Pepsi Dig In has partnered with Pinky Cole Hayes, the founder and CEO of Slutty Vegan, to spotlight the best Black-owned restaurants nationwide with the help of patrons.
As part of the third annual Pepsi Dig In Restaurant Royalty program, this initiative aims to amplify Black-owned restaurants by encouraging diners to nominate their favorite eateries.
This year’s program offers rewards such as foodie experiences across the country and an opportunity for a nominated restaurant to feature at MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas.
Hayes will leverage her expertise to inspire the next success story among Black-owned restaurants.
Her partnership with Pepsi Dig In aligns with the campaign’s long-standing support of her successful vegan food empire from its inception.
“Slutty Vegan wouldn’t be where it is today without its community of fans. From the start, they’ve been dedicated and loyal in supporting Slutty Vegan’s journey from a food truck to a multi-city restaurant chain and $100 million brand,” Hayes said. “That’s why I’m thrilled to be partnering with Pepsi Dig In, a platform that has been there for me since the beginning, to inspire even more foodies to be vocal about their favorite restaurants and help crown them Restaurant Royalty.”
The winning fan-nominated restaurant will be featured in the Pepsi Dig In Restaurant Royalty Residency in Las Vegas as part of an ongoing partnership with MGM Resorts International.
Additionally, the restaurant will receive one-on-one mentoring from Hayes. The Rewards for the Royalty program provides benefits to both foodies and restaurants.
For Black-owned businesses, the five most-nominated restaurants will receive point-of-sale hardware from Square, $4,000 in Yelp digital media credits, digital promotion by Pepsi Dig In and EatOkra (the largest database of Black-owned restaurants), and enrollment in the Black Restaurants Deliver program, designed to enhance online presence and ordering capabilities.
Specially selected fans will enjoy a variety of prizes, including a grand prize trip for two to the Super Bowl in New Orleans in 2025, an intimate chef’s table experience in New York City, participation in the 2024 Pepsi Dig In Day celebrations, curated food tours, and roundtrip JetBlue travel certificates.
Fans have until June 30 to submit their favorite local restaurant on DigInShowLove.com and enter for a chance to win various food-centric experiences.
Find Black-owned restaurants at EatOkra and nominate your favorites at DigInShowLove.com.
