Celebrate Black-Owned Businesses in York County, PA

York County's Black and African American community have played a vital role in the growth and success of the area. Today, York is home to countless Black-owned businesses, from hotels to restaurants to shops. You can support these local hoteliers, chefs, vintners. and entrepreneurs during Black History Month (February), Black-Owned Business Month (August), and throughout the year. 

York PA Restaurants

York County is home to a variety of popular Black-owned restaurants. Do your taste buds a favor and support these local eateries serving everything from Southern classics to American fare.

Two Dover favorites – Taqueria El Camino and Greer’s Burger Garage – were founded by Spring Grove native and chef Ethan Greer.

Taqueria El Camino serves up savory street-style tacos and more. Whether you choose the birria or Aztec squash tacos, your taste buds will be in heaven. There are also burritos and quesadillas on the menu, as well as numerous sauces, dips, and sides made in-house. Cool off with one of the refresher drinks, like the Mexican Street Mango or the traditional horchata.

Greer’s Burger Garage is a dose of Americana with a twist. Bite into smash burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches topped with tried-and-true 1950s fare, or branch out to the jalapeno popper burger, Seattle Sounder hot dog, or chopped cheese sandwich. We also recommend a side order of their specialty garage fries. Of course, there are fountain drinks, ice cream shakes, checkerboard floors, red vinyl seats, and golden oldies music. Coming soon: an additional location in Hanover!

The Pecan Tree Café is located in downtown York and specializes in serving Halal Soul and Spanish foods. You’ll find all your favorites, mac and cheese, cheesesteaks, homemade desserts, and specials. Yum!

Sweet Mama's Mambo Sauce is a delicious finishing sauce that brings a "Kiss of Deliciousness" to all of your dishes. There are five flavors that can be purchased year-round: Original, Spicy, Maryland Bohemian Bay Style, Rag'n Island, and Mariachi Mango. There are two seasonal flavors: Poppin Peach and Spirited Spicy Cranberry. Sweet Mama's is a family-owned business. Owner Jen Heasley, along with her daughters, Paige and Brooke, have been focused on making a great sauce since 2016. You can pick up a bottle or two at their stand inside Central Market or purchase online. Check out the interactive Food and Fun cooking parties that Jen offers as well.

Mark and Val Wines

Husband and wife Mark and Val Rhodes turned their wine-making hobby into their namesake business venture – Mark and Val Wines. The York winery purchases grapes from local and regional vineyards. They produce, bottle, and label their wines (reds, whites, and everything in between). Try a few blends at their tasting room, then take a few bottles home to remember your trip. Be sure to check in on the Good Libations Trails digital passport when you visit. 

Grace Manor Bed & Breakfast

Escape to France, Asia, Mexico, and Switzerland through artfully-curated décor at Grace Manor Bed & Breakfast in downtown York.

Each of the four welcoming suites has a geographical theme created with one-of-a-kind finds by the stylish owner and interior designer Joanne Wilmore. Slip into a hot-pepper red, heart-shaped tub in the Mexico Room or a Malaysian canopy bed shrouded in silks in the Asian Suite. Try on vintage hats underneath a stunning chandelier in the French Suite, or marvel at the chandelier made of twigs in the Swiss Chalet Suite.

The three-course, Southern-inspired breakfast is just as inventive. Wilmore is a foodie whose past delicacies included chicken and waffles with jalapeno butter and sriracha maple syrup, jumbo shrimp with andouille sausage gravy, and crème brulee grapefruit.

William C. Goodridge Freedom Center & Underground Railroad Museum

One of the top historical attractions in York, PA, is The William C. Goodridge Freedom Center & Underground Railroad Museum. It was once the home of a freed slave who became one of the wealthiest men in York. To free others, however, Goodridge put his life and fortune in danger by becoming an Underground Railroad station master.

Fugitive slaves hid in a hand-dug hole filled with straw under his kitchen floor and rode his rail cars to Philadelphia. The secret hiding spot was discovered after Goodridge died when a new owner started renovations. 

During your visit, you can enjoy an hour-long guided tour. The museum houses permanent and rotating exhibits, living history interpreters, and more.

Friends of Lebanon Cemetery

Join Friends of Lebanon Cemetery for a walking tour of York County's largest and oldest Black-owned cemetery. Listen to authentic narratives of the lives of those interred within these Hallowed Grounds. From the celebrated to the humble, you will learn about their struggles, hardships, passions, and contributions to York's history.

Shopping

From vegan leather jumpsuits to bold red swirling coats, Gusa by Victoria clothes get you noticed. The best part? Each piece is unique and created by Victoria Kageni-Woodard, who designs limited-edition artisan pieces without haute couture prices. You can find her shop in the Royal Square District of York City.

Refillism is an eco-friendly zero waste brand, store, and online shop. With customers all around the U.S., Refillism is part of a movement to live an eco-friendly lifestyle and to be environmentally conscious with every purchase. They want to make eco-homes the standard, not the exception. Refillism is led by its founder, Elizabeth Bower, who formed the company with the aim of creating a shopping experience with quality, natural, eco-friendly, zero waste, refillable, and reusable products.

Get Creative

POP Crafts is a one-stop DIY paint and gift shop located in downtown York. Unleash your creative side and choose from a selection of painting kits, crafts, and home décor. Painting can be done in the store (leave the mess behind!) or take the fun home with you. Want to be sure a craft is available or wish to request a project to be personalized? Make a reservation ahead of time, and it will be ready for you.

POP Crafts takes great satisfaction in offering both adults and youngsters an experience to remember, with a variety of craft activities for all occasions. Whether it be a class, seasonal decorations, or crafting kits to give as gifts, there’s an activity for everyone.

Liebe Krafted Designs is a handmade candle and gift business carrying items such as handmade candles, soaps, air plants, resin art, and much more. Along with the store, they offer monthly classes and a Little Kreators Day Out for kids to come in and work on a craft. They also offer a candle bar experience where you can come in and make your own candle during store hours.

Centrally located in the rising and historic York, Pennsylvania, The GIRLKIN Experience will provide you with a beautiful space to bring your visions to life with the highest quality client service. Inside the luxury space, hosts can enjoy hospitality suites and guests can enjoy the full-service bar. All-inclusive, for all humans, race, sexual orientation, preference, gender identity, etc.

Related: Check out our Cultural Trails program!