Seth and Spike exterior PLNT Burger

© PLNT Burger

Interviews

Seth Goldman & Spike Mendelsohn: “The Whole Category Has Been Under Assault by the Animal-Based Meat Industry”

Seth Goldman and Spike Mendelsohn, well-known to most of our US readers, are the visionaries behind Eat the Change and PLNT Burger, one of the most successful plant-based fast food chains in North America. Mendelsohn is the chef and owner of Vim & Victor, We the Pizza, Santa Rosa Taqueria, and Good Stuff Eatery, while Goldman co-founded Honest Tea and has served as a member of the board at Beyond Meat for over ten years. The duo have been working together for years after meeting in 2017 at a food policy panel at George Washington University. Leveraging Goldman’s mission-driven entrepreneurial expertise and Mendelsohn’s culinary prowess, the two partners have launched multiple successful endeavors since they joined forces. The pair launched their first joint business, PLNT …

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PLNT_OPENING_DAY at Union Square Seth Goldman speaking

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Food Service

USA Today Reveals America’s Top 10 Best Restaurant Chains for Vegans

USA Today has unveiled its reader’s choice roundup of the top 10 best restaurant chains for vegans in the United States. These establishments, selected by an expert panel and voted on by readers, represent the cream of the crop for plant-based dining options across the nation. Among the restaurants featured on the list, four are entirely vegan, while the rest offer an extensive selection of vegan options. In this article, we highlight the four chains that are 100% plant-based. Native Foods At tenth place is Native Foods, a fast-casual vegan restaurant chain that has an extensive presence in California, Oregon, Colorado, and Illinois. Native Foods, originally founded in 1994 as “Native Foods Cafe” in Palm Springs, California, has evolved to offer a diverse menu featuring …

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PLNT Burger Bona Furtuna

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Products & Launches

PLNT Burger Partners with Bona Furtuna to Feature Exclusive “Chik’n Parm” Sandwich

PLNT Burger, the plant-based fast-casual eatery by Chef Spike Mendelsohn, has joined forces with premium Italian food producer Bona Furtuna to introduce a limited-edition “Chik’n Parm” Sandwich. The sandwich features Bona Furtuna’s Original Passata Tomato Sauce, which is produced on the company’s Sicilian farm, and it will be served alongside PLNT Burger’s Crispy Herb Fries seasoned with Bona Furtuna’s Cacio E Pepe Blend. Brian Ralph, COO and president of Bona Furtuna, commented, “We are pleased to collaborate with PLNT Burger, sharing our commitment to sustainability and quality. This partnership allows us to introduce some of Bona Furtuna’s products to a wider audience, promoting sustainable choices.” PLNT Burger’s executive chef, Michael Colletti, is the mind behind the creation. The “Chik’n Parm” Sandwich comprises a crispy Meati …

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PLNT Burger kids meal

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Fast Food

PLNT Burger Launches the Cool Kids Meal to Empower Kids to Shape a Better Future for Our Planet

PLNT Burger, the plant-based, fast-casual restaurant concept headed by chef Spike Mendelsohn, one of the fastest-growing vegan fast food chains in North America, announces its reimagined “Cool Kids Meal,” aimed at inspiring and empowering children to become superheroes for the planet. As part of the campaign, PLNT Burger is conducting various promotions and initiatives including: 1. Kids Eat Free: Monday nights in August and Early September, PLNT Burger is hosting families, and when ordering in-store, kids can enjoy a free Cool Kids Meal when their parents purchase any main dish from the PLNT Burger Menu. This promotion aims to make sustainable eating accessible to families in the most delicious way possible.   2. Fundraising for Youth Education: Throughout September, PLNT Burger will donate a portion of …

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Slutty Vegan burgers and fries

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Fast Food

The 7 Fastest Growing Vegan Fast Food Chains (North America)

Once a rare novelty, vegan fast food chains are increasingly becoming a mainstream trend across the US and Canada. As the number of vegan fast food brands grows, so does their ambition to redefine the global fast food industry with 100% plant-based cuisine. From simple beginnings, many of the companies on this list have since embarked on bold expansion plans to bring more sustainable and healthy comfort food to the masses. In no particular order, here are seven brands aiming to outdo McDonald’s. 1. Plant Power Fast Food Current locations: 12  Founded in 2016, Plant Power has consistently expanded its brand – which serves plant-based versions of classic burgers, fries and shakes – across Southern California and into Nevada. Its stunning Las Vegas restaurant features …

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Fast Food

PLNT Burger Celebrates Grand Opening of 3rd NYC Venue With Burger Giveaway

PLNT Burger, a fast-casual chain co-founded by celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn, announces the opening of its 3rd New York location – and 14th location overall – in Bryant Park. To celebrate the occasion, PLNT Burger will host a Grand Opening on June 8 to give away free burgers to the first one hundred guests.  The chain’s latest restaurant, situated in the popular neighborhood of Bryant Park, will feature the same menu of classic American comfort foods served at PLNT’s other locations, including: PLNT Cheeseburger and Double Cheeseburger: One (or two) plant-based patty(s), caramelized onion, pickles, plant-based American cheese, green leaf lettuce, roma tomato, PLNT sauce, potato bun Spicy and Regular Chick’n Sandwich: Crispy Plant-Based Chik’n patty from Meati™ , house made hot sauce, plant-based pepperjack …

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Vegan Crab Cake Sandwich at PLNT Burger

©The Plant Based Seafood Co

Fast Food

Mind Blown Seafood and PLNT Burger Team Up to Launch “New Bay” Crab Cake Sandwich

In celebration of World Ocean Month, Mind Blown™ by The Plant Based Seafood Co. and vegan chain PLNT Burger announce they are partnering to launch the New Bay Crab Cake Sandwich this summer.  Available for a limited time, the sandwich will be sold at PLNT Burger’s 7 locations across the DC Metro area – including Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC – from June 1st until Labor Day weekend.  The New Bay sandwich features Mind Blown’s Maryland-Style Plant Based Crab Cake, which is said to offer the real taste and texture of traditional crab meat, and contains 11 grams of protein. As part of Mind Blown’s mission to protect the oceans, 1% of profits will be donated to the Coral Restoration Foundation, which works to restore the …

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Meati Chicken Cutlet Sandwiches @ PLNT Burger

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Fast Food

PLNT Burger Launches New Meati Cutlet Chik’N Sandwiches at All 13 Locations

Vegan fast food chain PLNT Burger announces it is launching two new sandwiches featuring Meati Chik’n Cutlets at all of its locations across the US East Coast. Starting April 10, the chain will feature two “superfood” sandwiches made with Meat’s mycelium protein: Crispy Chik’n Sandwich: Meati Crispy Cutlet, green leaf lettuce, pickles and garden herb mayo on a potato bun – $9.99 ($10.99 in NYC) Spicy Crispy Chik’n Sandwich: Meati Crispy Cutlet, hot sauce, plant-based pepperjack cheese, green leaf lettuce, pickles and garden herb mayo on a potato bun – $10.99 ($11.49 in NYC) The new menu partnership follows Meati’s national debut in Sprouts Farmets Markets, which saw the brand launch its Classic Cutlet, Crispy Cutlet, Classic Steak and Carne Asada Steak in 380 stores.  …

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PLNT Violife Juicy Cheeseburger

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Gastronomy & Food Service

Violife Cheese Partners With Copper Branch and PLNT Burger for Exclusive New Burgers

Violife, a leading brand of plant-based cheeses, announces it is expanding its foodservice offerings through new partnerships with Canada’s Copper Branch and American vegan burger chain PLNT Burger.  Copper Branch, one of the world’s largest plant-based restaurant chains, is launching the new Benevolent Burger (also called “The Bennie”) on Oct. 3rd. The Bennie will feature a specialty AAA bean patty from British-Columbian brand The Very Good Butchers paired with melted non-dairy cheddar from Violife. “This burger hits all the marks for great flavour and texture, and maintains a focus on clean ingredients, which isn’t always the case in the alternative meat and dairy-free categories, “ said Trish Patterson, Brand Vice President of Copper Branch. “Violife was the perfect partner to join what started as a …

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PLNT_three team members

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Fast Food

Chef Spike Mendelsohn’s PLNT Burger Begins National Expansion, Aiming for 30 Locations by 2023

PLNT Burger today announces its expansion in New York City with three new brick-and-mortar restaurants, to be increased to 16 by the end of the year across DC, MD, PA, NYC and Boston with the goal of 30 locations by the end of 2023.  The chain opened its first location inside a Maryland Whole Foods Market back in 2019 and quickly gained popularity, this January opening its tenth store in Union Square New York. “It’s incredible how quickly we’ve grown from one store in Maryland to now 16 across the Mid Atlantic and Northeast. We’re thrilled to continue to open the door for people to try delicious plant-based burgers that are better for the planet,” said Co-Founder, Chef Spike Mendelsohn. “It’s a big bet for …

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Meta Burger/ Good Catch Fish Sandwich

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Gastronomy & Food Service

Meta Burger Joins with Good Catch to Add New Fish Filet Sandwich to Menu

Meta Burger, a vegan burger chain based in Colorado, has partnered with Good Catch Plant-Based Seafood to add a new Fish Filet Sandwich to its permanent menu. Made with Good Catch’s Crispy Fish Fillet, the sandwich features tartar sauce and sliced cheese and is now available at all Meta Burger locations.  The partnership is the latest foodservice success for Good Catch, which has swiftly increased its presence on US restaurant menus over the past year-and-a-half. Good Catch’s expansion now includes over a half-dozen major brands, starting with Veggie Grill, which introduced an exclusive tuna melt and Cajun Fish Sandwich by the seafood brand in 2020.  Foodservice acceleration The company then partnered with Whole Foods Market to carry the brand’s signature flaky tuna at select deli …

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DC Veg Restaurant Week Logo

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Fairs & Events

Popular Veg Restaurant Week Coming to Washington, D.C. This Spring

From May 7-14, restaurants across the US capital will celebrate the city’s rich and diverse vegan cuisine during DC Veg Week. The event will bring together top restaurants, from elegant fine dining to neighborhood fast-casual spots, to feature their greatest plant-based dishes.  Participating restaurants include fast-casual favorites Hip City Veg and Shouk, Chef Spike Mendelsohn’s PLNT Burger and upscale farm-to-table establishment DC Harvest. Roscoe’s Pizzeria will serve their famous vegan mozzarella pizzas while the Salvadoran/Mexican El Tamarindo will offer specialty plant-based papusas. Diners will also have the opportunity to try local newcomers BDG’s Ghicken Vegan and DC Vegan. Restaurants can participate in DC Veg Week in a variety of ways, ranging from offering prix fixe menus and discounts to new vegan specialty items. Registration is …

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PLNT Burger 10th Location New York City

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Gastronomy & Food Service

PLNT Burger Continues Expansion, Opens 10th Restaurant in New York City

PLNT Burger announces the plant-based chain has expanded to New York City for the first time with a new location in Union Square, with more restaurants in the NY tri-state region planned.  Co-founded by Top Chef luminary Spike Mendelsohn, PLNT Burger is a fast-casual concept specializing in gourmet burgers, fries and shakes. The chain opened its first location inside a Maryland Whole Foods Market in 2019 before quickly growing throughout Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania.   Chef-crafted Beyond Burgers PLNT Burger offers diners a vibrant, colorful take on plant-based eating, serving a variety of indulgent Beyond Meat burgers and specialty sides. Popular menu items include the staple PLNT Burger (Beyond Meat patty, tomato, lettuce, pickles, caramelized onion and PLNT sauce), the Crispy Chik ‘N Sandwich (Spiced and …

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Good Catch X PLNT

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Products & Launches

Good Catch Partners With Spike Mendelsohn’s PLNT Burger For the Save the Bay Fillet

Good Catch, producer of plant-based tuna and frozen seafood products, announces it has partnered with PLNT Burger, Chef Spike Mendelsohn’s fast casual restaurant to launch a new product called the Save the Bay Fillet. PLNT Burger added the Save the Bay Fillet to the menu from 11th July which will be available for a limited time with the Good Catch Plant-Based Breaded Fish Fillet. The Save the Bay Fillet is topped with PLNT tartar sauce, pickles, and lettuce on a potato bun. The product will be available at all locations and on the PLNT Burger app. Mendelsohn came up with the concept of PLNT Burger after being introduced to the Beyond Burger by Seth Goldman, former executive chairman at Beyond Meat. Goldman subsequently became co-founder …

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