Community Spotlight: Brooklyn-Based Businesses You Can’t Miss

Located in the neighborhood of Gowanus, ARCHITECTURAL GRILLE is proud to showcase the businesses that keep Brooklyn unique and thriving. Here, we highlight three companies that exemplify what makes our community stand out. Swing by when you’re in the area and find out more anytime online.

Black-Owned Brooklyn

Black-Owned Brooklyn is a publication that makes it easy to find and support black-owned businesses. With its mission to preserve and share stories from those who breathe life into the community, Black-Owned Brooklyn documents the lives and histories of those who contribute to Brooklyn’s unique soul.

Founded in 2018 by photographer Glenn Alan, the site is currently run by Cynthia Gordy Giwa and Tayo Giwa. The publication maintains a premier record of black-owned food, history, design, beauty, and wellness companies you can’t miss when you’re in Brooklyn. Check out their website and Instagram to find out more.

Greenlight Bookstore

Independent bookstores are a gift to the communities they’re in, which is why we’re proud to feature Greenlight Bookstore this month. Greenlight has two locations in Brooklyn, as well as a sister store that sells stationery. In addition to having a knowledgeable staff who are passionate about what they do, they’re dedicated to supporting the community.

Greenlight bookstore handpicks the books they stock to curate a unique collection for customers to browse. They also host a plethora of events, from reading groups to book launches for local authors. The next time you’re in the area, make sure to stop by Greenlight Bookstore — or even buy online for curbside pickup if you’re on the go. Explore their catalogue online and find out what events are happening next on their website and Instagram.

Four and Twenty Blackbirds

Who’s ready for pie? Four and Twenty Blackbirds is a pie bakery that was founded in 2009 by sisters Melissa and Emily Elsen. They specialize in using fresh, local, and in-season ingredients for a uniquely homebaked taste. The owners were named “Artisans of the Year” in 2011 by Time Out New York and have received critical acclaim, as well as features in the Food Network, Cooking Channel, New York Times, Martha Stewart Living, Good Morning America, Oprah, and New York magazine.

Four and Twenty Blackbirds has three locations throughout Brooklyn and offers a range of pies, from their award-winning salted caramel apple to unique flavors like Matcha Custard. Even if you’re staying at home throughout the pandemic, you can still enjoy a Four and Twenty Blackbirds pie through their delivery service, which operates locally. For more information, check out their website and Instagram.

Which favorite neighborhood spots do you love to visit most? Share your favorite places in Brooklyn with us on Instagram.