PETERSBURG, Va. (WWBT) – Several black-owned Virginia restaurants are celebrating Black History Month by joining forces to offer pay-what-you-can menus all week long.
“There are a lot of people that are not making it as well as they’d like to and this is a way for us to pay it forward and it’s a way for us to be that lift,” said Vonettia Calloway, co-owner of NuVegan Cafe Petersburg.
Philly Vegan owner Samuel Veney has organized pay-what-you-can week with other black-owned restaurants in Richmond for years as a way to help people in need during Black History Month.
However, this year marks the first time restaurants outside city limits have joined the effort, with some participating locations as far as Virginia Beach and Norfolk.
“They care so much about their communities and about continuing the legacies of our ancestors, so it’s been beautiful to know that there are people that care about the people that support them, just as much as we do,” Veney said.
The following restaurants are participating. However, days and hours of when the deal is offered may vary restaurant to restaurant, so make sure to call or check their website before ordering.
Richmond area:
Croaker’s Spot, 1020 Hull St, RichmondNatroganix, 105 E Broad St, RichmondUrban Hang Suite, 304 E Broad St, RichmondInner City Blues, 3015 Nine Mile Rd, RichmondMama J’s Kitchen, 415 N 1st St, RichmondPhilly Vegan, 1126 Hull St, Richmond
Surrounding areas:
Charles Kitchen, 10835 W Broad St, Glen AllenThe Original Ronnie’s BBQ, 2097 New Market Rd, HenricoLebox Cafe, 300 Arboretum Pl # 150, North ChesterfieldNuVegan Cafe Petersburg, 950 S Sycamore St, PetersburgDesmonds Island Soul Grill, 977 Reon Dr Ste 102, Virginia BeachJikoni Cafe, 633 W 35th St, Norfolk
Customers can visit participating restaurants during designated days and hours, select an item from the pay-what-you-can menu. Restaurant owners say there is no shame if customers cannot pay anything at all.
“Just like a paying guest, you’re still our guest and we’re going to make you feel loved, cared for and seen,” Calloway said.
“If you need it, come in, take advantage of that and we’re going to be here to serve you in a positive way,” Veney said.
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