In honor of Black History Month, we are highlighting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) owned businesses in Otsego County. Read on to learn more about these businesses and what they have to offer the community.
Big Al's BBQ
Big Al’s BBQ in Oneonta NY is a welcome alternative to the usual offerings of our area. Big Al’s specializes in Eastern Carolina style cuisine that includes pulled pork, fried chicken, ribs, collard greens, and a unique take on mac and cheese that will make you want to smack your mama! Big Al’s is owned an operated by Alvin Shepherd, a native of Greensboro, NC who has recently landed in Oneonta bringing a healthy dose of southern food and culture with him.
Big Al's BBQ is located at 33 Dietz St. in Oneonta. Visit their website here.
The Sugar Beat (Formerly King's Kakery)
The Sugar Beat is a pastry shop offering specialty cakes and desserts in the Oneonta area. This BIPOC and woman owned business offers everything from custom cakes to cookies to scones to truffles to cupcakes and more. Added bonus: on select Saturdays, King’s Kakery brings the Caribbean right to you in the form of an authentic Guyanese style feast featuring hot foods. Oxtail to die for, rice and peas, and jerk chicken can all be found here. They also have meat patties for grab and go from time to time. King's Kakery is located at 281 Main St in Oneonta. Visit their website here.
Capresso Coffee Bar and Cuisine
Capresso of Oneonta bills itself as a gourmet coffee shop with a comfortable atmosphere. While Capresso does indeed offer coffee and related accoutrements, on select days they offer classic Jamaican street food. Here you’ll find spicy jerk chicken, oxtails, curry or brown stew chicken served with rice and peas and vegetables. Some of the world’s greatest coffee is grown in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica and tends to go well with the spicy Caribbean flavors.
Capresso is located at 215 Main St in Oneonta. Visit their website here.
Cabral's Caribbean Store
Cabral’s Caribbean Store is a warm, welcome oasis on Oneonta’s Main St. Owned and operated by Jamaican expat Cabral Gunter, if it comes from the Caribbean, you’ll find it here. Fresh Caribbean fruit? Check. Full line of Walkerswood marinates and sauces? Check. Ting and other Caribbean beverages? Cabral has you covered there too. Cabral’s Caribbean Store is more than just hard to find Caribbean foods. Here you will also find fashion, art, and a whole lot of soul.
Cabral's Caribbean Store is located at 300 Main St in Oneonta. Visit their website here.
Freestyle Confections
Established in spring 2018 by Rebekah and Vincent Hopkins, and based in Worcester, NY, Freestyle Confections has continually supplied Otsego County with delectable baked goods. From holiday themed cookie kits to brookies to the most delicious thumbprint treats you'll have this side of the Susquehanna, Freestyle Confections will satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. Starting out as a mobile bakery, Freestyle delivers to homes and hotels all over Otsego and Schoharie Counties, and has recently opened a shop on Main Street in Oneonta. Visit their website here.