Pepsi Dig In, the brand’s platform designed to drive access, business growth, and awareness to Black-owned restaurants, returns with Pepsi Dig In Day on August 19.
The annual calling to encourage diners across the country to visit Black-owned restaurants is timed to National Black Business Month and is expanding its efforts to amplify and support Black-owned restaurants.
New York, NY – August 9, 2023: The Pepsi Dig In Dinner, featuring Chefs Nicole and Mike Nicholas of Aunts et Uncles, Ricky Moore of Saltbox, Daryl Shular of FARMED Kitchen & Bar, and Maya-Camille Broussard of Justice of the Pies at Platform by JBF on the West Side.
© Clay Williams / http://claywilliamsphoto.com
Across the country events will take place that include a block party in Washington, D.C. highlighting local Black businesses, curated dinner events featuring chefs and restaurateurs in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, and Pepsi Dig In covering $100,000 in free meals for consumers when they visit select restaurants across the country.
New York, NY – August 9, 2023: The Pepsi Dig In Dinner, featuring Chefs Nicole and Mike Nicholas of Aunts et Uncles, Ricky Moore of Saltbox, Daryl Shular of FARMED Kitchen & Bar, and Maya-Camille Broussard of Justice of the Pies at Platform by JBF on the West Side.
© Clay Williams / http://claywilliamsphoto.com
On August 9, invited guests gathered in New York City to honor the occasion with an intimate affair at Market 57’s Platform by JBF. Showcased restaurants at the splendid soiree included Aunts et Uncles, Nicole & Mike Nicholas (Brooklyn, NY); Saltbox, Chef Ricky Moore (Durham, NC), FARMED Kitchen & Bar, Chef Daryl Shular (Tucker, GA), and Justice of the Pies, Chef Maya-Camille (Chicago, IL).
New York, NY – August 9, 2023: The Pepsi Dig In Dinner, featuring Chefs Nicole and Mike Nicholas of Aunts et Uncles, Ricky Moore of Saltbox, Daryl Shular of FARMED Kitchen & Bar, and Maya-Camille Broussard of Justice of the Pies at Platform by JBF on the West Side.
© Clay Williams / http://claywilliamsphoto.com
“It was during the pandemic and Pepsi came through with this incubator. And it did wonders for our business during that period of time transitioning from everyone being on lockdown to the world coming back to life,” Chef Shular explained on how he became part of the program. “They’ve always came and supported the restaurant. Pepsi has done a great job in supporting not only my business, but all Black businesses.”
The culinary magic of this evening is also being shared in a sparkling way. In partnership with the James Beard Foundation at the PLATFORM by JBF, throughout the month, there is a variety of cuisines and innovative dishes from Black chefs and restaurateurs from coast to coast, with curated dinner events, cooking demonstrations and more.
In addition, Pepsi Dig In is once again encouraging foodies to show the love on social media by posting a photo of their meal from a Black-owned restaurant and tagging the eatery and Pepsi Dig In for the chance to win $5,000 to dine at their favorite Black-owned restaurants as well as unlock a $5,000 donation to the restaurant.
“Our goal for Pepsi Dig In has always been to celebrate and generate awareness for Black-owned restaurants, not just on Pepsi Dig In Day, but all year long,” says Scott Finlow, Chief Marketing Officer of PepsiCo Global Foodservice. “This year, we’re turning up the flavor and excitement with the support of renowned partners like the James Beard Foundation and events like our Washington D.C. block party where people can indulge in delicious food, cheer on talented chefs, and soak up the vibrant culture that accompanies every dish.”This year, Pepsi Dig In is giving food lovers a chance to discover every bite is Better With Pepsi and explore more ways to get involved and dine at Black-owned restaurants across the country, including:
- Offering complimentary signature dishes at 25 restaurants (while supplies last) in major cities nationally. Pepsi Dig In is covering $100,000 in free food to encourage diners to discover Black-owned restaurants and explore their diverse offerings in cities including Los Angeles, Nashville, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia and more. Fans can visit EatOkra – the largest database of Black-owned restaurants – to find participating locations and other establishments in their area. In addition, foodies can check out Black and Mobile to order delivery from Black-owned restaurants in their local neighborhood.
- Hosting a Pepsi Dig In Day Block Party on August 19 in Washington D.C., already a city that boasts one of the largest concentrations of Black-owned businesses in the U.S., Pepsi Dig In is bringing its festivities to Anacostia – one of the country’s historic African American neighborhoods. The block party at Sandlot Anacostia will host performances by GRAMMY Award nominated artist Pusha T, Alex Vaughn, Black Alley, DJ Five9 and DJ Money to bring locals together, create connections, and foster a sense of community while spotlighting Black restaurateurs and small Black-owned businesses. Featured local restaurants include Roaming Rooster, Jerk at Nite, Money Muscle BBQ and more.
- Giving fans the chance to win $5,000 when they post their meal on Instagram or Twitter and tag their favorite local Black-owned eatery and @PepsiDigIn with #DigInShowLove #Sweepstakes from August 1 to August 31. See Official Rules for details and restrictions.*
For further information on Pepsi Dig In, fans can visit PepsiDigIn.com and follow @PepsiDigIn on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for the latest updates.
Photos Courtesy Pepsi/Clay Williams