Before he was a vegan entrepreneur and chef, Ralph Johnson was a popular Memphis radio personality, known by most as RJ Groove.
Two years ago, Johnson went full vegan and left meat and dairy behind for all plant-based diet.
Johnson’s journey from an average vegan foodie to restaurant entrepreneur started with social media. While living in Atlanta right before the pandemic began, Johnson cooked in his apartment and posted pictures of his meals to his social media accounts.
“Everyone just went crazy,” Johnson said. “They were like ‘I want to taste that picture’ you know? That was some of the messages I was getting. So, here we are.”
Inspired by the positive reactions to the photos of his food, Johnson came back to his hometown of Memphis and opened Plant Based Heat on June 19. Located at 669 S. Highland St. next to Crumpy’s Hot Wings, Plant Based Heat serves 100 percent plant-based, vegan-style comfort food. Dishes like oyster mushroom burgers, vegan hot wings, and smoked BBQ jackfruit are just some of the things that diners will find on Johnson’s menu.
“Some people have this idea that vegans only eat salads,” Johnson said. “It’s ignorance. And ignorance is a good word because it just means you don’t know. We have burgers, wings, smoked sausage, corndogs. You know, the entire comfort food lineup. Salads are old news.”
Johnson described Plant Based Heat as a “transitional” vegan restaurant. He said he is honored if someone becomes vegan because of his restaurant but that he isn’t intentionally trying to turn anyone vegan.
And with Vegan Guru, another new vegan restaurant on the strip opening just down the street, Johnson said he isn’t intimidated, but rather excited.
“I don’t think of it as competition, you know,” he said. “I like to stay in my lane. I’m good at that. You got a McDonald’s, a Wendy’s, three burger places on this street, chicken places, why not a couple vegan restaurants?”
Owner of Plant Based Heat, RJ Groove sports his restaurant’s merchandise while prepping for the day. “Plant Based Heat is my heart and soul,” he said.
The menu at Plant Based Heat includes items such as the “Fye Junt”, a beyond-meat patty topped with vegan pepper-jack cheese, barbecue sauce, spinach, tomato, caramelized onions, jalapenos, vegan spicy mayo and Plant Based Heat's special sauce.
Johnson said the ‘Vings’ are Plant Based Heat's best-seller. These vegan flats and drummies are served with a side of either vegan ranch or vegan blue cheese and are available in eight different flavors.
