8 Veteran-Owned Businesses to Support in Durham

During their time in the United States armed forces, many military service members gain various skills essential to entrepreneurship. One way to show our appreciation to veterans for their service is to support them when they re-enter civilian life and launch businesses.
 

310 E. Main St.

Offering a variety of massages, cupping, reiki and more, Bull City Massage Therapy prioritizes the wellness journey of each of their patrons. The team at BCMT is guided by the award winning approach of is founder, Susan Falyar. Before her journey with massage therapy, Susan spent 12 years as an EMT and Aerospace Medical Technician in the U.S. Air Force. For a one-of-a-kind massage experience, head to Bull City Massage Therapy.

300 Morris St. #103

Established in 2020, The Flying Bull Beer Co. is a veteran-owned community brewery that started with a tiny taproom on historic Ninth Street and expanded to a full restaurant, bar and brewery in the Innovation District. Owner Joel Miles served in the Air Force for about four years and wanted to create a space where everyone was welcome. They feature classic brews as well as hard-to-find guest beers and ciders, showcasing the best North Carolina has to offer.

740 Ninth St.

International Delights has been serving up some of the finest Mediterranean cuisine in town since 1992. Owned by first generation American Emad Lubbad and his wife, Jasmine, this restaurant was originally opened by Emad's parents after they fled Kuwait as a result of Desert Storm. Using their combined expertise and Jasmine's experience as a US Marine, the couple continues to contribute to the community, with a special focus on veterans. With tasty menu items like gyros, kafta kabob and falafel, supporting this business is a win-win for both your tastebuds and the community. 
 

2637 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd.

With decades of fine dining restaurant and hospitality experience, Chef Ricky Moore believes that ordinary, simple food can be extraordinary when executed at the highest level. His military experience and upbringing taught him to be disciplined, stay the course, and strive for excellence. The James Beard Foundation recognized his culinary work in a big way in 2022: Chef Ricky won the Best Chef in the Southeast category.

404 Hunt St.

Chan Little is an eight-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force. After serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Chan elected to separate from the USAF to pursue her passion for a career in wellness. In 2013, Chan opened The 360° Approach, a boutique wellness studio offering personal training, fitness classes, health coaching, nutrition counseling, mindfulness practices, and weight loss support.

2500 Meridian Parkway

Mara Shelton joined the National Guard in 2001. Today, she is the president of Tobacco Wood Brewing Co. (TWBC), North Carolina’s first female- and veteran-owned brewery. In addition to running fundraisers for the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, TWBC also partners with Operation Fly Our Flag, a North Carolina-based organization with a mission “to honor those who serve(d) our country and communities.”