PETA Compassionate Kid Award Winner Becomes UK’s Youngest Restaurateur
Last year, then 10-year-old Omari McQueen won PETA’s prestigious Compassionate Kid Award for showing entrepreneurial flair in launching a vegan dipping sauce company. Ten months later, the now 11-year-old has opened his first vegan pop-up restaurant.
Omari secured himself a week-long spot rent-free at Boxpark Croydon after contacting the CEO and wowing him with his delicious vegan Caribbean food. As if Omari weren’t already impressive enough, the pop-up makes him the UK’s youngest-ever restaurateur.
Omari decided to go vegan at the age of 8 after doing research for his YouTube channel. According to his mother, Leah McQueen, he wanted to make delicious food that everyone could enjoy, and after learning about the way animals are treated in the meat, egg, and dairy industries, he decided that “he would never let an animal hurt for him”.
His mum told the Metro,
“He is so humble. He is such a humble child. He believes in helping others. He says, ‘I’m going to change the world, just watch me.'”
Omari ventured into compassionate cuisine by creating vegan dips to put on his pizza, the first of which was dubbed the Caribbean Kick. It was so delicious that, thankfully for us, he decided to sell it. That was the start of his company, Dipalicious.
Today, Dipalicious sells vegan dips, juice packs, snacks, and seasonings – and if this pop-up restaurant is any indication, this is just the beginning for Omari.
Why Vegan
The meat, fishing, egg, and dairy industries are a nightmare for animals, who are treated like a collection of body parts rather than sentient individuals who have the ability to feel pain, fear, and joy, just as we do. Learn more about animal agriculture by clicking the button below:
Inspired by Omari?
Being kind to animals is simple. To help you make the transition to a compassionate lifestyle, our free vegan starter kit has tips and information on going vegan – for animals, the environment, and your health. Order a free copy today!
