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Now that we’ve covered five impressive health and wellness innovators and added five top consumer goods brands to our shopping lists, we’re continuing our Bolt Black History Month series by exploring the companies that deliver exclusive experiences to guests and customers. Let’s step into the world of hospitality and food and beverage brands, where the FOMO (fear of missing out) is real, and the captured images find their rightful places on influencer’s Insta grids. From boutique hotel chains to restaurants serving famous recipes, these five Black-owned food and beverage and hospitality brands will each transport you to a unique experience with amenities and menus that simply can’t be beat.
Welcome to the lush English gardens of the luxury bed and breakfast Clevedale Historic Inn and Gardens in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Founded by married couple Pontheolla and Paul Abernathy, this hidden gem that blossomed from a charming bed and breakfast to an event epicenter in Spartanburg county offers the full hospitality experience. With roots as a 1913 homestead, this once-440-acre farm is rich in history, hospitality and graciousness of the old South combined with modern conveniences and comfort. Clevedale features guest rooms that are bursting with character, such as The MackRail Cabin Car, a vintage 1947 Southern Rail X654 Caboose originally at Cleveland Park, now transformed into a suite complete with a bay window, queen-sized bed, custom bunks, and garden views. From weddings and events, to spa packages and stays, this is a must-visit bed and breakfast.
Come on in and cozy up in one of the three design-driven locations of this cowboy-inspired boutique hotel chain, Urban Cowboy. Co-founded by Jersey Banks and Lyon Porter, this passion project exudes details that are sure to make guests fall in love with the powerful designs and experiences. For a Catskills escape, nestle up in their 68-acre Big Indian Wilderness mountain lodge that is surrounded by nature while being less than a three-hour drive from New York City. Or, visit the historic Victorian mansion in East Nashville that is for adults only. Enjoy cocktails at the Public House Bar in the stable house in the back of the mansion for a cozy yet vibrant evening. Now, if you’re looking for a party atmosphere with retro vibes, check out The Dive Motel in Nashville where every room comes with a custom “Party Switch” to get the disco ball and Dive Radio flowing. Finally, Urban Cowboy’s full-service design studio and management company, Cowboy Creative offers commercial, residential, and hospitality experiences for those interested in collaborating.
Located in the heart of Houston, La Maison in Midtown is a luxurious bed and breakfast with European flavor and complete privacy. Founded by Genora Boykins and Sharon Owens, this urban three-story B&B has seven guest rooms, each boasting unique decor and amenities. Enjoy a stay within walking distance to Houston’s hottest spots, such as entertainment and dining hubs, or stay on site for a true Southern breakfast in the French kitchen. La Maison in Midtown offers special packages for a variety of events and celebrations, including birthdays, anniversaries, romantic weekends and more. Discover the charm of Houston with a delightful stay, and create memories to last a lifetime.
Connecting the past to the future through hospitality and storytelling, Lucille’s is a nationally-celebrated restaurant in the heart of Houston’s Museum District. Founded by brothers Chris and Ben Williams, Lucille’s features Southern fare dining fused with international techniques and flavors. It pays homage to their great-grandmother, culinary innovator and founder of her own food corporation, Lucille B. Smith. Her legacy lives on through her famous recipes combined with the unique takes on Southern classics. Now a decade later, the original restaurant has grown into Lucille’s Hospitality Group (LHG), a collection of concepts united in the goal to bring authenticity and wonderment to every community served. Their nonprofit Lucille’s 1913 works to fulfill the mission of “feeding the future” by supporting vulnerable communities in discovering a self-sustainable livelihood through food. Not to mention, Chris Williams was recently selected as a 2023 James Beard Restaurant Award Semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurateur, making a trip to this restaurant even more enticing.
Thompson Hospitality is “redefining the art of hospitality” through positive experiences in all interactions with guests, clients and team members. This Virginia-based family company and largest minority-owned food service provider was founded by Warren Thompson in 1992 on the values of tradition. No stranger to awards and recognition, Thompson Hospitality took home the Black Enterprise Award in 2010 for Company of the Year, was named #1 Minority Owned Company in 2017, and was recognized on the list of “Largest Independent Employer Company” by Washington Business Journal in 2019. With 20 brands and over 70 locations spanning quick service to fine-dining, Thompson Hospitality has something for every taste.
As you plan to book a reservation with one of these five hospitality companies, don’t forget to check back here for the continuation of our Black History Month series where we’ll share more top Black-owned businesses in franchises and spirits. You won’t want to miss it!
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