ELife Restaurant (Everlasting Life Vegan Restaurant) — Restaurant in Maryland

It's no longer black owned. The new owner is Hispanic, I believe. Keep in mind that this is relevant because ELife when it was Everlasting Life was originally supposed to be a plant based black American soul food restaurant. There has been a drastic change in food quality and overall service. I remember the original owner who was very community oriented and very focused on promoting some of the knowledge of black nutritionalists like Dr. Sebi---- all of that is GONE. They used to offer so many non soy options as a result and just a wider variety of culturally centered very healthy options. You could tell that there was a mission behind the food----a desire to feed a community in a healthy way and educate the community about healthy eating as well. People would gather there for events or just to interact in a safe space. They would hold weekly small markets of local small business owners in the black community. There were classes and informational seminars all focused on healthy living and food.

It was an amazing atmosphere. It's sad to see the changes because my family had been regularly (at least weekly) buying food from Everlasting Life since the mid 2000s (2008). I myself used to go there almost daily when I was hard core vegan and considered Everlasting Life to be one of the tools that ensured that my health was on point. I cannot suggest such frequent visits now. I don't think it's that healthy. It's plant based junk food more so these days. The love is not there. It's now just another place in the DMV that sells food with the gimmick being that the food is plant based.

That being said, the food itself is not good and obviously not made by those who grew up eating black American soul food. Watery mac and cheese, sad overcooked drummies, amd lackluster HARD (undercooked) greens. It's tragic.

I will also say this--- unfortunately, since the pandemic, I have noticed "others" coming into our communities and purchasing formerly black owned spaces and then still billing themselves as "black owned" or keeping on 1-2 figureheads who have no real influence upon the daily operations of the business just to continue to say "black owned". Many times this happens when the original owners want to retire but there is no one to take on the business----- this is something to consider for those of us who are entrepreneurially minded. You don't always have to create a business from scratch, sometimes you can look in your own backyard and find business owners ready to sell. As for Everlasting life, it's sad to see what has become of what was once a cultural icon in the...

I originally started coming to this restaurant about 2 years ago. In the last few months the service and food quality has demolished drastically. I’m actual very disappointed because it’s one of the few healthy restaurants in the Capital Heights area. My last 2 encounter put the nail in the coffin. Late last year I saw a change in the food quality. The vegetables on display looked and tasted old and over cook. On top of the fact there is way to much SOY AND VEGETABLE OIL in nearly everything.

Two months ago I attempted to order a large catering pan of large vegan wings. I went into location. A very rude old gentlemen who refused to give me his name that was suppose to be the manager said” ma’am we are too busy right now to deal with that. You can place the order online and someone will reach out.” I was in shock! I’m here in store trying to give you my money to prep food and was told you were too busy?!? I have never encountered that in my life.

Last night September 6th at 7:35pm I attempted to get a small regular Mac. There were 2 works visible. I was greeted by a young female that stated “ And what can I get you? “. Is that how you greet customers?!?

I asked for a small Mac , she said “ um we out , but we have some in the oven. It would be 5 mins. “. Given my previous encounter with the manager I didn’t expect much customer service. I waited 15 minutes. The young male with locs there went to retrieve the pan. When he placed the pan of Mac down the 16 inch pan which myself and all the other customers waiting expected to be full and fresh was not even 1/4 full. It look like old leftovers warmed up. He proceed to filled other customers orders that was waiting for the same item. They were there before me, i respected that. Then it was gone! I asked “ is there more coming” he then stated” ma’am that’s all we have for the night, we open tomorrow at 8:30am I’ll be here and I’ll make sure you get your Mac .” I was furious After waiting 20 mins when I was quoted 5 mins for a nearly empty old try of Mac to come out I need to return tomorrow morning?!?

Absolutely NOT! I WILL NOT COME BACK EVER AGAIN. I have given this restaurant more than a fair chance to redeem previous bad experience because I understand things happen and so forth. But the continuing decline is good and service is not acceptable...

In town for doctor visits for my son who also has a severe allergy to meat ( Alpha Gal Syndrome).

And he has not been able to go out to eat since 2019. He has attempted maybe twice to eat at Vegan places who are clearly not into enjoying food. Which turned him off Vegan restaurants entirely. My teens grew up eating my loving food and have high standards (wink) and nothing has ever come close until we ate here. I honor the hands who built these delicious dishes.

The staff were warm and welcoming and so patient with us as this was a huge deal and we were overwhelmed with Vegan FOOD - that looked like food mama made!

He saw his soul food faves of REAL HOMEMADE Mac n cheese and collard greens (his FAVES) and for the very FIRST time since facing anaphylaxis and debilitating Mastocytosis decided he would be brave and try it.

It being a dedicated fully vegan restaurant helped his anxieties (he is anaphylactic to cross contamination). So to say that this was a life changing experience is putting it lightly. Even his body building mammal eating brother LOVED the food!

BOTH my teenagers just RAVED about the amazing and spiritual experience it was to enjoy this soul nourishment. Like y’all- for HOURS.

I thought they were tearing up a little at one point.

As a mother I’ll not be able to relay to you, reader, that this was a transformative meal.

We brought desserts and extra dishes back to where we are staying and they enjoyed everything so much again that I bet I heard the compliments twenty times and they asked to go back the next day! “Can we PLEASE go back- we want to try each location!” You can taste the Love!

This food has healed more than I can explain on many levels for us all. What more could you ask of a SOUL FOOD experience.

Many blessings to this establishment for a prosperous and blessed future. Keep doing the GOOD WORK stay the path- so many of us need...