Celebrate Juneteenth this weekend with music, culture, and history at a variety of Atlanta events this weekend and by supporting local Black-owned businesses. Enjoy a spa day at Asia Rose Spa or grab some burgers and beers at Taco Mac — get to know these Virginia-Highland Black-owned businesses and invest in building a better community.
Asia Rose Spa
784 N. Highland Ave. NE
Asia Rose Spa approaches beauty holistically. They offer a comprehensive collection of holistic treatments and services to bring you tranquility, serenity, and relaxation. Owner Richelle Hill is a U.S. Army Veteran, Registered Nurse, Licensed Esthetician and has been practicing in the clinical setting for more than 10 years, including areas of dermatology, women’s health, and medical/surgical, according to their website. Richelle was inspired to become a nurse due to the loss of her sister Asia. The spa pays homage to Asia and utilizes her life as a beacon of light to promote overall wellness through a holistic approach to beauty. Click here to visit their website!
Knock Music House
1052 St. Charles Ave. NE
Knock Music House is an Atlanta private event planning and coordination company. Owners Alfredo and Simone Issac believe that every person should be able to have a VIP rock star party experience, complete with a red carpet walk and “fans”! They want their guests to leave their Knock Music House event feeling celebrated and stress-free. They have three parts, two unique event spaces, and a mobile option:
- Knock Music House, our original loft in VAHI (behind Atkins Park)
- 1789 The Bridge, our new banquet hall in Lenox Park
- The Knock Music House Mobile Party Crew and Truck
They love sharing their passion for how hip-hop music and a dance floor can bring people together. Click here to visit their website!
Plant-Based Pizzeria
730 Barnett St. NE
Plant-Based Pizzeria, created by Marisa Acoff and Paul Howard, serves up delicious vegan pizza with gluten-free crust to-go. Order their vegan deluxe pizza that features bell peppers, squash, zucchini, mushrooms, black olives, tomatoes, and more. Their other specialties include a Hawaiian pizza, Mexican Pizza, and an Alfredo Pizza. You can choose a cauliflower crust for $5 extra. Not in the mood for pizza? Try a calzone or the flatbread. If you love the taste of meat but are looking for something plant-based, try Vegan Meat Lovers Pizza, which combines the best of both worlds, made with Beyond Meat products. They believe in healthy food that tastes good. According to Eater Atlanta, the restaurant doesn’t incorporate white sugar or white flour. Click here to visit their website!
Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream
When Donald and his wife, Clarissa Morelli, opened their doors in 2008, the goal was simple: to create the best and most unique ice cream in Atlanta. Within a few short weeks, Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream became the summer craze! In 2009, it was named the 4th best ice cream shop in America by Bon Appétit Magazine.
This popular counter-service ice cream shop with a rotating roster of innovative flavors and outdoor seating is NOW OPEN in Virginia Highland! Click here to visit their website!
Runway Curls
780 N. Highland Ave.
Runway Curls offers hair extensions and wigs that truly represent and mimic the natural curl patterns — whether it’s kinky or curly — of African women. The salon was created by Mushiya Tshikuka of Atlanta’s The Damn Salon, who is also the former WE tv Cutting it in ATL star. According to Blackdoctor.org, “Mushiya’s mission is to empower her customers, other stylists and beauty distributors through opportunities to collaborate and share their resources to grow and generate additional streams of income.” Runway Curls celebrates and encourages all women to first embrace their own kinks and then their Runway Curls, creating the perfect harmony for blended natural textures. Click here to visit their website!
Taco Mac
1006 N. Highland Ave. NE
Everyone knows the famous original Taco Mac, a staple in Virginia-Highland since 1979. They serve up their original award-winning Buffalo Wings, juicy burgers, hand-breaded chicken tenders, sandwiches, salads, and their namesake, tacos. Long-time Taco Mac guest Harold Martin Jr. took over as CEO a few years ago, along with his team from Fresh Hospitality. Click here to visit their website!
Threadz
1060 St. Charles Ave. NE
Come in for some fresh styles for the “dopest and most dapper men in the city.” This streetwear is high quality with a striking edge. Some of their print T-shirts make bold statements, while others mount an artistic image. All of their footwear is trim, unique, and ready to vibe with the rest of your outfit. Click here to visit their website!
We are working on making this a comprehensive list. Please let us know any additions by emailing info@virginiahighlanddistrict.com
