Black History Month - BHLEN

Be a Part of the Bhlen Revolution: Support Our Kickstarter Campaign!

Marissa Perrone — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 15:42:38 +0000

In the hustle and bustle of today’s world, it can be hard to cut out all the noise and get good recommendations. Whether you’re a local looking for the perfect date night spot or a traveler trying to check off bucket list items of DC monuments and museums, endless Googling and mapping can cause headaches that make you question if your search is worth the hassle.

That’s where Bhlen comes in.

By delivering personalized, real-time, vetted results tailored to your specific location, Bhlen (pronounced ‘blen) removes both the guesswork and the legwork. With Bhlen Links, we give users a customized list of local favorites tailored to their unique preferences and specifications. From dining to shopping to entertainment, we deliver results that can help you connect with the communities that matter most to you. With Bhlen in your pocket, you can spend less time looking things up and more time making memories that will last a lifetime.

As a growing company, we have already developed a revolutionary product we believe in and we’re ready to take things to the next level. We are thrilled to announce our Kickstarter campaign, and we want you to be a part of the action! By transforming outdated, static, wasteful print material into dynamic digital guides, you can help Bhlen blaze the trail in local exploration. Be a part of the Bhlen revolution, and donate to our Kickstarter today.

Why Bhlen?
Bhlen is a digital, mobile-friendly platform that gives personalized recommendations for restaurants, bars, attractions, and more. Our digital guides are customized for you–our users–depending on your location and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a cozy coffee shop, an unusual museum, or a trendy nightclub, Bhlen keeps you up-to-date with evolving, in-season lists tailored to you.

Our Mission and Vision
At Bhlen, we’re not just building another app–we’re building a new lifestyle. We are on a mission to make your life easier, more accessible, and more enjoyable. Whether you’re visiting DC for a big event like World Pride, or you’re a local looking to branch out to new wineries, we want Bhlen to become your go-to guide to discover local gems.

The Problem
Imagine this scenario: you’re in a hotel, and you grab a brochure from the front desk. The recommendations for local attractions look great, but you have to google each venue and discover (the hard way) that half of them have closed. The other half are a couple miles away, and you didn’t bring your car. Traditional recommendation lists are often outdated, wasteful, and inconvenient.

Our Solution
Bhlen Links deliver users tailored recommendations right to their smartphones. Whether you’re looking for a romantic restaurant, a curious museum, or a hip new club, Bhlen has you covered with unique lists that evolve with the seasons. No more irrelevant recommendations!

By backing this campaign, you’re not just supporting a new type of technology–you’re investing in your local community by supporting local businesses and social impact initiatives. You’re strengthening the fabric that binds your community, making it more inclusive and connected.

Why We Need Your Help
We’ve already come a long way, but to expand our outreach and bring Bhlen to more businesses and communities in the US, we need your support. Our goal is to raise $35,000 through this campaign. These funds will help us:
-Expand our reach through partnerships with schools, hotels, and other local initiatives
-Boost our marketing with targeted social media campaigns and content creation
-Grow our sales team to build strategic connections with businesses
-Enhance the development of our platform with new, user-friendly UX/UI features
-Support local communities by highlighting Black-owned businesses during Black History Month or promoting LGBTQ+ friendly spaces during World Pride

Our Social Impact
Bhlen is committed to empowering diverse and inclusive communities. We’d like to use our platform to amplify women and minority-owned businesses and LGBTQ+ spaces. One of our goals is to connect users to the communities they support and love.

Join the Bhlen Revolution
By supporting our kickstarter, you’ll help us get our name out there, improve our technology, and give a voice to historically underrepresented communities. You’ll help get Bhlen into the pockets of users everywhere as their go-to source for places to eat, things to do, and more. Together, we can revolutionize how people connect with the people and businesses around them–one Bhlen Link at a time.

The post Be a Part of the Bhlen Revolution: Support Our Kickstarter Campaign! first appeared on BHLEN.

Celebrate Vibrant Heritage: Black-Owned Restaurants in the DC Area

Marissa Perrone — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 21:35:44 +0000

In an area as diverse as the DMV, there are endless ways to celebrate Black history month throughout February and all year long. From casual lunch offerings to upscale dining experiences, Black restaurateurs are serving up delicious meals that showcase the unique, vibrant heritage of African-Americans. Bhlen is a proud supporter of Black businesses–check out our dynamic list of Black-Owned businesses near you!

The Continent DC (Downtown)
For a truly one-of-a-kind upscale experience, check out the upscale West African restaurant, The Continent DC. From the decor to the music to unforgettable food, the founders are executing a vision of authenticity true to the continent of Africa. Part of their menu is aptly titled “Back Home” and offers hard-to-find staples such as Liberian Cassava Leaf and Spicy Goat Pepper Soup. The Continent serves up amazing specials on classics like jollof rice and chicken suya for their daily happy hour, and they are also known for offering a wide array of delicious, refreshing cocktails. Come join Bhlen to celebrate Black History Month at The Continent DC on Thursday, February 20 from 3-7 PM. DJ Ty One will be creating a vibe with his one-of-a-kind remixes, and the bar will be serving a happy hour to remember.

saladworks (Union Market)
saladworks–aka the original salad entree restaurant–started as a humble salad shop in Cherry Hill, NJ in 1986. To say the salad-eating movement caught on would be an understatement. Now they have eateries in 23 states and the District of Columbia and they offer over 60 salad ingredients to create a flavor as unique as your cravings. In addition to their signature build-your-own salads, they serve wraps, paninis, and soups. The DC restaurant is located in the NoMa district of Washington DC, near Union Market, and owner Clifford Lovett could not be prouder of this thriving business. Come join Bhlen at saladworks on February 13 from 4pm to 8pm to celebrate Black History month with a healthy, delicious meal.

Ben’s Chili Bowl (U Street and other locations)
This history of Black entrepreneurs in DC would be incomplete without mentioning Ben’s Chili Bowl. The spot opened in an old silent movie house in 1958 by Ben Ali and Virginia Rollins, who married each other just 7 weeks later. When it opened, U Street was known locally as “Black Broadway,” and many jazz legends stopped in to eat at Ben’s Chili Bowl when they were performing nearby. It has remained a mainstay, surviving civil unrest following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and the construction of the U Street Metro, which forced many nearby businesses to close. Ben passed away in 2009, and the restaurant has since been run by his sons, who have gone on to open new locations, including one in Nats Park and an upscale restaurant/bar called Ben’s Next Door.

Georgia Brown’s (Downtown DC)
True to its southern name, Georgia Brown’s combines the style and class of a club straight out of New Orleans during the jazz age (and it has a grand piano to prove it). It opened in 1993, and has made a name as a perfect place to impress a date. The menu offers the real deal as far as soul food goes, from catfish to fried green tomatoes. Check out live music every Wednesday and the first Friday of every month from 7-10 PM.

Negus Winery (Alexandria, Virginia)
Negus Winery is an Ethiopian-owned Winery, Meadery, and Tasting Room–in fact, it is the first and only honey wine tasting room in the US. Master winemaker Gize Negussie was formerly a successful beermaker, brewing beers inspired by his homeland. When the pandemic hit, he began experimenting with creating Tej (honey wine). With his mother’s help, he worked to preserve the traditional craft of making honey wine while infusing it with modern twists. After opening in fall 2023, Negus Winery, Meadery, and Tasting Room is now open to guests to enjoy tastings and flights, and an array of bottles of honey wine are available for purchase.

The post Celebrate Vibrant Heritage: Black-Owned Restaurants in the DC Area first appeared on BHLEN.

How to Find Black-Owned Bars & Restaurants in the DC Area

bhlenblogadmin — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 12:24:11 +0000

Washington DC is not only the nation’s capital but also a vibrant culinary hub teeming with diverse flavors and culinary traditions. As Black History Month 2024 comes to an end, we (Bhlen) take a look back on our successful month-long campaign, recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Black entrepreneurs and culinary visionaries. We proudly shined a spotlight on 150 Black-owned bars and restaurants in the Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area, with the added benefit of increasing visibility to these restaurants during the winter season.

Hidden Gems: Throughout Black History Month, our platform embarked on a mission to uncover and highlight Black-owned restaurants and bars across the DMV area. We combed through the area and created our own customized database to identify and showcase hidden gems to ensure they receive the recognition and support they deserve. Establishments like Queen Mother’s Kitchen, KitchenCray, 5 Sisters Restaurant and many more were identified and can be found here on our platform.

Note: Our links are location based so it works best if you’re within 125 miles of the Washington DC area with your smartphone location feature turned on.

Empowering Mom and Pop Restaurants: At the heart of our mission was a commitment to uplift and support small, independently black-owned restaurants. For most of these entrepreneurs, a marketing budget and strategy can present challenges. Therefore, it was essential for us to extend our new tech to mom and pop establishments such as Florida Avenue Grill and Hitching Post Restaurant and provide them with the tools they need to compete in today’s digital landscape.

Well-Known Black-Owned Restaurants: Among the plethora of dining options, Black-owned restaurants stand out for their unique and delicious offerings, each reflecting the rich cultural heritage and creativity of their owners. This month our link identified several well-known Black-owned restaurants in the Washington DC area, where every dish told a story and every bite was a celebration of flavor and culture.

- Ben’s Chili Bowl: A DC institution since 1958, Ben’s Chili Bowl is a beloved landmark known for its iconic half-smokes and hearty chili bowls. This historic eatery has become a cultural icon, frequented by locals and tourists alike. From celebrities to politicians, everyone flocks to Ben’s for a taste of its legendary comfort food and warm hospitality.

- Milk & Honey Cafe: Located in the heart of the historic LeDroit Park neighborhood, Milk & Honey Cafe is a cozy spot offering Southern-inspired comfort food with a modern twist. This charming cafe is known for its delectable brunch dishes, including chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and homemade pastries. With its welcoming atmosphere and soulful cuisine, Milk & Honey Cafe is a favorite among locals seeking a taste of home.

- HalfSmoke: A modern take on the classic DC half-smoke, HalfSmoke is a trendy eatery known for its gourmet sausages, loaded fries, and creative cocktails. This lively spot offers a playful twist on traditional American fare, with dishes like the “HalfSmoke Mac & Cheese” and the “Funnel Cake Fries” stealing the show. With its vibrant atmosphere and Instagram-worthy dishes, HalfSmoke is a hotspot for foodies and fun-seekers alike.

- NuVegan Cafe: For those seeking plant-based fare with a soulful twist, NuVegan Cafe offers a delicious and guilt-free dining experience. This family-run establishment serves up an array of vegan soul food favorites, from BBQ tofu and collard greens to macaroni and cheese. With its commitment to health, sustainability, and community, NuVegan Cafe is a shining example of Black-owned excellence in the DC dining scene.

Celebrating Culinary Excellence: From soul food staples to Afro-Caribbean delights, the 150 Black-owned bars and restaurants we discovered represented a diverse array of cuisines and culinary traditions. Each establishment boasts its own unique flair and flavor, offering diners an unforgettable experience that celebrates Black culture and heritage.

Supporting Economic Empowerment: By spotlighting Black-owned restaurants and bars, our platform aimed to support economic empowerment within the Black community and foster greater inclusivity within the restaurant industry. These establishments not only serve delicious food and drinks but also serve as pillars of strength and resilience within their communities, providing employment opportunities, mentorship, and inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Inspiring Future Generations: As we honor the legacy of Black culinary pioneers during Black History Month, we also look to the future with hope and optimism. By amplifying the voices and stories of Black-owned restaurants and bars, we’re inspiring future generations of chefs, restaurateurs, and entrepreneurs to pursue their passions, break down barriers, and make their mark on the culinary world.

As we bid farewell to Black History Month, let us carry forward the spirit of celebration, recognition, and support for Black-owned bars and restaurants. Through our innovative technology and unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion, we will continue to uplift and empower these cherished establishments for generations to come. In fact, our campaign was so successful that we plan to make this an annual event and expand across the country. If you are a Black-Owned bar or restaurant and you would like your establishment recognized and celebrated on our platform, please feel free to Contact Us for more information.

The post How to Find Black-Owned Bars & Restaurants in the DC Area first appeared on BHLEN.