Pepsi Dig In Day And Bogo Deals Accessing Free Meals At Black-Owned Restaurants

Pepsi has organized promotional events offering free and discounted meals at Black-owned restaurants across the United States. These initiatives, part of the brand's "Pepsi Dig In" platform, are designed to drive traffic to these establishments and provide financial support. The offers described below are based on specific past events and associated loyalty programs.

Pepsi Dig In Day and Sweepstakes

On August 19, 2023, Pepsi hosted "Pepsi Dig In Day," during which the company provided $100,000 worth of complimentary meals at 25 Black-owned restaurants in cities including Los Angeles, Nashville, Chicago, Houston, and Philadelphia. The free meals included entrees and side dishes. Consumers could find a list of participating restaurants and more information at PepsiDigIn.com/DigInDay.

In conjunction with National Black Business Month in August 2023, Pepsi also launched a social media sweepstakes. Participants could enter by posting a photo of a meal from a Black-owned restaurant on social media and tagging the restaurant and Pepsi Dig In. One winner received $5,000, and an additional $5,000 was donated to the tagged restaurant. The sweepstakes ran from August 1 to August 31.

Beyond these meal offers, Pepsi Dig In aims to support Black-owned restaurants through other events. For example, the initiative spotlighted four Black chefs—John Cleveland, Shenarri Freeman, Ricky Moore, and Maya-Camille Broussard—who participated in week-long residencies at the James Beard Foundation's Platform in New York City. Additionally, a block party was held at Sandlot Anacostia in Washington, D.C., featuring local Black-owned restaurants such as Roaming Rooster, Jerk@Nite, and Money Muscle BBQ, along with musical performances.

BOGO Meal Offers

Pepsi also sponsored a "Buy One, Get One" (BOGO) meal offer at Black-owned restaurants on August 24, 2024. This event involved 31 restaurants across 15 cities nationwide. Under the terms of the promotion, diners could purchase a meal and receive a second meal for free, which included a complimentary Pepsi. Pepsi spent $100,000 to fund these meals. The company's stated goal was to encourage consumers to dine at Black-owned restaurants year-round. A list of participating locations was available through the EatOkra app and website, which serves as a database for Black-owned restaurants.

Restaurant Loyalty Programs Offering Free Food

While specific free food events are often time-limited, several national restaurant chains offer free food through loyalty programs and rewards systems. Consumers can join these programs to earn points toward complimentary menu items.

• Acapulco: Members of the Acapulco eClub earn 10 points (or "chips") for every $1 spent, with a limit of three transactions per day. Points can be redeemed for menu items: 500 points for free queso, 1,000 points for a free dessert, and 2,000 points for a free entree. Members also receive a free entree on their birthday. This program also applies to El Torito and Chevys Fresh Mex.
• Auntie Anne’s: The Pretzel Perks app allows users to earn 10 points for every $1 spent. Upon reaching 250 points, members can redeem them for a free pretzel. Additional free pretzels are awarded after the first $1 spent and on birthdays (with a $10 annual spend requirement).
• Beef O’Brady’s: The Beef’s Rewards program offers $10 off an order for every 200 points earned, with 1 point awarded per $1 spent.
• Black Angus Steakhouse: The Prime Club earns members 5 points per $1 spent on restaurant purchases, takeout, merchandise, gift cards, and market items.

Community Context of Black-Owned Restaurants

Black-owned restaurants often serve as vital community spaces. They provide environments where patrons can socialize and feel a sense of belonging without the pressure of code-switching. These establishments have historically played a role in activism, offering safe spaces for strategy and discussion. For instance, Dooky Chase’s in New Orleans was a meeting place for civil rights leaders.

In the current political climate, these restaurants continue to act as cultural anchors. Aunts et Uncles, a Black-owned business in Philadelphia, is described as a space designed to feel like home for Black folks of all identities. It collaborates with other community-focused businesses, such as Down North Pizza. During periods of social unrest, such as the protests following the 2024 election, various restaurants and bars in Washington, D.C., provided free meals, supplies, and charging stations to demonstrators. Similarly, Yardy in New York launched a free meal program for local Black families to address food insecurity.

Conclusion

Pepsi's Dig In Day and BOGO offers provide tangible financial benefits to consumers and exposure for Black-owned restaurants. These specific events were time-sensitive, occurring in August 2023 and 2024. For ongoing access to free food, consumers may utilize loyalty programs offered by national chains like Acapulco, Auntie Anne’s, Beef O’Brady’s, and Black Angus Steakhouse. The broader significance of these restaurants extends beyond commerce, serving as essential cultural and community hubs.

Sources

1. Pepsi Celebrates Black-Owned Restaurants Across The US With Free Food
2. Free meals at selected Black-owned restaurants nationwide
3. Black restaurants strive for community amid politics
4. RestaurantsAreHere supports social justice and the Black community
5. Free food at restaurants