Fast Food

Mcdonald's Mcplant

© McDonald's

McDonald’s Austria Removes McPlant from Menu, Citing Decline in Consumer Interest

McDonald’s has removed its vegan McPlant burger from the menu in Austria, citing declining customer demand. The decision to pull the McPlant was made without a major public announcement. According to a statement from McDonald’s Austria, customer preferences have shifted more towards vegetable-based offerings, prompting the company to focus instead on a vegetarian patty made from vegetables. Limited vegan options remain As a result, options for vegan consumers will now be extremely limited, and essentially restricted to side items like French fries. The company also confirmed that no further fully vegan products are currently planned. The McPlant, introduced in 2021 in collaboration with Beyond Meat, was considered a significant step towards expanding plant-based options in the fast-food sector. However, it only partially met vegan standards, …

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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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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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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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© 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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Odd Burger

© Odd Burger

Odd Burger Pauses US Expansion Due to Tariff Concerns, Strengthens Canadian Operations

Canadian vegan fast-food chain Odd Burger has suspended its planned US expansion due to increasing political tensions between Canada and the United States. Just last week, the company outlined plans to expand into the US, which included raising capital to cover costs associated with tariffs and building new manufacturing facilities. The strategy was intended to help mitigate the impact of tariffs and strengthen the company’s supply chain. At the time, McInnes had expressed confidence in the company’s ability to quickly scale while maintaining pricing stability and product quality. However, these expansion efforts are now on hold, and the capital will instead be directed toward strengthening Odd Burger’s operations in Canada. The decision to pause US expansion also comes in response to upcoming US tariffs, scheduled to take …

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Odd Burger Vegan Fast Food

© Odd Burger

Odd Burger Sees Reduced Losses as Franchise Model Expands in Canada

Odd Burger Corporation has released its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2025, reporting revenue growth and a significant reduction in net loss compared to the previous quarter. Revenue for the quarter reached $727,294, marking a 6.2% increase from the prior quarter, while remaining largely unchanged from the same period last year. The company attributed the increase to its expanding franchise network and growing consumer-packaged goods (CPG) business. Net loss for the quarter was $272,476, a sharp decline from the $1.3 million loss reported in the previous quarter. The company also reported improved gross margins, citing its shift towards a franchise model as a contributing factor. Continued expansion across Canada Odd Burger currently operates 20 locations across Canada and continues to focus on …

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Webtalk Recording: Foodservice – Gateway to Changing Consumer Habits

How is the foodservice industry driving plant-based adoption? In our latest webtalk, experts examined the sector’s critical role in reshaping consumer habits and advancing a more sustainable food system. Key challenges such as consumer preferences, premium pricing, and strategic pricing models—like Burger King’s decision to make plant-based options more affordable—were explored. Panelists also discussed what truly motivates flexitarian consumers, the significant volumes of animal protein still in demand, and how policymakers can be influenced to set reduction targets. The conversation highlighted the importance of giving consumers the freedom to choose, the power of effective promotion, and the vital role of chefs in accelerating plant-based innovation. Expert panel Watch the replay Explore the discussion in depth by viewing the entire session below. Monthly update by vegconomist …

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La Vie x Papa Johns Hawaiian vegan pizza

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La Vie Partners With Papa Johns to Launch Hawaiian Vegan Pizza Across the UK

French plant-based meat brand La Vie has partnered with pizza giant Papa Johns to launch the new Hawaiian Vegan Pizza in the UK. The pizza consists of a classic tomato base topped with pineapple, dairy-free cheese, and La Vie’s plant-based ham. It is now available at Papa Johns locations UK-wide. “At Papa Johns, we’re always looking to innovate and push the boundaries of what pizza can be,” said Rebecca Carroll, Marketing Director at Papa Johns. “We’re proud of our diverse menu that offers something for everyone, and we’re excited to have joined forces with La Vie™ to introduce a new plant-based pizza – one that’s even more controversial than the classic Hawaiian. This partnership combines popular flavours with plant-based alternatives, offering a bold new way …

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PLNT Burger

© PLNT Burger

PLNT Burger Launches Equity Crowdfunding Campaign After Opening New Location Near Boston, Massachusetts

American plant-based fast-casual chain PLNT Burger has launched an equity crowdfunding campaign via the Startengine platform to accelerate its expansion. Customers can invest a minimum of $299.20 into the company, which achieved over $11.2 million in sales in 2023. All operating locations have reportedly been profitable year-to-date in 2024 through September. The launch of the crowdfunding campaign comes after PLNT Burger raised $3.8 million in Series A funding at the end of November. According to the Washington Business Journal, this brings the total amount secured by the company to over $12 million. Earlier this month, PLNT Burger opened a new location in Brookline, Massachusetts, a town in the Boston metropolitan area. The restaurant is the chain’s second standalone location (the other is in Manhattan). PLNT …

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Mike Tyson and Mr. Charlie's

Separate images copyright Mike Tyson Insta /Mr. Charlie's, image created by vegconomist

Mike Tyson’s Investment to Drive Mr. Charlie’s Franchise Expansion Across US and Beyond

Mike Tyson, former heavyweight boxing champion and entrepreneur, has invested in the plant-based fast food chain Mr. Charlie’s Told Me So (TMS). Made through Tyson’s holding company, Carma HoldCo, this investment is expected to significantly boost Mr. Charlie’s expansion plans, paving the way for a broader US and international presence. Known for his advocacy of veganism and plant-based eating, Tyson is helping drive the next phase of growth for the restaurant, which has already gained attention for its unique take on fast food and its social impact initiatives. Tyson’s involvement signals a new chapter for Mr. Charlie’s, which has carved out a niche in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector with its entirely plant-based menu. Mr. Charlie’s not only offers vegan alternatives to classic fast food …

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McPlant nuggets

© McDonald's

McDonald’s France Launches McPlant Nuggets in Collaboration With Beyond Meat

McDonald’s France has partnered with Beyond Meat to launch a new menu option, Veggie McPlant Nuggets, at its 1,560 restaurants. The nuggets are made from pea protein and coated in a wheat and cornflour breading. They are available at the same price as McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets, and in the same formats (x4, x6, x9, and x20). As reported by Le Figaro, consumers responded very positively to the nuggets in taste tests, favourably comparing them to the meat-based McNuggets. The fast food chain said it was confident that the product would be a success. While McDonald’s has previously offered meat-free options in France, they have often been limited-edition, and unsuitable for vegans due to the inclusion of dairy or eggs. In contrast, the new nuggets are …

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A photo of a Odd Burger restaurant

© Odd Burger

Odd Burger Opens $4M Round to Fuel Vegan Fast Food Expansion Following Strong Q3 Results

Odd Burger Corporation, the company behind the vegan fast food chain Odd Burger, has announced a non-brokered private placement to raise up to $4 million via convertible debentures. As explained in the announcement, the debentures have a 36-month maturity and carry a 15% annual interest rate. Additionally, they can be converted into common shares at $0.25 each and may be forcibly converted if share prices increase significantly. Odd Burger is a franchised vegan fast-food chain with a vertically integrated supply chain and 17 operational stores across Canada. The first Odd Burger restaurant opened in London, Ontario, in December 2016, becoming the country’s first vegan-fast food restaurant. Today, the firm focuses on smart kitchens, advanced cooking technology, competitive pricing, and high-quality ingredients to offer healthier options …

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Royale with cheese

© Mr. Charlie's/Stockeld Dreamery

Mr. Charlie’s Partners With Stockeld Dreamery to Launch Plant-Based Mr. Royale with Cheese

Sweden / New York-based vegan cheese brand Stockeld Dreamery has partnered with vegan fast food chain Mr. Charlie’s to launch the Mr. Royale with Cheese. The burger features Stockeld Dreamery’s dairy-free cultured cheddar, which is made with traditional cheese fermentation techniques. The cheese alternative is said to have excellent melting properties and a higher protein content than competing products. The Royale with Cheese is currently available at Mr. Charlie’s’ Los Angeles restaurant and will roll out at the chain’s San Francisco location in the next two weeks. “We’re delighted to be teaming up with these cool humans and their revolutionary cultured cheddar,” said Taylor Mckinnon, co-founder and CMO at Mr. Charlie’s. “I’m always trying to push the boundaries with our menu, so finding a plant-based …

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Next Level Burger newsweek winner

© Next Level Burger

Next Level Burger Outshines Conventional Fast Food Chains, Landing #1 Spot in Awards Voted by Newsweek Readers

Next Level Burger (NLB), which refers to itself as “America’s first 100% plant-based burger joint chain,” announces it has received the title of Best Fast-Food Chain in the 2024 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards and winning against conventional non-vegan chains. Next Level Burger was the sole plant-based nominee among conventional fast-food giants. The winners were selected based on public votes after a panel of experts at Newsweek put forward a list of nominees. Matt de Gruyter, co-founder and CEO of NLB, stated, “The fact that our 10-unit vegan restaurant chain was able to beat out chains with thousands of units and global brand presence is an incredible honor. For us, the significance of this win is even deeper, as it shows that consumers are becoming more …

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Mcdonald's Mcplant

© McDonald's

McDonald’s Says McPlant Trial Was Unsuccessful in the US, Meanwhile Ongoing Expansion Continues in Europe

Joe Erlinger, the president of McDonald’s US, has said that trials of the McPlant burger in the country were not successful, despite the ongoing expansion of the menu option in Europe. Speaking at the Wall Street Journal Global Food Forum in Chicago, Erlinger said the burger had been tested in two US cities — San Francisco and Dallas — but had not performed well enough in either one. Consequently, McDonald’s US does not have immediate plans to introduce plant-based options; however, Erlinger said the chain would continue to monitor the plant-based meat trend. He noted that there was little demand for healthier options at McDonald’s US, with even salads having been discontinued due to poor sales. Additionally, he said the prices of plant-based products were …

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Plant Power Fast Food Ribby

© Plant Power Fast Food

Plant Power Fast Food Introduces Limited-Time Plant-Based BBQ Rib Sandwich

Plant Power Fast Food has announced the launch of The Ribby, a plant-based version of the classic American BBQ rib sandwich. This new offering will be available at all 10 of the chain’s locations starting July 2nd. The Ribby features a housemade plant-based patty composed of shredded jackfruit, topped with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, thinly sliced onions, and Grillo’s Pickles, known for their fresh taste and all-natural ingredients. “The BBQ rib sandwich holds a legendary place in fast food history and we wanted to honor that legacy with our plant-based take. With our sweet and smoky housemade BBQ and the best pickles in the world, Grillo’s, we believe The Ribby will offer an unforgettable flavor experience,” said Zach Vouga, president/COO and co-founder of …

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McDonald's vegan ice cream

© McDonald's

McDonald’s Trials Vegan Ice Cream in the UK

McDonald’s has announced it is trialling a new “deliciously smooth and creamy” vegan ice cream in the UK, available in two flavours — Choco and Strawberry. Called the Vegan Scoop, the ice cream costs £1.59 and is served in a tub like a McFlurry. It has been certified as vegan by The Vegetarian Society, though McDonald’s warns that it may not be suitable for those with milk allergies as it is made in a facility that handles dairy. Initially, the ice cream will only be available at 52 locations in the North West of England, including several restaurants in Manchester and Stockport. The trial will run until September 3, and if successful, the Vegan Scoop may launch UK-wide next year. McDonald’s is also trialling another …

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© German Doner Kebab

Global Fast Food Chain German Doner Kebab Launches Plant-Based Options in Over 140 Locations

German Doner Kebab (GDK), one of the fastest-growing restaurant groups in the UK, with over 150 restaurants across the UK, mainland Europe, and the Middle East, and expanding in the USA, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Ireland, has launched eight plant-based options based on Nestlé-owned Garden Gourmet’s Vegan Pulled Fillet. Known for its distinctive doner kebab waffle bread, GDK describes the new plant-based offerings as a milestone move. The renamed ‘OV Kebab’ is a newly developed dish featuring the Garden Gourmet meat alternative, served on toasted waffle bread and served with fresh lettuce, red cabbage, sliced onions, tomatoes, and GDK’s three signature sauces – yogurt, garlic, and spicy. The Glasgow-based brand states that this widespread offering “follows the rise in demand for plant-based products in the …

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Mind Blown X PLNT Burger crabby burger

© PLNT Burger/Mind Blown

PLNT Burger Reintroduces Mind Blown Plant-Based Crab Cake Sandwich at All Locations

Mind Blown by The Plant Based Seafood Co. and PLNT Burger have announced the introduction of ‘The Happy Crabby’ Sandwich ahead of World Ocean Month, bringing the plant-based crab cake back to PLNT Burger menus following its limited-time success last year in the DMV area. Starting today, the ‘Happy Crabby’ Sandwich will be available at all PLNT Burger locations across New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The sandwich features Mind Blown’s Maryland-Style Plant-Based Crab Cakes, which offer 11 grams of protein and contain a blend of wheat protein, pea protein, natural vegan crab flavor, and spices, with the aim of replicating the taste and texture of traditional crab cakes.  Jonah Goldman, co-founder and CMO of PLNT Burger described the new sandwich: “We …

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