Today we’d like to introduce you to Ralph “RJ Groove” Johnson.
Hi Ralph “RJ Groove”, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Plant Based Heat LLC is a 100% Vegan Comfort Food restaurant chain, established during the pandemic in early 2020 in Atlanta, Ga. Its first “brick and mortar” location launched June 19, 2021(Juneteenth) in a historic black neighborhood in Memphis, Tn. called, Orange Mound, less than a mile from the University of Memphis.
Our goal is to expand the Plant Based Heat Vegan Comfort Food brand in cities across country and eventually around the world.
Our Mission: To bring healthier fast food options into our communities.
During the initial stay at home mandate because of COVID 19, I had plenty of time. So I found myself doing 3 things that I enjoyed….DJing Live on Social Media(My love for music and how it could universally heal your mood.), doing virtual workouts and Cooking! I COOKED A LOT!!! My studio apartment was directly across the street from a Publix grocery store in Sandy Springs, Ga, so I had easy access to get what I needed for each recipe.
I’ve always enjoyed the idea of eating vegetables to be a healthier version of myself. The only Vegan I knew growing up was POPEYE the Sailor Man, LOL!. “I’m Strong to the finish, cause I eats me Spinach” – That was his tag line on the cartoon.
I played sports in high school, I’m a Military Veteran (US Army), I also worked in the fitness industry for a few years. If we pay attention, we can look back at our journey, then look at where we are today and understand some of the things we experienced. Good or bad.
I’ve always been an entrepreneur from since I can remember. I don’t believe I was even 10 years old and I was cutting the neighbors grass and sweeping corner grocery lots for extra cash.
Fast forward to when I finished my time in the Army, I was still undecided as to what I wanted to do in life, until I began hanging out at local restaurants for Happy Hour after work events. I befriended a popular DJ at the time(Tony B), I ended up helping him set up for his weekly gigs, all while learning more about the craft. After a few months, RJ Groove was born and the rest is History! From a night club and restaurant owner, to 30 year career in radio.
Here we are today reaping from the journey in which I’m grateful to God for!!!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Things don’t always go according to plan. Sometimes that’s for our benefit.. It’s not a great feeling going through things, but looking back, some of my struggles have shaped me to be the man that I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of Plant Based Heat, LLC.. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Plant Based Heat LLC is a 100% Vegan Comfort Food restaurant chain, Our most notable item is our Vegan Hot Wings!
PBH was established during the pandemic in early 2020 in Atlanta, Ga. Its first “brick and mortar” location launched June 19, 2021(Juneteenth) in a historic black neighborhood in Memphis, Tn. called, Orange Mound, less than a mile from the University of Memphis.
Our Mission is to bring healthier fast food options to our communities.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
To me, risk taking is what an entrepreneur does.
Although you have an idea or a vision for a thing to work. You’ve done your research, you’ve crossed your T’s and dotted your i’s. You can literally see it happening. You still have to step out, take the risk and do it!
You can’t be afraid to fail. You don’t plan to fail, but you shouldn’t allow fear of taking risks keep you from walking out your life’s purpose. In many cases, it’s not for you, it’s to help other people, i.e. Plant Based Heat serving healthier fast food options in my communities., GO FOR IT!!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://plantbasedheat.com/
- Instagram: @PlantBasedHeat
- Facebook: Facebook.com/PlantBasedHeat
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