Photo courtesy of The Black Detour

Moon Meals is based out of Chicago and is owned by Laforce Baker. Laforce wanted to introduce healthy meals “under the moon” for Chicago professionals to enjoy as a late-night snack. He founded the company in 2012 as a small delivery service.

Their signature Fiesta Wrap™ is a healthy vegan wrap that contains no meat or dairy but is still “meaty and cheesy”. They also offer soups, burgers, Mac & cheese, salads and more. Moon Meals can be found in Chicago Jewel-Osco grocery stores.

Co-owners Kathleen McQueen and Michele Tompkins have partnered together with Urban Foodie Feed Store located in College Park, GA. This eclectic restaurant is located on Main Street and is usually packed in the evenings and weekends. Their specialty is "re-imagining Southern Cuisine".

These restauranteurs describe the atmosphere as Fibe, which is a combination of Food and Vibe. They feel that both the cuisine and atmosphere are vital to customers having an excellent experience at their restaurant. Stop on by the Urban Foodie Feed Store the next time those hunger pains strike.

The Beautiful Restaurant is based out of Atlanta, GA and was founded by Pastor Ronald Williams. Since 1979 The Beautiful Restaurant has applied biblical principles with regards to giving love, concern for the customers as well as preparation of the food. They are open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner options.

This restaurant is well-known for soul food favorites including fried chicken, mac-n-cheese and cornbread. 

Thompson Hospitality, located in Reston, VA, was founded by Fred Thompson, Sr. It is the largest minority-owned food service company in the country. Thompson Hospitality provides dining services for corporations and universities in 46 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, the UK, Germany, France and Italy. 

The company is headed up by siblings Warren, Fred Jr. and Benita. Their mantra is "it isn't simply what you do in life that matters, it's who you are".

PB&Jams is based out of Philadelphia, PA and was founded by Megan Gibson. PB&Jams was derived from Megan's passion of both great food and great music. She is a former DJ who now provides free, healthy meals to the homeless and nutrition education to urban families.

Their peanut butters can be purchased online, from their food cart, or at select retailers throughout Philly and Delaware. Check out the website for more information on Megan Gibson of PB&Jams. 

Phillip Ashley Chocolates is based out of Memphis, TN and carries the name of its owner. If you're looking for the everyday chocolate to satisfy your taste buds, this ain't the place! Phillip Ashley is a Designer Chocolatier who sources his ingredients from local vendors. He then consults with his clients to create a flavor that is specific to them. 

Some of those ingredients include spirits that are infused in the chocolates, orange marmalade, honey, sweet potato and french blue cheese! Corporate clients include Nike, Westin, the National Civil Rights Museum and FedEx - just to name a few. Look for them at your local Neiman Marcus.

Located on Washington Road in East Point, GA, Sammy Cheezecake has been a staple in the community for many years. I first met the owner Sammy during a Symposium where he shared his story. From humble beginnings of selling cheesecakes out of his truck in the hot Georgia heat, Sammy went on to open his own store several years later.

When you stop by to get some of his awesome desserts, take a look on the wall and you'll notice a picture of Sammy with Chick-Fil-A Founder S. Truett Cathy! If he has the time, ask him to share the awesome store of how Mr. Cathy became a personal mentor.