Uptown Meridian is expanding its offerings for both food and clothing as the mall announced the openings of two new businesses.

Vegan Beats, a locally owned vegan restaurant, is set to open in Uptown Meridian’s Oasis Food Court. The restaurant features a completely plant-based menu with options such as loaded nachos, burgers and vegan desserts. The new eatery is owned by Melvin and Lashell Kelly.

“I’m thrilled about this local, family-owned business. This is the food option that many people who are becoming more health-conscious will appreciate,” said Brittany Horner, specialty leasing and marketing manager for Uptown Meridian in a news release. “Melvin and Lashell have tapped into a market and industry of food that many have wanted to journey to, yet they were unsure if the lifestyle of only consuming plant-based foods is truly for them. What they have to offer may sway individuals into the vegan community.”

Vegan Beats will be open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Shoppers will also have a new place to buy their greek and Historic Black Colleges and Universities clothing and paraphernalia as Uptown Meridian also welcomes World of Greekdom.

The store, which was started in 2009, specializes in licensed apparel and paraphernalia relating to Greek, Masonic and HBCU organizations. Products include hats, jackets, socks, jerseys and more.

Horner said Uptown Meridian is glad to welcome World of Greekdom owners Robert Tate and Lydell Haynes as they expand their business. The store will also meet a demand for licensed apparel that can be difficult to find locally.

“I am overjoyed that Mr. Tate and Mr. Haynes have chosen to expand their business to Uptown Meridian Mall. The apparel options they provide, which have been hard to find locally since the late ‘90s, are a welcome addition,” she said in a news release. “Members of the Divine 9 fraternities, sororities, and proud HBCU alumni now have a local option for purchasing all their Greek and HBCU paraphernalia, without the need to shop online or travel to other cities.”

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.