Pepsi Dig In has announced the return of its Restaurant Royalty program in order to highlight and reward Black-owned restaurants. This year, Pinky Cole Hayes, founder of the plant-based chain Slutty Vegan, serves as the program's ambassador.
The initiative invites food enthusiasts to nominate their favorite Black-owned restaurants until June 30th. Nominations can be submitted through DigInShowLove.com and there are prizes as incentives for participation — from winning a trip to the 2025 football championship game in New Orleans or a chef's table experience in New York City to curated food tours and travel certificates.
The top-nominated restaurant will be featured at MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas and will receive mentoring from Hayes, along with business resources such as point-of-sale hardware from Square, digital media credits, and support from EatOkra and Pepsi Dig In.
Black-Owned Restaurant Initiatives
Pepsi Dig In Brings Back Its Restaurant Royalty Program
Trend Themes
1. Black-owned Restaurant Featuring - There is renewed focus on elevating Black-owned restaurants through dedicated programs and media attention.
2. Celebrity-led Initiatives - Ambassadors like Pinky Cole Hayes play a pivotal role in inspiring and lending credibility to large-scale community initiatives.
3. Incentivized Participation - Invitation for public nominations with attractive prizes enhances community engagement and visibility for restaurant programs.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Black-owned restaurant initiatives present significant opportunities for diverse culinary experiences and market expansion.
2. Digital Media - Collaborations with platforms like EatOkra highlight the growing role of digital media in promoting underrepresented businesses.
3. Travel and Hospitality - Curated food tours and destination experiences create unique avenues for integrating gastronomy with travel.