Black entrepreneurs – bakers, chefs, restaurateurs, boutique owners and the like – are all helping drive the commercial and creative dynamism of Loudoun today. Here are six Black-owned businesses to check out during your next visit to DC’s Wine Country®.
Godfrey McKenzie, Dolce & Ciabatta
Jamaican-born master baker Godfrey McKenzie and his wife Tatiana opened the quirkily named Dolce & Ciabatta Bakery in the King’s Corner retail center on Leesburg’s Catoctin Circle in 2018. Pick up everything from baguettes and croissants to decadent cream cakes at the sweet-smelling emporium. McKenzie brings his experience making desserts in more than 30 countries to Loudoun pastry fans.
Jules Foeaman, Jules Caribbean BBQ
The food truck of Surinamese-born pitmaster Jules Foeaman has been at various locations in Loudoun over the past decade. Disciples of his juicy smoked “Q” will be delighted that he now has a semi-permanent spot on Charles Town Pike (Route 9) in Paeonian Springs, a short hop from the Washington & Old Dominion Trail. Foeaman’s secret is to fuse the spices and techniques he grew up learning, with the slow food traditions of the Caribbean. Order fall-off-the-bone wood-smoked ribs, succulent brisket, a delectable Surinamese jerk chicken and, when available, a spicy Caribbean ox-tail stew - his own juicy take on the flavorful Jamaican classic.
Silas Redd, Nostalgia Boutique and Mister on Main
Style-guru Redd, a graduate of VCU Arts, opened upscale thrift and vintage store Nostalgia Boutique in Purcellville in 2016. The dapper Redd sources vintage gems from around the country for his 3,000-square-foot, three-story boutique and has a stunning line of 1950s frocks and decadent fur coats. Items he has sourced or sold have been worn in movies, Netflix shows and even at the Academy Awards. While most of the vintage items are for women, Silas opened the Paul Smith-style men’s boutique Mister on Main within the store in 2024: contemporary men’s couture such as collared paisley shirts, slim fit pants, cashmere sweaters, silk ties, winter coats and other elegant accessories.
Wendy Osborn, Chloe’s of Middleburg
Former Bergdorf Goodman buyer Osborn channeled her experience working at a high retail fashion brand to opening her own boutique, the tranquil sweet-scented Chloe’s of Middleburg. The popular store sells fragrant cotton wick candles, glam faux fur neck warmers, quirky iridescent no-drip design umbrellas and more. “I’m all about finding tasteful, classic and fashion-forward trend-driven clothing and accessories,” said Osborn. “My shop is for women of all seasons – daughters, mothers, grandmothers.”
Jeremy Ross, Co-founder, Sense of Thai
Navy veteran and cocktail connoisseur Ross established upscale Thai restaurant Sense of Thai at One Loudoun in Ashburn in 2015, an attempt to bring authentically prepared Southern Thai cuisine to a vibrant suburban setting. Job well done. There are now two Sense of Thai locations in Loudoun, each offering immaculately presented Thai classics such as Khao Soi (Chaing Mai noodles, curry broth, braised chicken), Chumphon Pad Thai, Crispy Whole Fish and Chili Soft-Shell Crab. That said, it’s the stylish urban lounge setting and those aforementioned craft cocktails that truly elevate the Sense of Thai experience. Signature dinks include the Sense Old Fashioned (50/50 rye and bourbon, aromatic bitters, orange zest and a cherry garnish) and the refreshing Tummy Time: Blanco Tequila, lychee liqueur, lime, grapefruit and Thai basil.
Dennis Stanley, Chantel’s Bakery
Breakfast pastries, muffins, cookies, cupcakes, cheesecakes, more than 50 types of made-to-order pies and sponge cakes – when it comes to fresh-baked confections, there’s nothing Chantel’s Bakery in Sterling doesn’t seem to make. Chef-owner Dennis Stanley has been in the game since 1991 and cut his (sweet) teeth designing wedding cakes, which you can also buy. On top of in-store delights, the business takes pride in catering to special dietary needs such as gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free and non-dairy pastries desserts.
