over the six-year period, reaching 5,435. That is roughly 77.7% growth, with another 187 firms added between 2022 and 2023.

The city has continued building a contracting and small-business support apparatus. Philadelphia’s Office of Economic Opportunity helps businesses navigate city procurement, certification and contracting requirements. Its 2026–27 Annual Action Plan also budgets for technical assistance to microbusinesses, commercial-corridor investment and other small-business development activities.

Philadelphia lacks Houston’s recent acceleration or Minneapolis’ percentage surge. Its story is one of sustained expansion on an already meaningful business base.

9. Minneapolis-St. Paul: The Breakout Market

Minneapolis-St. Paul is the biggest surprise in the top 10.

The metro had only about 945 Black-owned employer businesses in 2017. By 2023, it had 2,906—a net increase of 1,961 and approximately 207.5% growth. It then added another 479 firms between 2022 and 2023, almost 20% in a single year.

That gives Minneapolis something the larger markets do not have: both strong six-year percentage growth and strong current-year momentum.

Brookings’ 2026 parity update found that Black-owned employer growth in Minneapolis was a significant component of overall employer-business growth in the metro. Minneapolis also operates a Small and Underutilized Business Program under which city contracts above $175,000 may carry goals based partly on the availability of qualified minority- and women-owned firms.

Minneapolis is no longer just a small-base growth story. With nearly 3,000 Black employer firms, it is starting to develop real scale.

10. Tampa-St. Petersburg: Florida’s Emerging Black Business Market

Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater increased from an estimated 1,255 Black employer firms in 2017 to 3,073 in 2023. The gain of 1,818 represents approximately 144.9% growth. Another 413 firms were added in the latest year, roughly 15.5%.

Tampa’s broader market is expanding as well. Census population estimates placed Tampa among the U.S. metros with major numerical population gains in the 2022–23 period, while the city’s current economic-development resources direct small and minority-owned companies to the Florida SBDC, Minority and Small Business Development services and the Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corporation.

Key Takeaways

• Atlanta remains the six-year leader, adding 6,296 Black employer businesses between 2017 and 2023, despite a decline in the latest year.
• Houston has the strongest current momentum, adding 902 Black-owned employer firms from 2022 to 2023, more than any other metro.
• Minneapolis and Tampa are emerging markets, with estimated six-year growth of roughly 208% and 145%, respectively.
• Population alone does not explain the winners: Los Angeles and Minneapolis produced major business growth despite comparatively small Black population shares.
• Capital remains the bottleneck: only 32% of Black employer applicants seeking loans, lines of credit or merchant cash advances received full approval in the Fed’s 2025 survey, versus 57% of white applicants.

FAQs

Which U.S. metro has seen the biggest growth in Black-owned businesses?

Using absolute growth in Black-owned employer businesses from 2017 to 2023, Atlanta ranks first. The Atlanta metro added 6,296 Black employer firms and reached 13,091 in 2023. However, Atlanta lost 675 firms in the latest year, meaning it leads on long-term expansion rather than current momentum.

Which city currently has the fastest momentum in Black-owned employer businesses?

Houston recorded the largest absolute one-year increase in the latest Census data. The metro added 902 Black-owned employer businesses between 2022 and 2023, a 14.6% increase. That pushed Houston’s total to 7,101 and allowed it to overtake Dallas in the national ranking of metros by Black employer-business count.

Why does this ranking focus on employer businesses?

Employer firms have at least one paid employee beyond the owner, making them a useful measure of business scale and job creation. Census counted about 201,000 Black-owned employer businesses in 2023 but roughly 4.4 million Black-owned nonemployer businesses. The large difference highlights how significant the transition from self-employment to hiring remains.

Are Southern cities dominating Black business growth?

Southern metros are particularly important, but the pattern is not exclusively Southern. Atlanta, Miami, Houston, Dallas and Tampa all rank highly, and 60% of the 50 metros with the largest Black employer-business shares are in the South. Yet New York, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Seattle and Boston also recorded substantial growth.

The post The Cities Where Black-Owned Businesses Are Growing the Fastest in America appeared first on Black Elites.

According to reports, the agency officially launched with a ribbon-cutting event in June 2026 at 11302 Crossroad Trail in Brandywine, Maryland. The ceremony attracted community leaders, healthcare partners, and members of the public, highlighting a significant new business for Southern Prince George’s County and the larger Maryland healthcare community.

What Is Orion Medical Network LLC?

Orion Medical Network LLC is a Maryland-based medical staffing and workforce development company founded by Dr. Bennett-Marsh. The agency focuses on placing Registered Nurses and Allied Health Professionals in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities.

Its mission is straightforward but ambitious: to connect skilled healthcare workers with institutions that need reliable staffing. On its website, the company describes its work as “dedicated to providing innovative solutions to the medical industry through our diverse highly skilled professionals”.

For healthcare facilities, the agency enters a market where staffing is now a critical issue. It affects patient flow, care quality, staff burnout, and institutional stability.

Why This Launch Matters in Maryland

The timing makes Orion Medical Network especially relevant. Maryland hospitals continue to struggle with workforce issues, even as vacancy rates have improved since their peak in 2022. The Maryland Hospital Association’s 2026 annual report highlights that rising costs, workforce shortages, and administrative pressures are changing the landscape for hospitals serving communities.

A 2026 clinical staffing report in Maryland shows the ongoing challenges. Maryland’s hospitals employ more than 168,000 people across nearly all 24 jurisdictions, with nurses and nursing support staff accounting for more than 40% of the hospital workforce. The report also points to continued staffing shortages driven by workforce turnover, retirements, and growing patient needs.

This is where staffing firms like Orion Medical Network come into play. They can help close shift gaps, support long-term staffing strategies, and connect licensed professionals with employers who need them urgently.

Dr. Bennett-Marsh’s Vision for Healthcare Staffing

Dr. Bennett-Marsh, a clinician, CEO, community advocate, and founder of Orion Medical Network, views the launch as both a business opportunity and a service mission.

“We are excited to open our doors and begin serving the healthcare facilities and professionals in our region and beyond,” Dr. Bennett-Marsh said. “Our goal is to be a trusted partner, connecting exceptional healthcare talent with the organizations that need them most, and doing so with excellence in every shift.”

Her words highlight the company’s value in two ways. For healthcare institutions, Orion provides staffing support. For nurses and allied health professionals, it offers placement opportunities and access to a broader professional network.

Who Is Dr. Maxine Bennett-Marsh?

Dr. Maxine Bennett-Marsh, DNP, has dedicated her career to healthcare access, nursing leadership, and serving underserved communities. She has received recognition for academic excellence, including induction into Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She has organized community health fairs in Baltimore and received several Maryland State Proclamations for expanding access to healthcare and mental health resources.

In 2019, she was honored with the Champion of Health Award for her leadership and advocacy. Her work has also appeared in CEO Weekly, New York Weekly, and on a Times Square billboard promoting her upcoming book on hypertension management.

Her move into medical staffing reflects a trend among clinician-entrepreneurs: using frontline healthcare experience to address systemic issues. In her case, the focus is on workforce readiness, professional placement, and reliable staffing.

How Orion’s Multi-State Reach Could Help

Orion Medical Network is an NLC-affiliated agency, meaning its staffing model connects with the Nurse Licensure Compact framework. The NLC allows qualified nurses to hold one multistate license and practice in other compact states without getting separate licenses for each state. The official Nurse Licensure Compact site mentions that 43 jurisdictions are currently part of the NLC.

This connection is important because speed and flexibility are essential in healthcare staffing. Facilities often require qualified workers for urgent vacancies, seasonal demand, patient surges, or long-term workforce planning. A staffing agency linked to compact-state mobility can help reduce delays when facilities need licensed professionals across state lines.

A Black-Owned Business with Community Impact

The launch of a Black-owned medical staffing agency in Maryland holds social and economic significance beyond the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Prince George’s County and the surrounding Maryland area have a strong Black professional and entrepreneurial community. The launch of Orion Medical Network adds to this ecosystem by introducing Black ownership in a high-demand healthcare service sector.

It also provides an inspirational model for healthcare workers aspiring to move from employment to ownership. Dr. Bennett-Marsh’s journey illustrates how clinical experience, community advocacy, and entrepreneurship can come together in one institution.

What Comes Next for Orion Medical Network?

Orion Medical Network enters the market with a clear promise “to set a high standard in the healthcare sector”. For hospitals and clinics, this promise will be tested through reliability, credentialing standards, placement quality, and responsiveness. For healthcare professionals, it will depend on access to fair opportunities, effective communication, and placements that honor both skill and well-being.

Maryland’s staffing challenges will not resolve quickly. Recent reports indicate ongoing issues with an aging workforce, turnover pressure, and a growing need for more nurses and allied health professionals. In this context, Orion Medical Network is not just another startup. It is a new player in a crucial discussion in healthcare: who will provide care when the system requires more hands, skills, and trust.

The post Black Entrepreneur Dr. Maxine Bennett-Marsh Opens Maryland’s Newest Black-Owned Medical Staffing Agency appeared first on Black Elites.

As reported, Happy Ice will now have a permanent spot within Downtown Disney’s food offerings, making it a groundbreaking Black-owned dessert brand in the area’s history.

The opening coincided with Juneteenth celebrations, giving it added significance. It reflects a combination of entrepreneurship, cultural recognition, and visibility in a field often dominated by large corporate food chains.

From Street Innovation to Disney-Level Placement

Happy Ice was started by entrepreneur Lemeir Mitchell. It originated as a Philadelphia-style Italian water ice brand that focused on mobile vending and community outreach. The brand has always emphasized accessibility, nostalgia, and colorful flavor innovation.

Now, moving into Downtown Disney shows a major shift from grassroots food entrepreneurship to official acceptance in one of the most visited entertainment complexes in the United States.

Happy Ice is well-known for its unique frozen desserts made with real fruit, cane sugar, and layered treats like its “JOY-LATI” combinations that mix Italian ice with cream and fruit toppings.

This evolution illustrates a wider trend in U.S. food retail. Experiential dessert brands are moving into higher-end tourism and lifestyle destinations.

Cultural Representation Meets Commercial Visibility

Happy Ice’s presence is significant beyond just its menu. Being located in Downtown Disney boosts visibility for Black-owned food businesses in busy retail spaces.

Industry experts suggest that this opening shows a greater appreciation for diverse entrepreneurship within mainstream hospitality. Although Disney has worked to diversify its vendors over the years, Happy Ice is notable for being a permanent Black-owned dessert brand in the district.

This shift matters especially in a sector where minority-owned food businesses often struggle to enter large entertainment venues. This is especially due to issues like high costs, complex licensing, and big supply chain demands.

The Experience: A Dessert Brand Built for High Traffic Culture

Inside Downtown Disney, Happy Ice is not just a dessert option; it is an experience. The brand focuses on fast service in crowded places and an eye-catching presentation, essential factors for success in today’s entertainment retail.

The menu is designed around layered textures and bright flavors. These include treats that are shareable and Instagram-ready, reflecting modern consumer habits.

The brand’s move into this space highlights a smart connection between experiential food retail and destination tourism, where products are made to be enjoyed and shared on social media.

Entrepreneurial Signal: What This Means for Black-Owned Brands

Many see Happy Ice’s arrival in Downtown Disney as a signal moment for Black entrepreneurship in the U.S. food and drink industry.

It shows that Black-owned brands can grow from local or mobile businesses into large retail spaces linked to global tourism. This transition is crucial for creating long-term wealth pathways in hospitality.

More importantly, it confronts ongoing structural challenges in premium retail, where representation has often fallen short of consumer diversity.

The move also underscores the increasing influence of culturally rooted brands on mainstream consumer experiences. Especially where food goes beyond just being eaten and becomes a form of entertainment.

A Broader Shift in the Business of Experience

Happy Ice’s expansion into Downtown Disney fits into a larger transformation in the global food economy. Here, the focus on experiential branding shapes location strategy just as much as product quality.

By 2026, retail spaces will likely favor brands that blend storytelling, identity, and strong visual appeal. Happy Ice’s vibrant look and cultural story align perfectly with this trend.

For Black-owned businesses, this presents an opportunity for commercial growth and cultural representation on a larger scale.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Representation in Premium Retail

Happy Ice’s groundbreaking entry into Downtown Disney represents more than just retail growth. Instead, it is a significant milestone in showcasing Black-owned brands within premium entertainment markets.

It reflects an increasing intersection where entrepreneurship, culture, and consumer experiences connect in ways that influence global tourism narratives.

As the brand continues to grow, its presence in one of the world’s busiest entertainment districts serves as a strong reminder: representation in business is not just about ownership. It is also about position, permanence, and visibility in the top tier of consumer culture.

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Based in Lancaster, Texas, Gray’s company now serves customers all over the country. It offers luxury iron doors, pivot doors, windows, garage systems, and various other residential and commercial building materials. However, the story behind the brand goes beyond retail. It lies in decades of industry experience and repeated efforts to break into a very exclusive supply network.

From HVAC Technician to Construction Entrepreneur

Johnny Gray III’s entrepreneurial journey started in 2000 when he opened an air conditioning and heating business. This initial foray into business laid the groundwork for a wider career in construction-related fields, including remodeling, roofing, fire restoration, and foundation repair.

Every venture, regardless of its outcome, added to what became his key strength: a deep understanding of how buildings are designed, repaired, and supplied. This knowledge eventually shaped his vision for entering the architectural products market.

Over time, Gray shifted his focus toward building materials, spotting a gap in access, ownership, and distribution within the luxury door segment, especially for iron entry systems frequently used in high-end residential projects.

The Vision Behind D&J Builders Surplus

D&J Builders Surplus was not just a spontaneous idea; it was a long-term goal that took nearly ten years to achieve. Gray wanted to create a showroom and distribution company that could provide architectural-grade doors and building materials directly to customers across the U.S.

However, building the company proved to be far tougher than expected. Gray noted that most challenges stemmed not from demand, but from access, mainly securing supplier relationships and inventory in an industry with consolidated distribution networks.

For years, negotiations fell apart, partnerships didn’t materialize, and planned deals were repeatedly postponed. Even after establishing a formal business identity, Gray worked tirelessly behind the scenes to secure the supply chain access needed to realize his vision.

Breaking Into a Restricted Supply Chain

A significant challenge Gray faced was entering a manufacturing ecosystem that is typically hard for new distributors to access. In the building materials sector, especially regarding premium iron and steel doors, connections with manufacturers often dictate market access.

Gray spent almost ten years building these connections while refining his business model. His determination eventually led to a breakthrough that marked the official launch of the company.

On April 5, 2023, D&J Builders Surplus received its first shipment of iron doors, signaling the start of its operations.

That milestone turned years of preparation into a functioning business. Shortly after, the company opened and began serving customers nationwide.

A Business Built on Persistence, Not Shortcuts

Gray believes that starting a business is not the final goal, it is just the beginning of ongoing effort and adjustment.

According to reports, looking back on his journey, Gray highlighted the continuous nature of business growth:

“Opening the doors wasn’t the finish line. It was the starting line. Every stage of growth brings new challenges.”

This perspective has become central to how he operates D&J Builders Surplus today. Rather than seeing success as a fixed result, Gray views it as an ongoing cycle of problem-solving, growth, and reinvestment in operations.

He also addresses aspiring entrepreneurs dealing with rejection and uncertainty:

“Life isn’t always easy. But it can be rewarding if you’re willing to keep going when others would quit.”

Building More Than Doors: A National Expansion Vision

Today, D&J Builders Surplus continues to expand its presence across the United States, functioning as both a supplier and a retail showroom. The company provides a variety of architectural products, including iron doors, interior systems, windows, and custom home improvement materials.

Gray’s long-term vision goes beyond just distributing products. He aims to position the company as a complete home improvement destination, creating job opportunities, promoting supplier diversity, and increasing access to premium building materials in underserved areas.

The company’s nationwide reach reflects a shift in how specialized construction products are marketed and sold, especially through direct-to-consumer and showroom-supported models.

Industry Significance and Representation

Though iron doors are a niche sector in the construction industry, they represent a valuable market in residential architecture, particularly in luxury home design. Companies in this area often operate at the intersection of manufacturing, design, and custom installation.

Gray’s entry into this field carries both symbolic and structural importance. It highlights the growing presence of Black-owned businesses in areas traditionally shaped by established supplier networks.

More importantly, it emphasizes a change in entrepreneurship where technical knowledge, persistence, and direct market involvement are crucial for overcoming industry barriers.

A Legacy Still in Construction

Johnny Gray III’s story isn’t presented as a completed success; it is an ongoing journey, one that evolves alongside the company he founded. From HVAC systems to iron door distribution, his path illustrates a consistent theme: learning industries from the inside out before attempting to transform them.

D&J Builders Surplus stands today as both a business and a testament to long-term vision in entrepreneurship. Its foundation, built through years of struggles and persistence, continues to guide its expansion in the U.S. market.

In Gray’s words, the work has only just begun.

The post Meet Johnny Gray III, Founder of America’s First and Only Black-Owned Iron Door Company appeared first on Black Elites.

The expansion involves new franchise locations in two key markets. Atlanta is the birthplace of Slutty Vegan and remains central to its identity. Washington, D.C., offers a market that aligns culturally and has a rising demand for innovative food concepts.

New Franchise Partners Bring Valuable Experience

The latest franchise agreements focus on experienced operators to drive the expansion forward.

In Atlanta, Khadejah Davis and Jamel Douglas will open and manage a new Slutty Vegan location. The two already run several Juici Patties, a well-known Jamaican fast-food brand, giving them solid experience in restaurant management and franchise growth. Their role is particularly noteworthy as they will be the first official Slutty Vegan franchise owners in the brand’s hometown.

In Washington, D.C., Brandi Forte will lead the development efforts. Forte has years of franchising experience and a strong history of growing consumer-facing businesses, making her a smart choice to introduce Slutty Vegan to the capital.

According to reports, Cole Hayes stressed that the selection process was very deliberate.

“I was intentional about partnering with operators who understand our business and the culture,” she said in a company statement.

Her approach reflects a broader philosophy that has guided the brand since its start: growth should not sacrifice authenticity.

More Than Burgers: Building a Legacy Through Ownership

For Cole Hayes, the franchise expansion goes beyond just adding new restaurant locations.

“Atlanta is where Slutty Vegan was born, and we’re planting deeper roots here while establishing our presence in D.C.,” she said. “This is bigger than the burgers. We’re creating opportunity, legacy, and proving what’s possible when you never give up.”

That message connects strongly because Slutty Vegan has always aimed to be more than just a food business. Since starting in Atlanta in 2018, the company has become one of the most recognizable Black-owned restaurant brands in America. What began as a food truck operation grew into a national chain known for its bold branding, plant-based menu, and community-focused mission.

The brand has drawn in investors, celebrities, and customers who view it as both a cultural movement and a success story. Its ability to make vegan food appealing to mainstream audiences has changed how many Americans think about plant-based dining.

A Defining Moment for Slutty Vegan

The announcement comes after a tough period for the company.

Earlier this year, Cole Hayes filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as part of a plan to reorganize debts and stabilize operations. This filing followed a restructuring period when she temporarily lost ownership of the business before regaining control and starting what many see as a new phase for the brand.

Instead of slowing down, the company has adopted a franchise model that allows for growth while easing some financial pressures tied to company-owned locations. Industry experts view franchising as a way for restaurant brands to grow effectively by utilizing the expertise and resources of local operators.

The agreements in Atlanta and Washington are the first significant signs of that strategy taking shape.

Why the Expansion Matters

The importance of this announcement goes beyond Slutty Vegan itself.

Black-owned restaurant brands often struggle to achieve national scale, especially in the competitive quick-service dining market. By expanding through franchising, Slutty Vegan is creating paths for entrepreneurship while showing how culturally rooted brands can grow without losing their identity.

This move also highlights the increasing impact of plant-based dining in the United States. Consumers are looking for alternatives that blend flavor, convenience, and lifestyle choices. Slutty Vegan’s success suggests that the future of plant-based food may rely as much on culture and community as it does on nutrition.

With new franchise partners on board, a refreshed business strategy, and a determined founder ready to lead the next chapter, Slutty Vegan’s expansion into Atlanta and Washington, D.C. stands for more than just growth. It showcases that resilience, innovation, and community-centered entrepreneurship are at the heart of one of America’s most recognizable Black-owned food brands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who founded Slutty Vegan?
Slutty Vegan was founded by Aisha “Pinky” Cole Hayes in Atlanta in 2018.

Where is Slutty Vegan expanding in 2026?
The company has signed franchise agreements for expansion in Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington, D.C.

Who are the new franchise operators?
Khadejah Davis and Jamel Douglas will lead the Atlanta location, while Brandi Forte will oversee development in Washington, D.C.

Why is the expansion significant?
The move marks a major milestone in Slutty Vegan’s franchise growth strategy and shows the brand’s continued progress after recent restructuring efforts.

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