It’s been a heavy week. If you saw my latest Instagram post, I expressed how I personally supported the Black Lives Matter movement. This is not a political issue, this is a human being issue. Like most of us, I had to take some time to reflect and think about how I can show up differently in my personal life and in my business when it comes to supporting people of color. Now, we need to actually do the work to educate ourselves and implement change.
I’ve been racking my brain the last few days about how I can start to be more inclusive to the black community. While many of us have already supported national organizations, I would love to help support this work at the local level as well. This is where we will start to see real change in our daily lives.
One of the easiest things that comes to mind is to support black owned & operated vegan restaurants. As a holistic health coach focused on helping millennial women implement a more plant based lifestyle, this felt like the natural first step to better supporting the local black community. I actually asked my Facebook community for a list of black owned & operated vegan restaurants and the amount of responses was overwhelming! I spent all day reading about each restaurant below and have selected a handful to share in this first post (first of many!) I’ve decided to start with a few select cities in the state of Texas since I was born & raised here and recently moved to Austin, Texas! (Less than a week ago ha!) I will say, this was a fun exercise to get to know my new city a little bit.
Before we get to this list, I also wanted to share that I will be offering one month of FREE health coaching for any lovely women of color who are interested in working together. I will be offering up 2 spots this month of June 2020. Please share this with your friends and family and CONTACT ME HERE to let me know you’re applying for one of the free spots!
OK, without further adieu, see below for vegan, plantbased, and black owned & operated dining establishments to support!
AUSTIN
Luv Fats Icecream– vegan icecream made with avocados & coconut milk and available at the farmer’s market!
Sassy’s Vegetarian Soul Food– this popular food truck kept popping up in my research with rave reviews! A vegan & arguably healthier version of chicken n’ waffles? Sign me up for a future hangover cure meal. 😉
The Black Vegan Company– also serving the Houston area, this company offers vegan cooking classes, grocery store tours, catering, and meal prep services! As their website states, “revolutionizing vegan eating black and brown communities by infusing culture into every meal.”
DALLAS
Soulgood– 2018 Best Food truck in Dallas! Also available for delivery.
Peace.Love.& Eatz. Smoothie Bar– I loved reading about the owner, James McGee’s story. He was inspired to open his shop after he and his wife transitioned to a plant based lifestyle and realized there was nowhere for them to dine in their city! Also awarded Dallas Observer 2019 Best Smoothie Bar. Yum.
Recipe Oak Cliff– Recipe features a daily menu of fresh to-go deli style items and produce in addition to fresh juice, tea and coffee. Options for raw vegans as well!
V Eats Modern Vegan Trinity Grove– Looks like a fun spot for a vegan date night out!
HOUSTON
Green Seed Vegan– vegan, soy, & gluten free options as well as raw vegan friendly menu section!
Soul Food Vegan– Started by the owner, chef Taliek, after he was preparing dishes and herbal supplements to combat nutritional deficiencies in himself and his community. Located in the heart of 3rd ward!
Sunshine’s Health Food Store & Vegetarian Deli
VegSide– Houston’s 1st all vegan grocery store! So cool.
SAN ANTONIO
Southern Roots Vegan Bakery– order these sweet treats online & they are available for nationwide delivery!
I hope you guys found this as a helpful first step if you’ve been wondering how to show your support. Please let me know if you visit any of these establishments. Let’s support our local black communities. Together I truly believe we can change the world. One vegan meal at a time. 🙂
XOXO,
Dani
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