Tarik Ryant, aka Chef Reeky, is a food scientist passionate about Philly.
At his Point Breeze restaurant, Cheezy Vegan, Ryant focuses on plant-based foods, including his signature McReeky, made with American cheese, crispy tofu, and an English muffin.
Cheezy Regan brings Ryant back to his food roots. Action News 6abc reported that his specialties include a vegan Philly cheesesteak that he isn’t afraid to stack up against traditional cheesesteak competitors.
Ryant’s rise in Philly’s food community wasn’t planned. After a stint in a prison cooking apprenticeship program at SCI Somerset, Ryant went back to school. He earned degrees from Temple’s Fox School of Business and Walnut Hill College’s Restaurant School, according to 6abc.
Ryant later opened restaurants in Southwest Philadelphia and Delaware County.
In 2024, he was targeted during a random act of violence and was shot four times, according to 6abc. After recovering, Ryant made it his mission to do good for others. He founded Cloud Safe Kitchen, a youth mentorship program.
His mission with Cheezy Vegan is to bring clean eating to Philly through creations like the Veggie Jawn omelet, fresh juices, and vegan desserts.
Learn more about Cheezy Vegan on the restaurant’s website. Cheezy Vegan is at 1216 S. 17th St. in Philadelphia.
