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It’s no longer about vegans: 8 up-and-coming plant-based restaurant concepts

The meat-free niche keeps growing as trend evolves

Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor

July 10, 2019

9 Slides
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Adrian Mueller

Only a decade ago, vegetarian and vegan restaurants were unique dining categories that catered toward a specific — and somewhat limited — clientele. Today’s consumer, however, is trying to eat less meat, though they might not consider themselves vegan or vegetarian.

To meet that demand, plant-based proteins have evolved. With the rise of meatless burgers from Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat, restaurant sales of meat-alternative products jumped 268% from 2018 to 2019, according to data from group purchasing organization the Dining Alliance. Now, plant-based restaurants have expanded their formerly narrow customer reach to include omnivorous eaters who are vegan curious.

And the plant-based space is growing ever more crowded. Here are eight new and expanding plant-based restaurants to watch, from meat-free burger joints to a vegan food hall.

Contact Joanna Fantozzi at [email protected]

Follow her on Twitter: @JoannaFantozzi

About the Author

Joanna Fantozzi

Senior Editor

Joanna Fantozzi is a Senior Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She has more than seven years of experience writing about the restaurant and hospitality industry. Her editorial coverage ranges from profiles of independent restaurants around the country to breaking news and insights into some of the biggest brands in food and beverage, including Starbucks, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.  

Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and creative writing from The College of New Jersey and a master’s degree in arts and culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Prior to joining Informa’s Restaurants and Food Group in 2018, she was a freelance food, culture, and lifestyle writer, and has previously held editorial positions at Insider (formerly known as Business Insider) and The Daily Meal. Joanna’s work can also be found in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, The New York Daily News, and Parents Magazine. 

Her areas of expertise include restaurant industry news, restaurant operator solutions and innovations, and political/cultural issues.

Joanna Fantozzi has been a moderator and event facilitator at both Informa’s MUFSO and Restaurants Rise industry events. 

Joanna Fantozzi’s experience:

Senior Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (August 2021-present)

Associate Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (July 2019-August 2021)

Assistant Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (Oct. 2018-July 2019)

Freelance Food & Lifestyle Reporter (Feb. 2018-Oct. 2018)

Food & Lifestyle Reporter, Insider (June 2017-Feb. 2018)

News Editor, The Daily Meal (Jan. 2014- June 2017)

Staff Reporter, Straus News (Jan. 2013-Dec. 2013)

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