HipCityVeg: An East Coast Sensation Planning 100’s of New Locations
As California’s vegan fast food movement grows, one fast-casual brand has been quietly taking the East Coast by storm. HipCityVeg, founded in 2012 by entrepreneur Nicole Marquis, offers indulgent vegan versions of classic comfort foods. Now, the chain is revealing ambitious plans for national expansion. Marquis first launched HipCityVeg in her hometown of Philadelphia, where the eatery quickly amassed a following of faithful fans. The vibrant menu features a lineup of gourmet burgers, chicken sandwiches, Philly steaks and organic milkshakes. But it’s the restaurant’s unusually loyal fan base that truly sets it apart. When the brand opened its first New York location last year, a crowd of thousands enthusiastically lined up at the Union Square eatery, with some reportedly driving hours to wait in line. …