Pepsi Dig In, a platform designed to promote access, business growth, and visibility for underrepresented restaurants, is back for its third annual Restaurant Royalty Residency at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and Luxor Hotel & Casino. Running from September 21, 2024, through February 7, 2025, this year’s residency will highlight a selection of Black-owned restaurants that are making waves across the country. Featuring six new dishes and four custom-crafted cocktails, the event offers a unique blend of culinary excellence, showcasing the work of five standout restaurateurs.
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1. Slutty Vegan (Atlanta, GA) – Pinky Cole Hayes
Pinky Cole Hayes, the visionary behind Atlanta’s famed Slutty Vegan, will make her Las Vegas debut with her wildly popular Fussy Hussy burger. Cole Hayes is renowned for creating plant-based dishes that appeal to vegans and meat-eaters alike, and the Fussy Hussy is no exception. This plant-based patty is loaded with pickles, vegan cheese, onions, lettuce, tomato, and a special sauce, all served on a vegan Hawaiian bun.
Slutty Vegan has become a national sensation, with fans lining up for hours just to try Cole Hayes’s creations. Her unique ability to reimagine fast food with a healthy twist has garnered a massive following and placed her restaurant in the spotlight. For Cole Hayes, it’s about changing the perception of veganism within the Black community, making it accessible, fun, and undeniably delicious. “The real winners here are the foodies who have so many delicious reasons to keep coming back,” said Cole Hayes, as she celebrates this exciting residency.
2. Q1227 (Roseville, CA) – Chef Q Bennett
Chef Q Bennett’s restaurant, Q1227, was voted the number one fan-favorite restaurant in Pepsi Dig In’s Restaurant Royalty program. As the winning restaurateur, Bennett is bringing his signature dish, Bourbon Chicken Lollipops, to the residency. These mouthwatering lollipops combine tender chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze made from honey and sriracha, offering a perfectly balanced bite that has earned rave reviews from his loyal customers.
Q1227 is more than just a restaurant; it’s a symbol of Bennett’s personal journey and his passion for creating culinary experiences that bring people together. The restaurant’s name is a nod to Bennett’s birthday—December 27th—and serves as a reminder of the importance of celebrating life’s moments through food. His participation in the residency is a testament to his talent and the impact he has made on the community.
3. Taco Mell (Los Angeles, CA) – Jermelle Henderson
Known for putting a flavorful spin on classic Mexican dishes, Jermelle Henderson’s Taco Mell has gained a reputation for bold, inventive flavors. During the Pepsi Dig In residency, Taco Mell will serve its famous carne asada steak and chicken quesadillas, packed with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses and accompanied by fire-roasted salsa and sour cream. These quesadillas are a fusion of classic Mexican cuisine and Henderson’s unique culinary perspective, offering diners an unforgettable taste experience.
Taco Mell has become a staple in Los Angeles, attracting foodies from all over with its blend of traditional Mexican dishes and contemporary flair. Henderson’s dedication to flavor and authenticity has made his restaurant a favorite among locals and visitors alike. His participation in the residency brings a taste of Los Angeles to the Las Vegas Strip, giving diners the opportunity to experience his celebrated dishes firsthand.
4. Sienna Wings (Missouri City, TX) – Tyla-Simone Crayton
At just twenty years old, Tyla-Simone Crayton is already a culinary force to be reckoned with. As the founder of Sienna Wings, she has made waves with her award-winning sauces and flavorful wings. During the residency, Crayton will serve her fan-favorite Lemon Pepper Wings, which are a perfect balance of cracked black pepper and tangy lemon zest.
Sienna Wings began as a small operation but quickly grew into a beloved brand, thanks in part to Crayton’s innovative sauces and her dedication to quality. Her Lemon Pepper Wings have become a signature dish, earning her accolades and a loyal following. Crayton’s story is one of determination and entrepreneurship, and her success with Sienna Wings serves as an inspiration to aspiring restaurateurs. Her residency at Mandalay Bay offers a platform for her to share her talent with a broader audience and continue growing her brand.
5. NYAM (New York, NY) – Chef Brittney “Stikxz” Williams
Chef Brittney “Stikxz” Williams of NYAM is known for her bold, flavorful dishes that celebrate the Jamaican diaspora. For the residency, Williams will offer a duck breast bossam glazed lettuce wrap with a Pepsi tamarind gastrique and orange zest. This dish is a perfect example of Williams’s approach to cooking, which blends traditional Caribbean flavors with modern techniques.
NYAM, which means “to eat” in Jamaican Patois, is a reflection of Williams’s culinary philosophy: food should be flavorful, vibrant, and deeply connected to culture. Her restaurant has become a go-to spot for those looking to experience authentic Jamaican cuisine with a contemporary twist. Williams’s participation in the residency allows her to share her unique perspective on Caribbean cooking with a new audience, showcasing the rich flavors and traditions of the Jamaican diaspora.
6. Vyoone’s (New Orleans, LA) – Vyoone Lewis
Vyoone Lewis, the owner of Vyoone’s, specializes in contemporary French cuisine with an Afro-Creole twist. For the residency, Vyoone’s will serve savory crawfish beignets with a crawfish cream sauce, a dish that perfectly embodies the fusion of French and Creole flavors. Lewis’s restaurant has become a beloved fixture in New Orleans, known for its elegant dishes and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Vyoone’s is a celebration of New Orleans’ rich culinary heritage, blending the city’s French, African, and Creole influences into a menu that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. Lewis’s crawfish beignets are a prime example of her ability to elevate classic Creole dishes while honoring their origins. Her participation in the residency is a testament to her skill as a chef and her commitment to sharing the flavors of New Orleans with the world.
The third annual Pepsi Dig In Restaurant Royalty Residency is an exciting celebration of Black culinary talent, offering diners a unique opportunity to experience dishes from some of the most talented restaurateurs in the country. Each of these chefs brings their own unique perspective to the table, creating dishes that are not only delicious but also reflective of their personal journeys and cultural influences. For more information on the Pepsi Dig In Restaurant Royalty Residency and how to experience these exclusive dishes in Las Vegas, visit pepsidigin.com and follow @pepsidigin on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
Cover photo: Slutty Vegan Among Black-Owned Restaurants in Pepsi’s Las Vegas Residency Program / Credit: PepsiCo Beverages North America
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