Pepsi Dig In launches its first-ever culinary residency program at Luxor and Mandalay Bay

Pepsi Dig In was created by PepsiCo to support Black-owned restaurants and the people behind them. Now the brand is launching its first-ever culinary residency program to bring exclusive signature dishes from Black-owned dining places across the United States to MGM Resort's Mandalay Bay and Las Vegas’ Luxor Resort.

Pepsi Dig In will start the residency program by featuring the first chef - JJ Johnson, of New York City’s FIELDTRIP fast-casual restaurant. The residency will bring Black chefs and restaurateurs to the Las Vegas Strip through the said hotels.

It was reported that the scheme was introduced to elevate Black chefs and restaurateurs. Moreover, in partnership with MGM Resorts International, this PepsiCo’s initiative aims to make the country become aware of the next generation of chefs from the Black community.

Pepsi Dig In was described as a purpose-driven platform that was developed with the intention of driving access and business acceleration for Black-owned diners as well. PepsiCo chose Las Vegas for the chef residency since it is the largest culinary destination in the country.

As per Las Vegas Review-Journal, Pepsi Dig In chose five restaurants to bring their signature dishes to Mandalay Bay’s Libertine Social and Luxor’s Public House. The limited-edition menus are set to be served in the said restaurants for four weeks.

The chef residency officially started last weekend and offered food prepared by Chef JJ Johnson, an award-winning culinary artist. He will introduce his exclusive braised oxtails with jollof rice to customers in the said diners at the Las Vegas Strip.

"It is an honor to usher in Pepsi Dig In's Restaurant Royalty Residency and continue to support a platform that's dedicated to increasing the visibility of the Black culinary community," Chef JJ said in a press release. "Black restaurateurs and chefs often don't have access to opportunities to help grow their businesses and move the needle forward. That's why I'm passionate about supporting Pepsi Dig In and programs like this MGM residency."

PepsiCo’s global food service’s chief marketing officer, Scott Finlow, added, "Bringing in partners, like the world-renowned MGM Resorts, is how we leverage our platform to amplify these fan-favorite establishments. Las Vegas is a city for revelers and foodies alike and serves as the perfect stage to spotlight talented Black restaurateurs and chefs, highlight their food, and grow their audiences."