Soul food roots.
Plant-based future.

“Before I ever imagined Beyond Vegan Cell Food, I knew soul food from the heart of North Carolina.”

I grew up on a North Carolina hog farm, surrounded by the rhythms of family, fields and food. Our kitchen was a place of resourcefulness and love: cast-iron skillets, food preserved for later, garden harvests, and recipes passed down through generations. I remember my grandmother Tootsie and the meals that brought everyone to the table.

As I grew older, I traveled internationally, studied human services and earned my doctorate in 2008. I saw how far the cultural influence of African American food had traveled, and I began asking a different question: How could we preserve the flavors and memories of soul food while exploring plant-based ingredients and nutrition?

That's how Beyond Vegan Cell Food took shape. To me, “Cell Food” is about paying attention to what we put into our bodies. It is about education, creativity, and making delicious food with purpose. I respect the animal-welfare movement, but my personal mission also includes the health of people and the environment.

“Before we can fight for animal rights, we have to be well enough for that fight.”

— Dr. Carlenia “Jackie” Jackson, PhD · Founder & The Kitchen Doctor

Beyond Vegan Cell Food carries the legacy of a man whose belief in this vision helped transform it from an idea into a living, welcoming place.

John Morgan Burton, Dr. Jackie's late husband, was an essential partner in the restaurant's earliest years. He helped finance the startup and poured his time and skills into renovating the space and preparing the business to open. He created the original alligator logo, designed the first website and menu, hired staff, and helped run the front of house during the restaurant's first months.

His contributions made it possible for Dr. Jackie to focus on researching ingredients, refining recipes and shaping the restaurant's philosophy. He did not simply support the dream from the sidelines; he helped build its foundation, often doing the work that guests would never see.

John passed away in 2021, but his work remains part of Beyond Vegan Cell Food's identity. Every time his logo greets a customer, it is a reminder of his creativity, dedication and love.

We honor John with gratitude—not only for what he built, but for the faith he placed in what Beyond Vegan Cell Food could become.