Celebrating Balck Restaurant Week: Top 3 Vegan BBQ Dishes

As Memphis gears up to celebrate Black Restaurant Week, the spotlight shines on a trio of black-owned restaurants that are redefining the city’s culinary landscape with their innovative vegan BBQ offerings. In recent years, Memphis has witnessed a notable surge in the popularity of veganism, reflecting a broader global trend toward plant-based lifestyles. This surge is fueled by a growing awareness of the health benefits associated with vegan diets, including reduced risk of chronic diseases and improved overall well-being.

Additionally, there's an increasing recognition of the environmental impact of animal agriculture, prompting individuals to seek more sustainable food choices. From traditional BBQ to innovative plant-based dishes, Memphis is embracing the vegan movement with a diverse and vibrant culinary scene. Let’s dive into the top three vegan BBQ dishes, honoring the culinary creativity of African American chefs and the city’s storied relationship with grilled food.

1. Sun of a Vegan

Located in the bustling food court section of the Hickory Ridge Mall, Sun of a Vegan shines as the first stop on our vegan BBQ journey. Their signature dish, the Jumbo Chopped BBQ Vicken Sandwich with Apple Slaw, is a masterpiece of flavor and texture. Slow-simmered Vicken protein, generously slathered with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, is nestled atop a soft hamburger bun and crowned with house-made creamy apple coleslaw.

,“ “The apple coleslaw recipe is passed down from my mother, ” said Ayesha Collier, the owner of Sun of a VeganUnlike traditional vegan BBQ sandwiches that use jackfruit, Collier opts for soy protein crumbles, prepared in-house, to add a unique twist to the sandwich.

As I savored every bite, I found the BBQ sandwich perfectly seasoned, and the freshness of the a pple coleslaw provided a delightful contrast to the protein, truly elevating the dish. Son of Vegan also offers delectable BBQ Chipotle Vicken Nachos, featuring crunchy nacho chips generously topped with tangy BBQ sauce, house-made chipotle Vicken, nacho cheese-style queso, house-made chipotle crema, and spicy jalapeños.

2. Plant-Based Heat

Plant Based Heat, with two locations in Memphis, , emerged amidst the pandemic's chaos in 2000, under the guidance of former radio personality and entrepreneur, Ralph "RJ Groove" Johnson. Among its standout offerings are the Vegan Italian Smoked Sausage, a masterpiece chargrilled to perfection and adorned with homemade Memphis sweet BBQ sauce, and Mama's coleslaw, a cherished family recipe.

“It’s all about flavors,” Johnson explains. “ I still have that root, that foundation of seasonings and flavors, but it's plants.” Ralph's philosophy, rooted in flavor and tradition, takes center stage as he seamlessly blends his seasoning expertise with plant-based ingredients.

I found the smoked sausage to be impeccably seasoned and grilled, while the coleslaw added a delightful sweetness and creaminess to the dish. Moreover, the BBQ sauce complemented the dish with its irresistible sweetness, embodying Plant Based Heat's commitment to delivering exceptional vegan comfort food.

3. Arnold’s Smokehouse BBQ

Arnold’s Smokehouse, an enterprise born from the creative minds of siblings Shanon and Ivy Arnold, embodies the blend of meaty indulgence and vegan principles.

Located at 2019 Eeast Person Ave., this smokehouse is not your average meat-centric joint. Shanon, the head chef with a deep culinary background, brings a wealth of experience to the kitchen, while Ivy, a committed vegan, ensures that the menu caters equally to plant-based enthusiasts.

Their signature dish, the BBQ Fajita Nachos, is a testament to their innovative approach. Available on both the meat and vegan menus, these nachos showcase a symphony of flavors, from the crunch of fried chili-dusted chips to the savory BBQ jackfruit, grilled peppers, onions, black beans, pico, guacamole, and vegan cheese toppings.

In my own experience, I found the addition of jackfruit to add a subtle sweetness and juiciness, elevating the dish to new heights. The generous portions and impeccable flavor profile make these nachos a standout option, proving that indulgence knows no bounds at Arnold’s Smokehouse.


As Memphis concludes its celebration of Black Restaurant Week, it's evident that the city's culinary landscape has been forever changed by the innovative vegan offerings of its black-owned restaurants. Memphis, known for its traditional BBQ, has embraced this movement, showcasing a diverse and vibrant culinary scene that caters to both meat-eaters and plant-based enthusiasts alike. This evolution underscores the city's commitment to culinary innovation and inclusivity, paving the way for a more sustainable and delicious future.