MJ’s Café is officially reopening its doors next Wednesday, February 18, ushering in a new chapter while staying true to the values that made the café a beloved staple in the first place. Under new ownership, the space is being thoughtfully refreshed with one shared belief guiding the way: food brings people together.

New owner Stephen Hightower steps into this role with both deep respect for MJ’s history and a wealth of local hospitality experience. Known throughout Baton Rouge as a restaurateur and hospitality leader, Hightower previously served as vice president at City Group Hospitality, the restaurant group behind several well-known Baton Rouge eateries, before stepping into an executive role at the University Club. He is now additionally taking on MJ’s Café, bringing his leadership and vision directly into the day-to-day operations of the beloved café.

Rather than reinventing the wheel, Hightower is focused on building upon what already worked—enhancing the menu, expanding the reach of plant-forward dining, and making MJ’s Café a welcoming space for everyone.

“I want to honor the trailblazing of previous owners, Maureen Joyce & Mary-Brennan Faucheux, and only enhance the offerings making the menu veggie forward but approachable for all diners,” Hightower shared.

While MJ’s Café has long been known as a go-to for vegan and vegetarian fare, the reopening aims to gently broaden that community. The updated menu celebrates vegetables in creative, intentional ways while incorporating clean proteins as accents rather than centerpieces.

“Fresh fish and shrimp were components of the menu before I got here,” Hightower explained. “I ultimately believe that you can compose a restaurant that celebrates vegetables and a healthy lifestyle along with using proteins to only accentuate what was already taking place at MJ’s Café.”

But perhaps one of the most exciting goals for the team is winning over the self-proclaimed “I don’t like vegetables” crowd. You know the ones—the people who swear they’re allergic to anything green unless it’s covered in cheese. MJ’s Café is hoping to gently (and deliciously) challenge that mindset by showing just how exciting vegetables can be when treated with intention and creativity.

I was lucky enough to step into the kitchen this week and try a few items ahead of the reopening, and I’ll admit—I was taken by surprise. The variety of flavors, the contrast in textures, and the depth in each dish were impressive, and the most shocking part? It was all vegetables. No apologies, no compromises, just genuinely good food that happens to be veggie-forward.

At the heart of the new menu is a focus on sharing, exploration, and connection. Guests are encouraged to experience the new Tapas section, designed to bring people together around the table.

“We want everyone to explore our new Tapas section and curate the spirit of sharing some incredible cuisine,” Hightower said.

The philosophy behind each dish is simple but intentional. “My goal is to create a great restaurant that celebrates fresh ingredients that have an intentional place in each one of our dishes.”

And while longtime vegans and vegetarians will feel right at home, the refreshed approach is also meant to welcome newcomers—those who may not usually gravitate toward plant-forward dining.

“Vegans and vegetarians definitely will enjoy our new menu selections, but by adding a few more composed dishes that include clean proteins, I hope all will want to come dine here,” Hightower added. “We want to capture the spirit of a true café with outstanding coffee, pastries, and a venue you can hang out in all day.”

At its core, MJ’s Café is reopening with the same warmth and purpose it’s always had—just with a renewed invitation. Vegan doesn’t mean boring, vegetables don’t have to be scary, and you never know when someone might fall in love with them.

MJ’s Café officially reopens Wednesday, February 18.