Pepsi Dig In, a platform aimed at promoting and supporting Black-owned restaurants, is inviting food enthusiasts to nominate their favorite Black-owned restaurants for its Restaurant Royalty program. This initiative, now in its third year, partners with Pinky Cole Hayes, CEO and Founder of the plant-based fast-food chain Slutty Vegan, to identify and celebrate top Black-owned restaurants across the country.
Pepsi Dig In has been a long-term supporter of Hayes’ business, partnering with her to leverage her experience and insights. Hayes’ journey from a food truck to a multi-city restaurant chain has been significantly influenced by her dedicated community of fans. This partnership aims to inspire similar success stories among Black-owned restaurants.
Fans have until June 30 to nominate their favorite local restaurants on DigInShowLove.com. Participants have the chance to win various food-centric experiences, including a grand prize trip for two to football’s biggest game 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. The contest is open to U.S. residents, and official rules can be found on DigInShowLove.com.
The restaurant nominated by fans will be featured in the Pepsi Dig In Restaurant Royalty Residency in Las Vegas, in partnership with MGM Resorts International. The winning restaurant will also receive one-on-one mentoring from Pinky Cole Hayes, focusing on overcoming barriers faced by restaurateurs.
Scott Finlow, Chief Marketing Officer of PepsiCo Global Foodservice, emphasized the significance of programs like Restaurant Royalty. He noted that Pepsi Dig In has been instrumental in the success of businesses like Slutty Vegan by engaging and expanding their fan base and leveraging Pepsi’s extensive network and resources to create lasting impacts.