Black Celebrity-Owned Restaurants to Try When You're Tired of Turkey
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Thanksgiving is upon us—the time of year when eating becomes a competitive sport. Family tables across the country are loaded with the most mouthwatering meals, scrumptious sides and decadent desserts, and by the end of the night, everyone is ready for sweatpants and a nap.
But let’s face it: After a few days of leftovers, even the most die-hard Thanksgiving turkey fan needs a break. So if you can’t stand to swallow another turkey sandwich, check out one of these Black celebrity-owned restaurants near you.
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Kale My Name is Tabitha Brown’s award-winning vegan restaurant. The menu may be totally plant-based, but where it’s lacking in meat, it more than makes up for with flavor. Greek fries, fried oyster mushrooms and a tofu scramble plate are just a few of the vegan versions of your comfort food favorites on the menu.
Pharrell Williams - Swan (Miami)
Swan is the brainchild of producer/artist Pharrell Williams and hospitality entrepreneur David Grutman. Located in the heart of Miami’s Design District, it attracts a fashionable crowd. And with elevated versions of menu staples like chips and caviar and black truffle fries on the menu, this place is sure to be a treat for your taste buds.
Anderson Paak - Casita (Los Angeles)
Getting a table won’t be easy, but the battle is well worth the Tulum-inspired fare at this poppin’ Sherman Oaks restaurant and bar. And if your wallet can withstand the hit, the customized multi-course Omakase dinner is worth the overdraft fees.
Pharrell Williams - Strawberry Moon (Miami)
Strawberry Moon is another David Grutman - Pharrell Williams collab. This South Beach spot is known for great drinks, good music and a Mediterranean menu that’s perfect for poolside.
James Harden - Thirteen (Houston)
Thirteen is the vision of NBA star James Harden. Premium cuts of meat, fresh seafood and decadent desserts are what you can expect at this upscale Houston restaurant.
Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar (New York)
Located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Ashford & Simpson’s Sugar Bar is owned by legendary songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson. The menu includes delicious entrees like crispy fried chicken and New Zealand lamb chops served with soul food favorites like collard greens and mac and cheese on the side. And while you’ll come for the food, you’ll definitely want to stay for the live entertainment, including open mic Thursdays.
2 Chainz - Esco Restaurant & Tapas (Various Locations)
Rapper 2 Chainz and Mychel “Snoop” Dillard started Esco Restaurant & Tapas in Atlanta in 2016. The menu includes salads, seafood and tapas that are perfect for sharing. And with franchising opportunities available, new locations are popping up across the country.
Nas - Sweet Chick (NYC, LA)
If you like chicken and waffles, you’ll absolutely love Sweet Chick. Rapper Nas is one of the stakeholders in this super cool fast casual franchise with locations in New York City and Los Angeles. Just as good as the food are the dranks with hip-hop-inspired names like the “Christopher Wallace” and the “Tiger, Tiger Woods Y’all.”
Cam Newton - Fellaship (Atlanta)
Fellaship.ATL was founded by New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton and Cecil Newton Jr. At this upscale eatery, the cocktails and cigars are just as important as the food, which includes blackened salmon sliders and filet mignon.
Just make sure you come dressed to impress. The dress code, which says no to shorts, flip-flops, basketball sneakers and athletic wear, is strictly enforced—except on Sundays, when sports jerseys are allowed.
Issa Rae - Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen (LA)
Issa Rae is the celebrity force behind Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, a community-driven cafe with locations across Los Angeles. But this place is so much more than coffee and juice. Bowls, salads and sweet treats make up the menu of breakfast and lunch items that look almost too good to eat. They had us at Nutella beignets.
Kevin Johnson - Fixins Soul Kitchen (Various Locations)
Former NBA All-Star and Mayor of Sacramento Kevin Johnson grew up loving soul food. And these days, he’s sharing his love with others at Fixins Soul Kitchen, the soul food restaurant he founded with his wife Michelle.
Fixins currently has locations in Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Tusla, OK, with a location opening soon in Detroit.
Kevin Hart - Hart House (LA)
If you’re looking for an alternative to turkey, check out Kevin Hart’s Hart House. The plant-based menu features sandwiches, nuggets and salads made without artificial colors, preservatives and trans fats. You can even wash your food down with a plant-based shake.
Also of note, with the holidays in full swing, they’ll be partnering with Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt to host the Hart House Holiday Giveback Holiday (kicking off on Nov. 20) and a Holiday Toy Drive from Nov. 21 to Dec. 1 on behalf of the Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills. So enjoy some good eats while supporting great causes.
Kandi Burruss - Blaze Steak and Seafood (ATL)
Kandi Burruss’ Old Lady Gang restaurant found its way into the spotlight after Keith Lee put Atlanta restaurants on blast. But you may not know that she has another one. Blaze Steak and Seafood is known for steak, seafood, southern sides and signature craft cocktails that are worth getting dressed up for.
Ludacris - Chicken + Beer (ATL, LAX)
Rapper Ludacris and Jackmont Hospitality joined forces to open Chicken + Beer in Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson International Airport in 2016. Chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits and mac and cheese along with a selection of local craft beers are on the menu so you can enjoy some good southern soul food before your flight.
LeBron James - Blaze Pizza (Various Locations)
NBA superstar LeBron James is one of the owners of Blaze Pizza. The fast-casual chain is known for its made-to-order pizzas. With locations across the country, there’s sure to be one in your area.
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