Memphis Gets Its First Full-Service Black-Owned Vegan Restaurant

Celebrity chef Daudi “Da Vegan Guru” McLean is set to open Memphis’ first full-service Black-owned vegan restaurant, Guru’s City Vegan (GCV), in November. With over 30 years of experience in the vegan culinary world, Chef McLean has catered to exclusive clients and opened several vegan restaurants across the US. GCV will offer classic soul food favorites, a full lunch and breakfast menu, and a juice and smoothie bar at its brick-and-mortar location near the University of Memphis campus.

In preparation for the grand opening, Chef McLean will be hosting pop-ups across the city, with a sneak peek event at Grind City Brewery on October 23 featuring vegan soul food offerings like ribs, fried chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese, and more. With a successful track record and support from celebrities like Usher and Travis Barker, Guru’s City Vegan aims to bring delicious vegan cuisine to the Memphis community. Follow @gurucityvegan901 on Instagram for updates on the upcoming opening.