Vegan Soul Meals Joint Makes Historical past in Pennsylvania

Vegans just bought additional foods solutions—at minimum in Pennsylvania. The first Black-owned vegan soul meals restaurant is now open up in Harrisburg. And the foodstuff seems just about way too great to eat.

Household of Vegans (HOV) officially opened its doorways back again in July. But prior to obtaining their very own brick and mortar, the plant-centered couple powering the venture—Stefan Hawkins and his fiancée, LaQuana Barber—marketed their delightful meatless eats at area pop-ups. 

Hawkins and Barber advised LIVEKINDLY that they founded HOV following noticing a deficiency of healthful, vegan possibilities in their spot.

“We thought Harrisburg desired extra vegan choices. We acquired drained of traveling to other cities in get to take pleasure in a great food and a evening out,” he discussed. “You really don’t see wholesome meals possibilities in marginalized communities’ grocery retailers.”

“We get the processed crap that they know will give us diabetes, superior cholesterol, and blood force. They do not instruct us about healthful consuming. We want to market superior having for our community and show them that you really do not want meat with just about every dish in order to take in,” he added.

Property of Thee Slaps

The vegan restaurant, nicknamed Household of Thee Slaps, serves up a selection of tasty selections like soul foods platters showcasing fried cauliflower, chick’n drums, and BBQ jackfruit. 

HOV also carries plant-based burgers, bowls, and hunger-enjoyable sides like yams, collard greens, cabbage, baked mac and cheese, and cornbread.

Hawkins and Barber hope the mouthwatering vegan menu will motivate other people to try out having plant-primarily based.

Barber, who’s been vegan for a few years, ditched meat and dairy in buy to enable ease her terrible asthma. And Hawkins, a former McDonald’s worker, described that experiencing the underbellies of the meat sector firsthand influenced his dietary change.

“[LaQuana] needed to grow to be healthier in brain physique and spirit. And I observed how terrible the meat field genuinely was. And how substances ended up utilized in our meals. Not to mention McDonald’s food stuff processing procedure was terrifying,” Hawkins stated. “Cooking burgers in 40 seconds never sat very well with me. I researched tactics of the meat sector and it completely helped me make up my intellect.”