Rapper 2 Chainz and his business partner, Mychel “Snoop” Dillard, are bringing their Atlanta-based restaurant, Esco Restaurant and Tapas, to the West Coast as part of a culinary initiative highlighting the country’s most popular Black-owned establishments.
The pair’s eatery was among six Black-owned restaurants chosen for the Restaurant Royalty Residency program in Las Vegas, beginning on Sept. 30.
Their latest business venture is in partnership with Pepsi Dig In, which is the brand’s platform that aims “to drive access, business growth, and awareness to Black-owned restaurants.”
The program was launched after a group of foodies nominated their favorite Black-owned restaurant as Restaurant Royalty. The winning chef and restaurateur will have a reserved spot at the MGM Resorts International residency, dubbed one of the hottest culinary destinations.
After the votes were in, fans selected the following as the eateries with the best food: Cranky Granny’s Sweet Rolls (Pflugerville, Texas); Taylor’s Tacos (Chicago); Blk Swan (Baltimore); LoLo’s on the Water (New York); and Bridgetown Roti (Los Angeles). 2 Chainz’ Esco Restaurant and Tapas (Atlanta) will kick off this year’s residency program.
The “It’s a Vibe” artist said the program allows Black restaurateurs to gain exposure by making their food available for tourists in Las Vegas.
“No matter your background, building and running a restaurant is a constant grind, but that’s what makes the rewards, like this residency, worth it,” 2 Chainz said in a statement. “Opportunities for this kind of exposure in Vegas can be life changing for businesses. It’s great to see brands like Pepsi Dig In and MGM put the power of their platforms behind these talented Black entrepreneurs, and it’s a privilege to be among them.”
The six restaurants will offer one limited-edition menu item that will be available for about three or four weeks at Libertine Social at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and Public House at Luxor Hotel and Casino.
The residency will also feature two new cocktails: one featuring STARRY®, inspired by 2 Chainz, and another with Pepsi® Zero Sugar.
“MGM Resorts continues to deepen our commitment to social impact by focusing on the intersection of culinary excellence and diverse representation,” Tony Gladney, MGM Resorts International vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion, said in a news release. “Together with Pepsi, we’re proving that delicious food can drive meaningful change, and we look forward to another year of extraordinary culinary experiences that celebrate diversity and spark meaningful conversations.”
