Written by Elain Yao.
As Black History Month comes to an end, we reflect, honor, and celebrate the history, achievements, and contributions of the Black community here at McCombs and in the greater city of Austin. Learn about 7 Black-owned businesses around Austin that you can support throughout the year and check out how our Black Graduate Business Association celebrated Black History Month.
Support Black-Owned Businesses Around Austin
Bird Bird Biscuit
Founders, Friends, and Owners Brian Batch and Ryan McElroy. Photo courtesy of Bird Bird Biscuit.
Co-founded in 2018 by Brian Batch and Ryan McElroy, Bird Bird Biscuit is a chicken and biscuit restaurant that has spent years crafting the most delectable recipes for its menu. Located on 2701 Manor Rd in Austin, Texas, Bird Bird Biscuit has gained its reputation for providing customers with great service, flavorful food, and allergy-friendly food items.
Austin Daiquiri Factory
Margarita from Austin Daiquiri Factory. Photo courtesy of Austin Daiquiri Factory Instagram.
Austin Daiquiri Factory is woman-owned and family-operated. Iesha Griffin opened Austin Daiquiri Factory in 2021 as an East Austin to-go Daiquiri shop offering 7 base flavors, 16 signature drinks, and the option to build your own frozen drink. All daiquiris are made with real fruit and real cane sugar. They are also 100% gluten, sulfite, GMO, and preservative-free! Located at 2000 E. 12th street.
Tony’s Jamaican Food
Owners, Kim Scott and Tony Scott. Photo courtesy of Tony’s Jamaican Food.
Located north of Austin in Pflugerville, Texas, Tony’s Jamaican Food offers its customers a comforting slice of Caribbean cuisine. Founded in 2018 by Tony Scott and his wife Kim, Tony’s Jamaican Food prides itself on its customer service and authentic dishes like jerk chicken and oxtail.
Cranky Granny’s
Owner Sianni Dean (right) and Granny (left), Sianni’s grandmother and inspiration.
Founded, owned, and operated by Sianni Dean as a tribute to her grandmother, Cranky Granny’s opened its doors in 2021 as a Black-woman-owned business sweet rolls shop. Located in Round Rock, Texas, Cranky Granny’s offers delicious pastries, from cookies and cream to peach cobbler.
Nana’s Prayer Tattoos
Imani Tatum, owner. Photo courtesy of Mikala Compton/American-Statesman.
Founded in July 2021, Imani Tatum opened Nana’s Prayers Tattoo Studio with a dream of exploring tattoo art. Located at 715 W Powell Ln in Austin, Texas, her studio features tattoo artists Imani (@twiggytattoos), Patricio (@victimofbirth), B (@b_infante_), and Xóchítl (@chiflada.tatts). Imani describes tattoos as a way of connecting with her ancestors and named her business after her grandmother.
Black Pearl Books
Owner Katrina Brooks (middle), poses with her family and husband/co-owner, Eric Brooks. Photo courtesy of Black Pearl Books.
Founded in 2019, Black Pearl Books began its business as an online store that participated in markets and pop-ups. Currently located at 7112 Burnet Rd in Austin, Texas, Black Pearl Books is a fully family-run black-woman-owned business that aspires to utilize literature to promote inclusivity and diversity.
Black Austin Tours
Founder and native Austinite, Javier Wallace. Photo courtesy of Black Austin Tours.
Founded in 2019 by Javier Wallace, Black Austin Tours aims to spotlight Black voices within Austin’s city history. The tour company informs people about Black community leaders and trailblazers that are not currently celebrated in conventional history books. Black Austin Tours currently offers in-person walking and virtual tours.
If you are interested in learning more about Black-owned businesses in Austin’s metropolitan area, read more about them in Jade Fabello’s How to Spend a Day in Austin Supporting Black-Owned Businesses piece for Thrillist.
Celebrating Black History Month with Black Graduate Business Association
The Black Graduate Business Association Leadership team.
Black Graduate Business Association (BGBA) is a student organization founded in 1985. BGBA members represent a variety of academic concentrations and political, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Members’ business interests range from the public to the private sector, entrepreneurship, and national and international markets in various areas of the business world. As a professional organization of predominantly Black students pursuing an MBA, the BGBA’s purpose is to provide a nexus through fellowship to broaden, enhance and promote the successful futures of its members.
Check out how BGBA celebrated Black history and the Black community this past month. ⬇️
Azzy Francis, VP of Communications, hosted a McCombs Instagram Takeover during the march to the capitol on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
BGBA also hosted a Black History Bike Tour focused on exploring the black history of Austin, an Art Galleries at Black Studies Tour, and a Storytelling session with other student leaders at McCombs.
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BGBA hosts events for MBA students throughout the year. Follow BGBA on Instagram to connect and learn more. ⬇️
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Contact BlackGraduateBusinessAssociation@mccombs.utexas.edu to talk to current members.
Visit Texas McCombs MBA to learn more about our programs and upcoming events, or take a peek into student life on Instagram. Please reach out to the MBA Admissions Team with any questions.
