Native Foods Cafe Owners Hope Restaurant Week Debut Can Give Vegan Spot A Much-Needed Boost
Native Foods to Offer $30 Lunch Deal for Chicago Restaurant Week
Native Foods cafe is making its Chicago Restaurant Week debut next month, and its owners hope the promotion will help the vegan spot stick around for years to come. The vegan restaurant, located at 218 S. Clark St., will be among 479 eateries across the city and suburbs participating in the annual event, which runs from January 25 to February 9.
Special Menu Offerings for Restaurant Week
Native Foods is offering a $30 lunch deal that comes with vegan shrimp rolls and a Senegalese Trio Plate featuring plant-based chicken, Senegalese jollof rice, and a plant-based beef dish. The restaurant announced its partnership with Choose Chicago, the official marketing organization behind the event, in recent weeks.
Employee-Owned and Community-Focused
When the Native Foods chain pared down its business last year, its three remaining locations – in Chicago, Palm Springs, and Glendale – transitioned to being employee-owned. The cafe’s owner, Dame Dia, and his wife, OnjaLee LaShay, who took over the Chicago location in November 2023, have had their share of challenges, but they are pushing through the tough times.
Promoting the Cafe and Building Community
To get customers through the door, LaShay has been hosting small business popups where they collaborate with other local entrepreneurs. The cafe has also been partnering with Woke Soul Coffee, a mobile coffee bar that relies on regenerative agriculture. LaShay hopes to continue paying it forward and has already hosted successful collaborations with other businesses, including Slutty Vegan’s Pinky Cole.
Looking to the Future
Despite the challenges, Dia and LaShay still hope to expand, but they realize it will take some time. For now, they’re holding on to the wins, including a “Taste of Senegal” event that served as a birthday celebration for Dia. The event was a huge success, and LaShay counts it as one of the cafe’s biggest achievements.
Conclusion
Native Foods’ debut in Chicago Restaurant Week is a significant milestone for the vegan cafe, and its owners hope it will bring in a much-needed boost. With its unique menu offerings and community-focused approach, the cafe is well-positioned to make a lasting impression on the city’s culinary scene.
FAQs
* When is Native Foods’ Chicago Restaurant Week promotion?
The promotion runs from January 25 to February 9.
* What is the price of Native Foods’ lunch deal for Chicago Restaurant Week?
The lunch deal is $30 and includes vegan shrimp rolls and a Senegalese Trio Plate.
* How can I support Native Foods and other local businesses?
By attending events, trying new menu items, and spreading the word about the cafe’s unique offerings.
