Gastronomy & Food Service

Lauren Maillian, President of Slutty Vegan

Lauren Maillian. Image: Slutty Vegan on LinkedIn

Slutty Vegan Appoints Tech Executive Lauren Maillian as President

US-based restaurant chain Slutty Vegan has announced the appointment of Lauren Maillian as its new President. Maillian has impressive credentials, having previously led the turnaround of a nine-figure minority-owned media company. She is also the founder and CEO of LMB Group, and was formerly President of Hero Media and CEO of digitalundivided; at the latter, she helped to grow revenue by five times. Furthermore, Maillian founded and exited Sugarleaf Vineyards, becoming the youngest self-made winery owner in the US. She has invested in over 40 consumer startups with a market cap exceeding $5 billion, and has been an advisor to OptimizeRx, Overtime, and Cartier Women’s Initiative. “Big plans” Maillian has seemingly been appointed to help Slutty Vegan recover from a difficult chapter; founder and CEO …

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Mind Blown X PLNT Burger crabby burger

© PLNT Burger/Mind Blown

Mind Blown & PLNT Burger Join Forces for the Third Year to Offer ‘Happy Crabby Sandwich’ for World Ocean Month

US plant-based seafood brand Mind Blown has partnered with fast-casual chain PLNT Burger to offer the limited-time-only ‘Happy Crabby Sandwich’ for the third year running. June is World Ocean Month, and the burger will return to menus from June 8 to mark World Ocean Day. It will be available until September 1 at all PLNT Burger locations across New York, Boston, Philadelphia, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The Happy Crabby features Mind Blown’s Maryland-Style Plant Based Crab Cake, tossed in an Old Bay-inspired seasoning and served with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and house-made tartar sauce in a toasted bun. Each crab cake reportedly contains 11g of plant-based protein. “The ‘Happy Crabby’ is back, baby!” said Spike Mendelsohn, co-founder and Culinary Director of PLNT Burger. “This crispy, tangy …

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Mcdonald's meatless mckroket

© Mcdonald's Netherlands

McDonald’s Netherlands Reintroduces Plant-Based McKroket with PrimeJack Jackfruit

McDonald’s Netherlands has reintroduced the Meatless McKroket to its menu, following its initial launch in September 2023 and subsequent discontinuation. The plant-based alternative to the traditional beef McKroket is now available nationwide, featuring a filling made with PrimeJack® jackfruit. Team-up with Van Geloven and Fiber Foods Group Developed in partnership with Van Geloven and Fiber Foods Group, the Meatless McKroket was introduced to cater to customer demand for a meatless option alongside the classic beef variety. The item can be ordered without sauce to meet vegan preferences, with the only non-vegan component being the McKroket Mustard Sauce. Inez van Oord, co-founder of Fiber Foods Group, expressed enthusiasm for the return of the Meatless McKroket, stating, “It’s back – and we couldn’t be happier! The Meatless …

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GRUBBY partners with Symplicity Foods

© GRUBBY

GRUBBY Partners With Symplicity Foods to Offer Meal Kits Containing Fermented Vegetable-Based Meat Alternatives

British plant-based recipe kit subscription GRUBBY has partnered with Symplicity Foods to offer a new range of eight limited-edition dishes. The meal kits will feature Symplicity’s fermented vegetable-based meat alternatives, which have been endorsed by nutritionists and scientists such as Professor Tim Spector. Options include the Smash Burger with Carrot Slaw and the spicy Hoi Sin Garlic Chilli Noodles. Symplicity’s range is described as rich in protein, a source of fibre, and low in saturated fat and salt. The meat alternatives have been praised by top chefs like Tom Kerridge. “We’ve admired Symplicity’s approach for a while,” said Martin Holden-White, founder of Grubby. “It’s everything meat-free should be — nutritious, made from real ingredients, and seriously tasty. This collab is a big moment for us and our customers, …

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ProVeg International

Image supplied by ProVeg International

How Do We Take Plant-Based Options From Niche to Norm in Food Service?

From environmental concerns to changing dietary habits, diners today are increasingly seeking healthier, more sustainable meals. In the UK alone, demand for plant-based food at quick-service restaurants rose by an impressive 56% in 2024. Meanwhile, a growing number of consumers are reducing their meat intake. 51% of Europeans say they are eating less meat, and 27% now identify as flexitarian – a number that rises to 37% in the US. Flexitarianism is fast becoming the norm, not the exception. And yet, despite this clear and growing appetite for plant-based options, most food service venues haven’t kept pace. The reality? Menus are still dominated by animal-based dishes, while plant-based options are often limited, tokenistic, or sidelined onto separate menus. ProVeg International’s latest whitepaper, A roadmap for …

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New School Foods salmon

© New School Foods

Canada’s New School Foods Brings Whole-Cut Plant-Based Salmon to National Foodservice Market

Toronto-based startup New School Foods has announced national foodservice distribution agreements with Gordon Food Service and Bondi Produce, enabling the rollout of its plant-based salmon filet to over 30 restaurant locations across Canada. The expansion comes as the company completes its V1 production line, allowing it to manufacture its whole-cut salmon filet at commercial scale. New School Foods has developed proprietary scaffolding and directional freezing technologies that create a fibrous texture designed to replicate the muscle and connective structure of conventional fish. Menu integration across major Canadian cities Distribution through Gordon Food Service and Bondi Produce will see the plant-based product featured on menus at restaurants in Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City. Venues include Toronto’s Bar Avelo, Stefanos, Joni (Park Hyatt), One (Hazelton Hotel), and …

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Novotel Advances Plant-Forward Strategy Across 600 Hotels, Targets 25% Plant-Based Menus by 2026

Novotel has announced a global expansion of its plant-forward food strategy, setting a target for at least 25% of menu offerings across its 600 hotels to be plant-based by 2026. Currently, 39% of its locations already meet this threshold. The initiative is part of the strategic focus on integrating sustainability into the brand’s culinary operations, in alignment with its ongoing partnership with WWF France. The plant-forward ambition seeks to provide scalable, sustainable menu options that balance consumer demand for taste, health, and environmental impact. Novotel is collaborating with culinary institutes to develop recipes that meet these criteria, positioning the brand within a competitive market where plant-based dining is increasingly a business imperative. Jean-Yves Minet, Novotel Global Brand President, stated, “At Novotel, we are committed to …

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Odd Burger

© Odd Burger

Odd Burger Secures National Listing at Over 500 7-Eleven Canada Locations

Odd Burger has received approval to distribute its retail product line through 7-Eleven Canada, with its products slated to appear in more than 500 convenience stores nationwide by mid-June. The agreement grants 7-Eleven exclusive rights to distribute Odd Burger’s products within the convenience-store vertical for six months. The initial product offering at 7-Eleven will include four items: Crispy ChickUn Fillet, Chickpea Burger, Smash Burger, and Breakfast Sausage. These products are manufactured by Preposterous Foods, a wholly owned subsidiary of Odd Burger Corporation, which will see an increase in production capacity as a result of this deal. James McInnes, CEO and co-founder of Odd Burger, commented on the partnership: “This is without a doubt one of those game-changing moments for our Company. We see incredible potential …

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School cafeteria meal

© Africa Studio - stock.adobe.com

Survey Finds Dutch Caterers Are Partially Replacing Animal Ingredients With Plant-Based Options

A new survey has found that Dutch caterers are increasingly making their ranges more sustainable by replacing some animal ingredients with plant-based or blended variants. Carried out by ProVeg Netherlands, the research questioned 25 caterers and restaurants, mainly those operating in corporate settings. It found that many now provide products such as sausages and burgers containing a blend of meat and plant protein, or cow’s milk combined with a plant-based milk alternative. Furthermore, some caterers are replacing products such as cooking cream, mayonnaise, and butter with fully plant-based versions on a large scale, without significant resistance from customers. ProVeg emphasises that these swaps are not a secret — transparency is important, and customers are aware of what is in their food. “A silent nudge” The …

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Mr. Charlie's

© Mr. Charlie's

18 New Mr. Charlie’s Locations Coming to Arizona as Part of US Franchise Growth

Mr. Charlie’s Told Me So (TMS), the plant-based fast food chain, has entered a multimillion-dollar development agreement to open 18 locations across Arizona. This expansion is the brand’s largest to date and represents a key step in its national growth strategy. The first Arizona location is slated to open in Scottsdale in 2025, with additional cities expected to be announced in the coming months. The new stores will introduce Mr. Charlie’s plant-based menu to the Southwest. Signature items include the Not a Cheeseburger and the Frowny Meal, which have gained popularity at existing locations in cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sydney, Australia. Patrick Lam, an experienced area developer, is partnering with Mr. Charlie’s for this expansion. Lam, who serves as President of …

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PLANTA queen

© PLANTA

Planta Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection Amid Declining Consumer Spending

Plant-based restaurant chain Planta, along with its parent company CHG US Holdings and 17 affiliates, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on May 12, 2025, in the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The company cited the need to restructure its operations and reduce costs, amid declining consumer spending on dining out in the US. Steps to improve financial stability According to The Street, the bankruptcy filing by CHG US Holdings reported assets of between $50,000 and $100,000, with liabilities ranging from $10 million to $50 million. Planta described the filing as a strategic move to streamline operations and improve its financial standing, according to a statement published by Reuters. Planta operates 18 locations across major cities such as New York, Chicago, Los …

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Switch Foods partners with Malak Al Tawouk

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Malak Al Tawouk Partners With Switch Foods to Launch Plant-Based Chicken Menu Items in the UAE

Middle Eastern fast-casual brand Malak Al Tawouk has partnered with UAE-based meat alternatives producer Switch Foods to launch a new line of plant-based chicken menu items. There are three fully plant-based options in the range — the Chicken Shawarma Sandwich, the Mexican Chicken Salad, and the Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl. The dishes are now available at all seven Malak Al Tawouk locations across the UAE, in addition to the chain’s menu on online aggregators Talabat, Careem, and Deliveroo. Malak Al Tawouk says it has a strong commitment to health and innovation, claiming that healthy items now make up around 50% of its sales in theUAE. The new partnership aims to offer the authentic taste and texture customers are used to while providing a meat-free option. …

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ISS Guckenheimer

© ISS Guckenheimer

Report Reveals Which US Food Service Companies Are Delivering on Plant-Based Menu Promises

Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, has released its annual report evaluating leading U.S. food service companies on their efforts to improve animal welfare and reduce their environmental impact through plant-based menu changes. Called the Food Service Industry Protein Sustainability Scorecard, the report features companies that are collectively responsible for serving tens of thousands of meals per day, including at K-12 schools, colleges, universities, corporate offices, sports arenas, public facilities, and more. The scorecard was compiled by surveying companies and collecting information about their sustainability commitments, along with the steps they are taking to achieve these goals. The following companies all earned A grades: “Customers value transparency” The scorecard evaluates concrete, evidence-backed efforts to reduce food-related emissions, finding …

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© Neat Burger

Neat Burger to Close All UK Locations, Citing Financial and Operational Challenges

Neat Burger, the vegan restaurant chain co-founded by Sir Lewis Hamilton and Leonardo DiCaprio, has announced the closure of all its UK locations, marking the end of its six-year run in the country, as reported by The Sun. The closures, which will result in the potential loss of approximately 150 jobs, come after a period of financial difficulties for the brand. Financial struggles in the UK The chain, established in 2019, had expanded to several cities, including London, Milan, and New York. Despite receiving positive reviews for its plant-based offerings, Neat Burger faced mounting challenges in recent years. In 2023, the company reported significant financial losses, with figures showing a 140% increase in losses, reaching £7.9 million for the year. At the time, Neat Burger …

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GAIL's drops soy milk surcharge

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GAIL’s Drops Soy Milk Surcharge Following PETA Campaign

UK bakery chain GAIL’s has announced it will drop its surcharge on soy milk, just weeks after PETA launched a national campaign urging it to make the change. Over 12,000 people have reportedly written to GAIL’s to request the end of the upcharge; in response, the chain confirmed it will stop charging for soy milk from May 21, though customers who choose oat milk will still have to pay extra. PETA says it will continue to urge GAIL’s and other chains to stop charging for all milk alternatives. Companies such as Starbucks, Pret A Manger, and Patisserie Valerie have already removed all their plant-based milk surcharges, while some others, including Café Nero and Costa, offer at least one milk alternative that does not cost extra. …

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GRUBBY partners with JULIENNE BRUNO to launch meal kit with plant-based burrata

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GRUBBY Partners With JULIENNE BRUNO to Launch Easter Recipe Kit With Award-Winning Plant-Based Burrata

UK plant-based meal kit brand GRUBBY has partnered with artisan vegan cheese producer JULIENNE BRUNO to launch a limited-edition Easter dish. Called Creamy Burrata-Topped Za’atar-Spiced Squash, the recipe contains Burrella, JULIENNE BRUNO’s award-winning plant-based alternative to burrata. Available for delivery from April 17–23, the dish is a celebration of Middle Eastern-inspired flavours. The collaboration marks the first time JULIENNE BRUNO has partnered with a recipe kit provider. The company is one of several plant-based brands to join forces with GRUBBY in recent years, including BOSH!, Redefine Meat, and VFC. “We’ve long admired what Axel and the team at JULIENNE BRUNO are doing — creating plant-based products that aren’t just ‘good for a vegan cheese’, they’re good full stop,” said Martin Holden-White, founder of GRUBBY. “Burrella …

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Tacotarian franchise

© Tacotarian

Tacotarian Opens US Franchise Program Amid Ongoing Regional Expansion

Plant-based Mexican restaurant chain Tacotarian has announced the launch of a franchise program, opening expansion opportunities to entrepreneurs across the United States. The decision follows steady regional growth and increasing consumer demand for plant-based fast-casual dining options. Founded in 2018 in Las Vegas by Kristen and Carlos Corral, along with Regina and Dan Simmons, the company began as a single-location operation and has since expanded to six locations across Las Vegas and San Diego. The brand has also introduced a grocery product line distributed nationally. Earlier this year, the US Small Business Administration named the founding team the 2025 Small Business Persons of the Year for Nevada. “Our original goal was to make plant-based food exciting. Franchising allows us to grow that vision beyond our …

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Nature's Fynd Plantega

© Nature's Fynd

New Nature’s Fynd Fy™ Bites Available at Plantega-Affiliated Locations in NYC

Nature’s Fynd has expanded its product offerings with the introduction of Spicy Indian Fy™ Bites, now available at Plantega-affiliated bodegas across New York City. The new item is part of the company’s line of fungi-based foods utilizing its proprietary protein ingredient, Fy™, and is currently being rolled out across more than 50 locations. The bites are falafel-style and formulated with Fy™, a protein derived from a microbial strain discovered in Yellowstone National Park. Each serving contains 14 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and the equivalent of one-third cup of vegetables. The product is free from the top nine allergens, certified gluten-free, and vegan. Nature’s Fynd CEO and co-founder Thomas Jonas noted, “With Fy Bites, we weren’t trying to mimic meat or dairy—we wanted …

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hospital food

© Viacheslav Yakobchuk - stock.adobe.com

Greener by Default Announces Expanded Partnership With Sodexo to Offer Plant-Based Meals at 400 US Hospitals

The expansion builds on the success of 131 hospitals already offering plant-forward menus with an additional 200 hospitals set to transition in 2025, bringing the total to 400 by 2026 CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#healthcare–Greener by Default announces today the expansion of its partnership with Sodexo, extending the plant-based patient meals program to all U.S. hospitals under Sodexo’s management. This collaboration builds on the remarkable success of Greener by Default and Sodexo’s program with NYC Health + Hospitals, which launched in 2022 and resulted in half of all eligible patients opting for plant-based menu items—cutting the health system’s carbon emissions by over one-third in just its first year. The plant-forward patient menus position nutritious, sustainable plant-based meals as the default option for one meal per day, while preserving …

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Actual Veggies becomes exclusive veggie burger supplier for Eurest

Image courtesy of Eurest

Actual Veggies Becomes Exclusive Veggie Burger Supplier for Eurest

Eurest, a major food service provider for American companies, has announced that Actual Veggies will become its exclusive veggie burger supplier. Through the partnership, Actual Veggies’ chef-crafted Black Bean Burger will be available across Eurest’s more than 1,600 marketplaces US-wide. The launch comes after Chris Ivens-Brown, Chief Culinary Officer for Eurest and Compass Group North America, bought a box of Actual Veggies burgers to try at home. He was so impressed that he submitted an inquiry to the company, which ultimately led to the partnership. Actual Veggies’ burgers are made using fresh whole vegetables, grains, and a signature spice blend. Eurest’s research and development chefs have developed a variety of recipes highlighting the burgers’ flavors and textures; research conducted by the company reportedly indicates that …

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