Planet Health Compton, the city’s first Black-owned vegan restaurant, is facing permanent closure. The restaurant, which opened in 2022, was founded by Roland Jackson, who tragically passed away in a car crash in 2023. Following his death, his close friend, Ronald K. Jones II, stepped in as co-owner, but despite their efforts, the restaurant is now at risk of shutting its doors.
A Sudden Loss and Financial Struggles
Planet Health Compton officially opened in 2022, offering healthy plant-based meals in a community that lacked such options. After Jackson’s passing, Jones took over the restaurant’s operations, hoping to continue its mission. However, the restaurant has been closed since December 2024 due to a combination of financial and legal challenges.
“The building went into probate after Roland’s passing,” said Jones. Following probate court, the building was sold to new owners. Jones had hoped to reopen in February 2025, but a rent increase of $3,000 from the temporary owners made it financially unfeasible to continue.
Jones shared, “It came down to either buying the building back and doing things the right way, or struggling and running in place.”
The Community Impact
Planet Health Compton was more than just a restaurant—it was a vital community space. Jones described it as a “one-stop shop,” offering plant-based meals, smoothies, and juices in a food desert. The restaurant also hosted events like poetry nights, karaoke, and game nights, providing a safe and engaging space for local residents.
“We were giving back to the community, especially the kids,” Jones said. “We partnered with nonprofits, and each brand had a nonprofit attached to it.”
Additionally, the restaurant formed a key partnership with Dr. Sebi’s family, continuing his legacy of healing through natural herbs and minerals.
A Fight to Keep the Vision Alive
Although Jones signed a new lease with the building’s owners, the steep rent increase made it impossible to sustain the restaurant’s vision. In response, Jones has launched a GoFundMe campaign, hoping the community will rally together to save Planet Health Compton.
“Even $300,000 would be a down payment on a space like this,” Jones said. “If we all came together, we could make it happen.”
In the meantime, Jones and his team are fulfilling DoorDash and catering orders to keep the business alive.
“We’ll keep doing the good work in the community, with or without the building,” he said.
Planet Health Compton’s future hangs in the balance, and its closure would mark the loss of a vital resource for the community.
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