SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Celebrating Black History Month, OzarksFirst spoke to Black-owned businesses in Springfield.
Specifically on Historic Commercial Street, there are seven shops and stores owned by members of the Black community.
“Fortunately Historic C Street is a very tight-knit community of people who are very, very supportive,” said Lyle Foster.
Foster owns Big Momma’s Coffee & Espresso Bar on C Street.
“I fell in love with the district and ultimately this building and had an opportunity to actually work to renovate the building,” Foster said.
When he bought the space where Big Momma’s sits, the building was condemned. Now, the coffee shop has been in business for 17 years.
“The beginnings were a little bit tenuous because a lot of people have very negative impressions of Commercial Street for one reason or the other,” Foster said. “But I really am very thrilled how far our district has come and the support of our customers.”
Champale Salter owns the neighboring store, The Springfield Braiding Company, which has been on C Street for nearly five years.