Partner to Empower is a program dedicated to addressing and breaking down the systemic racial barriers that members of our communities face through providing networking, funding, and resources to Black- and minority-owned businesses looking to open stores in our malls.
Since Partner to Empower's initial launch in May 2021, we are proud to have supported the amazing businesses featured below on their store opening journey.
Stores open or under construction
B&R Waffle Bar
Town East Mall
Mesquite, TX
B&R Waffle Bar serves up perfectly unique treats for any occasion! From weddings and birthday parties to community and office events, B&R Waffle Bar can satisfy any sweet tooth.
Balloon Squad
Columbiana Center
Columbia, SC
This balloon décor shop is dedicated to bringing joy into customers’ lives by creating custom balloon works of art, from bouquets and yard signs to centerpieces and arches. All employees at this veteran-owned company are military-affiliated.
Be'Be' Be'Ton
Mall of Louisiana
Baton Rouge, LA
Specializing in contemporary, trendy clothing for sophisticated women, Be’be Be’ton offers numerous two-piece sets, jumpsuits and rompers, dresses, shoes, accessories, and outerwear.
Clay Luxury Kids
Perimeter Mall
Atlanta, GA
CEO and mother of two boys, Valerie Thomas was frustrated by the lack of quality apparel options for her sons. So, in true mama bear fashion, she took matters into her own hands. Clay Luxury Kids, named after Thomas’ eldest son, offers fashion-forward-yet-functional boys clothing made from recycled cotton and other green materials, and recently started serving up style for toddler and school-age girls as well.
Empire Xclusive
Coming Soon
Grand Canal Shoppes
Founded by entrepreneur Jared “JT” Thomas, who went from a child struggling with homelessness to a successful entrepreneur, Empire Xclusive carries the latest and greatest in streetwear fashion for both men and women — from big name labels to up-and-coming local brands.
Fresca Palapa
Multiple locations
Fresca Palapa serves up classic, thirst-quenching Mexican drinks like traditional Aguas Frescas, spicy Mangonadas, smoothies, and Piña Coladas — as well as a few classic Mexican bites like nachos, ceviche, shrimp cocktail with avocado topping, and fresh corn slathered with mayonnaise, chili powder, fresh lime juice, Cotija cheese and cilantro.
Fuddruckers
Multiple locations
Home of the “World’s Greatest Hamburgers,” Fuddruckers burgers are made from fresh (never frozen), all-American premium cut beef, grilled to order, and topped with freshly baked buns and customized toppings. If that’s not enough to celebrate, Brookfield Properties has partnered with some of the burger chain’s newest franchisees to open 10 new locations at Brookfield Properties shopping centers this year.
Garner's Sweet Dreams
Augusta Mall
Augusta, GA
Garner’s Sweet Dreams bakes up everything from cupcake jars to cakesicles, banana pudding shooters to cheesecake-stuffed waffle cones, and pineapple upside down cupcakes to red velvet brownies.
Health has become a top priority for many people, and juicing is a great way to maintain it effortlessly. A natural way of giving our bodies all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals we need daily, Glo Juice Bar juices are hand-crafted, made-to-order, and delivered in cute recyclable glass bottles. The café’s food items are equally nutritious and delicious — from smoothie bowls to avocado toast to vegan salads.
Inspired & Intrigued Boutiques
Coming Soon
Mall of Louisiana
When Louisiana-based entrepreneur and owner of Intrigued boutique Latonia Stone was looking for ways to expand her trendy online clothing boutique, she took inspiration from the strategy she employs amplify an outfit: accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. From earrings to necklaces, bracelets to rings, Inspire is a literal accessory to compliment Intrigued, as well as a standalone boutique whose accessories can turn any outfit into a showstopping statement.
Jerk Shop Go
Perimeter Mall
Atlanta, GA
A true family affair, Jerk Shop Go restaurant owners and sisters Kendra and Kenya Berkley have brought their unique Caribbean flavors to Perimeter Mall. From jerk tacos to jerk quesadillas, and jerk fries to jerk nachos, Jerk Shop Go’s menu showcases the sisters’ authentic, Jamaican-spiced family recipes.
Leslie's Laundry Lockers
Carolina Place
Pineville, NC
Leslie’s Laundry Lockers, named after the owner’s daughter, offers laundry and folding services, basic alterations, and full-service dry cleaning.
Super Icy Brothers
Carolina Place
Pineville, NC
Serving up colorful sweet Italian ices for all ages, Super Icy Brothers aims to sweeten their customers’ days. You can also indulge in a variety of carnival favorites, including gourmet kettle corn, candy apples, and cotton candy.
With a tagline of “Life’s short! Eat more tacos!” —Taco Madre gets right to the point, serving up authentic Mexican street tacos, upscale fusion tacos, fresh guacamole, burritos, enchiladas, tortas, salads, bowls, and a spot-on kids’ menu. Inspired by the fresh ingredients found in Mexican cuisine, Taco Madre is committed to treating all guests like family, because ‘mi casa es su casa.’
The Wood Shop
Governor's Square
Tallahassee, FL
The husband and wife team behind The Wood Shop founded the business as more than just a place to get a haircut — they wanted to create a safe place for community members to connect. Serving men, women, and kids, the barbershop is a place to chill out, connect, gain some wisdom, and ultimately feel good.
Owners Szandra Szabó and Omar Lara serve up “Chimney Cakes”, the official dessert of Hungary, done in their own Instagrammable way. The freshly baked concoction is a hit on social media and for dessert lovers everywhere.
Our program at a glance
states launched
businesses completed the Retail Workshop
stores open or under construction