Featured The Hustle

Just Veggiez opens downtown Madison location, earns SBA honor

James Bloodsaw, center, with his family — who also make up most of his workforce. Photo by Angelica Euseary.

James Bloodsaw started cooking when he was 17 years old, then pursued a career in food and worked his way up to being an executive chef. 

He opened Just Veggiez Vegan Catering in Madison in 2018 after his father passed away due to heart disease and high blood pressure. In an event Wednesday, Bloodsaw opened the Just Veggiez restaurant, which is also a family business and is located at 540 State Street. 

“Just Veggiez has been a loyal member of the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce,” Camille Carter, President and CEO of the Madison Black Chamber of Commerce, said. “We have watched him grow from an entrepreneur to a business owner. He has hustled his business for several years in catering and pop-up shops. He gained popularity through our Soul Food Sunday Marketplace, as well as selling vegan and plant-based, delicious soulful cuisine. We are excited to have him here on State Street as a Black-owned business.”

This year, Bloodsaw was awarded as the SBA Wisconsin Emerging Business of the Year. Eric Ness, district director for SBA Wisconsin, presented Bloodsaw with the award at the event Wednesday.  

Eric Ness, left, was on hand to present James Bloodsaw with an award from SBA. Photo by Angelica Euseary.

Bloodsaw also cooks meals for people who are homeless, including the individuals at the Men’s Homeless Shelter and the Beacon Family Shelter.

Just Veggiez will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 11:00 am-9:00 pm and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am-10:00 pm. They also offer catering and vending services. 

Bloodsaw expressed deep gratitude for being able to provide healthy food options for his community. 

“Serving my community with healthy meaningful choices has been a joy and a privilege,” he said. “I’m so grateful every single day that I get the chance to do that.”

He sent a special thank you to his family, friends, staff, and customers for the endless support over the years. 

Visit their website to learn more about the restaurant and the plethora of vegan food options.  

Art adorns the walls of Just Veggiez. Photo by Angelica Euseary.