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Chicago, IL

Transforming a vacant South Chicago corner into a multi-restaurant vegan village and community hub.

• Community revitalization: Turning a neglected corner into a vibrant vegan village.
• Mentorship and incubation: Creating opportunities for new vegan chefs to launch businesses.
• Award-winning brand: Recognized consistently as one of Chicago’s top vegan restaurants.
• Sustainability focus: Deep commitment to locally sourced ingredients and eco-conscious practices.
• Long-term vision: Plans for vertical development and expanded wellness programming in the future.

Majani is expanding its mission-driven vegan dining concept with the development of a new location called the vegan village in South Chicago. This next phase will transform a once-vacant street corner into a vibrant community space featuring up to four independently operated vegan eateries, outdoor gathering areas, and essential infrastructure such as parking. Led by chefs Tsadakeeyah and Nasya Emmanuel, Majani has spent years building its brand around soulful vegan cuisine, sustainability, and community engagement. The new location represents an evolution of that vision, with a focus on incubating new culinary talent and creating greater access to healthy, plant-based food.

The funds raised will support the purchase of the property at 3110 E 79th Street and cover key pre-construction expenses such as architectural plans, permits, and demolition. Majani’s expansion will not only increase the company’s capacity but also foster local entrepreneurship by mentoring and supporting new vegan chefs through co-located dining concepts within the vegan village. With a strong track record of recognition from local media, a loyal following, and a clear commitment to health, community, and environmental stewardship, Majani is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, walkable, and sustainable neighborhood built around wellness and culinary innovation.

Company Info

Majani is expanding its plant-based restaurant into a larger Vegan Village to serve and empower the South Chicago community.

Majani is a plant-based restaurant and catering company based in Chicago that serves soulful vegan and vegetarian cuisine made with locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. With over three decades of culinary experience, the founders opened their first location in 2017 and have become a staple in the South Shore community, offering a welcoming space and a menu rooted in health, flavor, and cultural heritage. Majani is committed to providing access to nutritious, plant-based meals in an area historically underserved by healthy dining options.

The business is now expanding into a second location, a larger development called the Vegan Village, which will include up to four plant-based restaurants, outdoor gathering space, and opportunities for mentorship and incubation of new vegan culinary talent. The expansion at 3110 E 79th Street aims to serve as a vibrant, walkable hub for wellness and community engagement. Funds will be used primarily for the downpayment on the property, as well as demolition, permitting, and environmental reports necessary to prepare the site for development. Majani’s future includes transforming its original location into a studio and pop-up venue, further strengthening its mission to grow the plant-based movement and empower emerging chefs.