According to Penn State Harrisburg’s data center, Black-owned businesses in Pennsylvania play a crucial role in the state economy.
In 2020, there were more than 3,700 Black-owned businesses across the state, generating almost $1.5 billion in revenue.
Ace Rhoad is a Black business owner out of Grantville.
He created Smoking Aces BBQ in 2020 after losing his job during the pandemic.
“So, I was working at Bob Discount Furniture doing sales, and when COVID hit, I lost my job. So I started cooking,” Rhoad said. “I planned on going back to work and never went back.”
Rhoad said Smoking Aces BBQ began as a food truck, and today, his business has grown to a sit-down restaurant on Firehouse Road in Grantville.
“My dream come true,” Rhoad said. “This is my dream.”
Rhoad said being a Black business owner has it’s ups and downs.
“When you have people come up to support you, it’s awesome. It could be rough at times, honestly, but I have a lot of support,” Rhoad said.
Carmelia Rameau owns CR Blooms Wellness Boutique and Nesta Hemp shop in downtown Harrisburg.
She said her passion is providing holistic health to her community.
Rameau said there are different adversities that come with being a Black business owner.
“It can come from the economical standpoint, funding as well. I mean, and racial tension, that is still present,” Rameau said.
Rameau said she comes from a family of business owners.
“I saw the passion in my family, my parents, with their businesses and the freedom that they had, and just know the excitement, the failures. Everything with it inspired me at a young age,” Rameau said.
She said for Black business owners, support is everything.
“Have a great team, even if it’s two people, 20 people. So, when you do have those days that are hard, you know you can count on them to hold you up,” Rameau said.
To contact Smoking Aces BBQ or request them to cater a private event, call Rhoad at 717-210-7082.
To contact Rameau for holistic health needs, you can contact her at 305-965-8086.
Click here for a list of other Black-owned businesses in Dauphin County.
