Charlotte Untold Stories: Black Women Entrepreneurship
How Archive CLT owner Cheryse Terry is brewing change in Charlotte’s West End.
by Winston Robinson
In the heart of Charlotte’s Historic West End, Archive CLT stands as more than just a place for coffee—it is a tribute to culture, history and community. Founded by Cheryse Terry, this unique space embodies the soul of Beatties Ford Road, preserving Black heritage while creating a welcoming environment that is reflective of a community’s identity.
Terry’s work in honoring the legacy of Black storytelling through her business is a testament to the power of representation, the significance of cultural spaces and the enduring strength of Black women entrepreneurs.
Archive CLT is a reflection of the historic corridor it calls home, seamlessly blending past and present. Its walls hold more than décor; they hold history, lined with vintage magazines, artifacts and ephemera that document the Black experience. This is a place where visitors are encouraged to engage, explore and immerse themselves in narratives that have shaped the culture of a community. From its carefully curated collection of archival materials to its intentional representation of Black excellence, the café serves as both a sanctuary and a living museum, ensuring that the stories of the past continue to inspire the present.
Cheryse Terry, a Charlotte native and self-proclaimed archivist, understands the weight of history and the importance of its preservation. Her work extends beyond the business of coffee—she has created a space that allows people to see themselves reflected in ways that are often overlooked in commercial spaces. The experience of stepping into Archive CLT is an act of connection, a moment to engage with the stories that are deeply woven into the fabric of culture from Beatties Ford Road to Harlem, Oakland, Atlanta and everywhere in between. Here, history is not confined to bookshelves or museums; it is tangible, interactive and accessible to all who walk through the door.
Representation is at the heart of Archive CLT, and for many, that representation is transformative. To sit at a table surrounded by the images, words and works by Black creatives and historical figures is to be reminded of the depth of Black brilliance and resilience. This environment fosters a sense of belonging and pride, a stark contrast to the often exclusionary spaces that have shaped the coffee industry. Terry’s presence as a Black woman business owner in a historically Black neighborhood is not just a statement—it is an affirmation that these spaces are important, that they deserve to be cultivated, and that their history should not only be preserved but celebrated.
Archive’s emphasis on Black ephemera is one of its most distinctive qualities. The sale of vintage magazines, newspapers and cultural artifacts offers customers more than a transaction; it offers an opportunity to take a piece of history with them. Holding a decades-old issue of Ebony or Jet magazine, flipping through the pages of a Black newspaper from the past, or discovering an old concert poster serves as a reminder that Black culture has always been dynamic, innovative and rich with stories that deserve to be told. These materials, once discarded or forgotten, are given new life at Archive, allowing visitors to engage with history in a deeply personal way.
For those who find themselves in Charlotte’s Historic West End, Archive CLT is more than a stop for coffee—it is a space that honors the past while shaping the future. It is a reminder that history is not something to be relegated to archives, but something to be lived, shared and passed down. Cheryse Terry’s vision for this coffee shop extends beyond business; it is a commitment to ensuring that the cultural legacy of Beatties Ford Road remains intact and continues to thrive.
Terry’s work with Archive CLT is a powerful example of how one person’s vision can create a ripple effect, fostering spaces where history, culture and identity can flourish. In a world that often moves too quickly to honor the past, Archive CLT stands as a place where time slows down, allowing visitors to not only savor a cup of the house special Foxy Brown latte, but to savor the stories that make this community what it is today.
3 Women-Owned Businesses in the West End Block 4
Charlotte’s Historic West End is a hub for women entrepreneurs, like Archive CLT, whose businesses reflect the community’s culture, history and resilience. In the “Block 4” zone at Beatties Ford Road and LaSalle Street, several women-led businesses are shaping the neighborhood’s economic and cultural landscape.
Buzz City Grill
Owned by Michelle Ashley, Buzz City Grill is more than just a restaurant—it’s a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Located at 2228 Beatties Ford Road, the restaurant offers a warm, welcoming environment filled with food, fun and spirits. Ashley created this space to provide an inviting atmosphere for the West End community, where good food and even better company keep people coming back. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just exploring the area, Buzz City Grill offers a taste of the hospitality that defines Beatties Ford Road.
West End Seafood
A staple of the West End since 1998, West End Seafood, owned by Bernetta Powell, is a story of vision and determination. After recognizing the need for a fresh seafood market in the area, Powell made it her mission to fill the gap. She immersed herself in the industry, learning from Black- and women-owned seafood markets, and eventually opened her own at 2206 Beatties Ford Road. For Powell, this was more than just a business—it was about preserving the identity of the West End and ensuring the community had access to fresh, high-quality seafood. The market, which sits beside her son’s drum shop, is a testament to family legacy and generational entrepreneurship.
Juice Box
Juice Box is a juice and smoothie bar owned by Kimberly Wilkinson. A graduate of Johnson C. Smith University, Wilkinson saw the need for more healthy food options in the West End and decided to bring her thriving business to 2020 Beatties Ford Road. Juice Box is more than just a juice bar; it’s an effort to bring wellness and nutrition to a community that has often been underserved in terms of fresh and healthy grab-and-go options.
