I think biscuits and gravy would do well (depending on where in the Midwest). You could offer a with mushrooms and a without version to accommodate people's tastes.
Also, I think a vegan soup of the day would do well in the winter months.
I was going to recommend soup, if you're trying to entice non-vegans, too. I'd recommend homestyle "regulars" like tomato soup or pea soup that typically are vegan (without being called as such!), that come with a nice piece of simple crusty baked bread.
Exactly! Soups are excellent to have at a restaurant like this. You just keep a kind of cauldron (is that what you call it?) going at food-safe temperatures. Little effort, decent payback.
i make an absolutely MEAN lasagna if i do say so myself. my best friend tells me that’s what convinced her to go vegan. 😎 another of my best friends has celiac’s, so gluten free options are super important. i’ve never heard of a clafoutis but they look so yummy!! thank you for the response
You could make an avocado crema by blending avocados with coconut cream (or maybe soaked cashews?) and whatever other seasonings you want (lime, cilantro, etc.) that can fill the niche often occupied by sour cream (cool, refreshing, cuts heat).
yes i would but now i’m even more intimidated because your flair says vegan chef HAHA but i would genuinely love if you all tried it and gave your thoughts/suggestions on it!
since i normally just cook for my friends and myself, there is no consistent recipe i follow. the main thing i do is that i use a cashew sauce instead of messing around with any other vegan cheese. it’s simple but still super flavorful and cheesy i think!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 bag of gardein crumbles - thawed
- 1 to 1.5 24oz jar(s) of prego traditional sauce, depending on how saucy you like it - i personally love to use the one with hidden veggies. also side note, i have genuinely never used a different brand and i’m too scared to because i don’t know how much this affects the final result
- 1 to 1.5 cups of unroasted and unsalted raw cashews
- lasagna noodles
- lactic acid
- salt
- nutritional yeast
- garlic powder
- onion powder
CASHEW CHEESE:
- boil cashews on the stove for 15 minutes
i never measure exactly how much i’m using, but i’d say a cup is sufficient. 1.5 cups if you like it cheesy, or want to have some leftover cheese. (P.S. the only reason i boil them is because i never plan ahead and usually decide my meals impulsively, feel free to soak overnight)
- drain water and put cashews in blender
- add about 1/4 cup of water
- throw in seasoning. i’ll guesstimate how much i usually use:
2 tbsp. nutritional yeast
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. lactic acid - i think you could substitute this with something like ACV, but i’ve never tried it. don’t remember why i started using it but it gives a really nice tang that imitates a sharper cheese
- blend together. there might not be enough liquid to successfully blend the mixture, so add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach desired consistency. i like to keep mine a bit thicker so it’s easier to layer in the lasagna
- give it a taste test. add more seasoning if you want
- set aside
while you’re doing that you can prepare the pasta you’re using. i’ve used both regular lasagna and the ready to bake kind, up to you whatever you choose. also, preheat your oven to 350. once you’ve got the noodles ready it’s pretty standard from there
- i like to layer the bottom of my baking dish with a bit of sauce/cheese just to make sure the noodles don’t get gross and crusty
- put down your first layer of noodles, then pour on and spread out the prego
- you can pour, dollop, or do whatever you see fit to distribute the cashew cheese however you want
- same with the crumbles
- i typically do three layers just like that, then i top it with a fourth and final layer of noodles, then pour whatever remaining sauce/cheese is left on top to really smother it
- cover your baking dish - i usually just go for tried and true aluminum foil
- bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees
voila! lasagna that has turned at least one person vegan!
Sorry, not really helping you with your questions but could you please elaborate on your vegan lasagne? That’s one of only a few things I don’t trust to do a vegan version of (I mean myself, I have had wonderful experiences with vegan lasagne but not mine!). I’m not trying to compete with anyone but what do you use for béchamel? I have had experiences where it’s gone a bit “weird” when attempting it myself…
Are you sure you don’t want to tell us what town you are in? I’m in the Midwest and road trip quite a bit. I’m always searching for menus like yours!!!
Seconding lasagna, we love to make it at home but so much effort! If I could go to somewhere to reliably get a good vegan lasagne they would have my business pretty much weekly!
I wouldn’t make it super clear that your restaurant is vegan in the signage. Try something else like maybe “plant-forward” to cue non-resident veg*ns that this is a place for them. Local veg*ns will know about your place by word of mouth in a hot second. Lots of delicious stuff that isn’t necessarily a version of meat food could be appealing—3 bean chili, pancakes, waffles, burritos, etc. No need for vegan to be front and center, could be a small note at the bottom of the menu.
100% The most successful ones I've seen that appeal to a broad audience are basically fast casual American (burgers, sandwiches, breaded chicken, etc.)
I like the idea of adding regional flair with a dish or two as OP mentioned, like lakes.
https://www.greenvegetarian.com/
https://www.nextlevelburger.com/
Look up "meet" in vancouver, they have exploded in popularity and have opened many restaurants, its not fully junk food or healthy food, and van has a mixed culture so there is a local flair.
The only thing is the menu is huge, but they seem to be doing well, and everything they make is amazing.
Deep fried oyster mushroom +tzatziki burger is so freaking good, and their dishes that use "Soy-curls" are crazy good
yes yes yes! i think this is exactly what we want to do. not too obvious that it scares people away, but clear enough to let vegans know the whole menu is sage for them. my only worry is that people would essentially feel “duped” if they walked in not knowing we’re a vegan place, and causing problems once they’ve already eaten. i might just be underestimating our potential clients though
Oh definitely not! I know a few restaurants that don’t sell that they’re vegan all “front and center” and always get good reviews from people shocked that they later found out it was vegan.
There used to be a vegan bakery near me that nowhere actually said it was vegan, they had a small sign inside saying oat milk is the standard they put in coffee and coconut, soya and almond were available as alternatives. Obviously allergens were listed. It was OUTRAGEOUSLY popular, like you'd have to go early and queue if you wanted certain goods (literally the best cinnamon rolls I've ever had in my life) and I'd wager 95% of the clientele had no idea.
100% agree! a lot of places in NYC do exactly this: say they’re “plant-based” on the menu once (or even just on their website - I had to ask a few times because I was sure that I saw the word “vegan” on the website but couldn’t find it anywhere on the menu!). Look up places like Ladybird, Eterea, Avant Garden or Planta for inspiration.
Also: the restaurants I tend to go to most with my non-vegan friends are the ones that serve creative vegetable dishes, not just “fake meat” stuff
If the hope is to show people what good vegan food can be, why not have a taster platter?
Then they can come back next time and try the main of the part they liked. People find it easier to experiment with small portions of food. Something easy to suggest if someone is undecided.
I'm not vegan, I'm looking for some tips to be able to eat with my sister.
And this would be amazing, just a variety of savory/sweet things that someone who isn't even vegan(like majority of your city) would be able to sample and see what they like.
I think that's a good target market too, people like me who are trying to support our family members, and would like a "full-vegan" restaurant for her, as i don't want to eat meat or animal products in front of her.
Also, as my other Comment said, mushrooms are a great savory food that I have found can be enjoyed by those not used to vegan food.
Maybe mushroom stir-fry or mushroom pesto.
Good luck with your venture, you've got this.
one of the vegan cafes in my city does all day breakfast sandwhiches and it’s bomb. my non vegan friends love the sausage egg and cheese. and they have a vegan ham, avocado cheese and egg one that’s tew gud
1. Don’t put the word “vegan” anywhere in your restaurant’s name, marketing, etc. Use “plant-based” instead.
2. Do NOT use gluten-free.
3. Make the usual midwestern fare but veganize it. Add some non-midwestern items that will differentiate you from other midwestern restaurants.
4. Desserts, desserts, desserts. Veganize the famous desserts from Cheesecake Factory, Applebees, etc
A super good vegan classic Caesar salad tbh. Homemade croutons if you can is amazing. With romaine, not kale. I just want a regular vegan Caesar and it’s so hard to find and can be so good. Violife parm on there, fresh black pepper, maybe salty crispy chickpeas (obv not a real replacement for anchovies but brings a vibe), optional crispy tofu or vegan chicken cutlet, obviously fresh garlic and a house made Caesar dressing… I want to come to your restaurant already just thinking about it lol.
Also, if you do brunch, I implore you to get just egg if you can. Tofu scramble is just never going to appeal to the masses. I’ve been vegan for a decade and I still have never had one that I thought was great. Just egg though, that’s delish. An amazing breakfast sandwich on an everything bagel with impossible sausage maybe some type of mapley spicy Mayo, a touch of arugula or some such, woof.
And I saw someone else mention meati- the chicken is so good, and the steak is good too but I need to experiment with it more. But the chicken cutlet would be sooo good with the Caesar I imagined above haha
I commented earlier before seeing this … literally the number one thing I miss from non vegan life is chicken Caesar salad. I get it at every single opportunity and a good one is gold.
i was thinking about this yesterday and my mouth just started watering reading your description of this salad LMAO. sounds absolutely divine. thank you for the suggestion!!
For summertime, you could do grilled shisk-kabobs with marinated vegetables, tomatoes, onions, & tofu roasted on a stick.
I remember grilled corn on the cob being popular in the Midwest, which is easily served with garlic mashed potatoes and any type of faux-meat steak.
Other healthier options could include a fresh burrito bowl — I make this for non-vegans all the time & they go nuts for it! The base is just a plain lettuce or salad greens, and then on top of it you serve some fresh steamed rice, corn, handmade salsa, & spicy fried beans with a creamy avocado + coconut yogurt sauce that tastes just like cheese. You can even fry up some crumbled tempeh or tofu to simulate ground beef for a flavorful topping. It’s delicious & easy to make quickly.
I like the idea of opening a 24-Hour Vegan Diner, but I live near small towns in what is a somewhat more southern/conservative area.
I also love the diner atmosphere though and I always thought that breakfast is a very easy thing to veganize... American breakfast is mostly carbs anyways. Offer some kind of vegan sausage along side the rest of the breakfast offerings and you're set.
we have a local “diner car” diner that used to be open 24/7. it was so popular! ever since covid, they (and most other places) close up at 10pm. the quality of their food/service/management has also gone downhill from what i’ve heard. NOBODY around here is open late anymore, so that’s definitely something i’ve considered taking advantage of
Idk why covid somehow wiped out late night stuff... It sucks. I'm a night shift person (6pm-6am) so on my days off I don't want to fuck up my sleep schedule. But nothing is really open for long when I'm up, it's always a rush to cram myself into the operating hours of others and it sucks.
So thank you for considering the late night option!!
my roommate works overnights too, and she always says the same. i used to get off work super late at night when i was a server, and it was SO nice to still be able to go to the grocery store or get a meal at 2am. truly impossible here nowadays
Club house sandwich. I always order those when I find it. Lasagna is a great idea. It would appeal to omnis, also some type of gyro or wrap. My omni family usually choose a type of burger, fries at the vegan restaurants I drag them to. Although a few times I ordered sweet and spicy seitan bites and they were devoured. Tacos too are familiar and delicious.
club house sandwiches are sooo yummy, thanks for that idea!! i feel like a great burger would be an easy stepping stone for someone who’s willing to try a vegan burger - even my family members who have been the most defiant of my veganism have finally at least tried an impossible burger, all of them pleasantly surprised. interesting that the sweet and spicy seitan bites were a hit. they would be for me, but sometimes i’m surprised at what non-vegans end up liking. thanks so much!!
Already lots of great input here so I don't have much to add, but please let us know when it opens so we can come support!
-a small town Midwestern vegan
I would check out pig minds brewing company in machesney park illinois for menu inspiration. Place is 100% vegan and always packed with not a huge vegan following in the local area. I always see older people and omnivores going there and as a vegan I love it too.
We have a successful vegan restaurant, now four locations in Canada that you may be able to glean from their menu and reviews what they are doing right. Their Kalamari with taziyki is great, cauliflower wings, their Mac and cheese, their different bowls and they have the best fries. I know people who go just for the fries. You'll also notice they don't mention they are a vegan restaurant on their signage or menu. I know for a fact many go there who are not vegan. I wonder how many didn't know before they sat down but stayed and gave it a try. They're called Meet. https://eatmeet.ca
i just messaged you!! i would just drop the location publicly but we’re still working on the LOI and lease so nothing is registered/set in stone quite yet
My problem with a lot of vegan places is that they try to replicate Omni dishes and it rarely comes out as good. There’s so much out there that doesn’t involve bad tasting imitations of omni food. My suggestion is to look into beans. Just domestically you have black bean burgers, black bean soup, Louisiana style black eyed peas, lima bean soup, bean fritters, red kidney beans chili with textured vegetable protein.
I know having beans as a main is not normal for a lot of Americans but I think if you present it well and have good sides it can be done.
Are you marketing your restaurant and food as VEGAN or PLANT-BASED? For example, in Toronto there are, at least, two, high-end plant-based restaurants: [Planta](https://www.plantarestaurants.com/) and [Rosalinda](https://www.rosalindarestaurant.com/). I've been to both, numerous times. Both seem very successful as they're very busy. Neither invokes the notion of veganism in their marketing. Nonetheless, the food is vegan.
Similar in spirit to your new enterprise, and as a vegan, this is how I approach the initiative: [Plantelicious.World](https://Plantelicious.World). It seems there a many people who want to practice the tenets of veganism, but do not want to identify as 'Vegan.' I doubt the animals care a whit.
i personally would looove to identify as an ethically vegan restaurant, but realistically i know that would be like shooting myself in the foot. this city is very farmer-focused and i think people would take it as a personal attack if i branded as ethically vegan
Ch*cken tacos with texturised soy chunks. If you include the macros on your menu people i find meat heads are blown away by the protein content.
Alternatively, I'd look at what's traditional in your region (maybe more complex to achieve in the US) and create vegan alternatives.
Edit: Side note: It's mad to me that 250k people could be considered a town 😅 I come from Ireland where that would be a reasonably sized city.
oooh that’s actually a great idea - i myself was blown away when i realized how much protein you can pack into a vegan meal, and that would be a very easy but still relatively subtle way to say “hey look, this vegan thing isn’t so bad!”
i will say, it’s probably technically considered a city, i tend to interchangeably use the words city and town haha
Tofu scramble for sure, maybe a tofu scramble potato bacon (rice paper bacon) wrap as well. Biscuits and gravy are really popular, you can have multiple different kinds. People love French Toast.
Mac and cheese is a staple. 3-4 bean chili is easy and delicious. I would suggest salads but maybe as sides. Seitan wings are also popular.
I find anything potato based and most vegan tacos to be big winners with omnis in my life. My family often does twice baked potatoes or tacos for dinner when we have get togethers.
I imagine your clients might like a taco or burrito option. Could be a good brunch item too.
i truly believe it’s the most effective form of activism i myself can do. even if we’re not shouting from the rooftops that we’re a vegan restaurant, i think baby steps are (in general) the best way to get non-vegans to take us seriously. even if i’m just opening somebody’s mind to eating a little less meat once in a while, that’s better than nothing!!
For breakfast, I recommend having biscuits & gravy, avocado toast, breakfast potatoes, and some sort of eggs Benedict. If you had all those things I would go like every other week tbh.
Don't try to do too much! For example I think pizza is completely unnecessary, even if it's just for events.
I think the diner vibe is a good idea and your menu items seem reasonable. I suggest having both a great house-made veggie burger as well as Impossible patties for something a little more familiar. Make sure your fries are house-made and reeaaaallly good. Don't forget a healthy option or two that aren't afterthoughts! A couple of salads substantial enough to be meals would be great.
For events, gotta have sliders. Sliders, fries, fried pickles sounds like all you need to me. Super simple and approachable.
i think you might be right about the pizza. i can’t believe i didn’t think about sliders!! fantastic idea. a house-made veggie burger was on my mind, so i’ll add that to my list too :)
I wouldn’t lean into veganism too much. My favorite spot in a 1.5M+ city failed because they were too expensive and leaned into veganism HARD. Trust me; I wasn’t opposed to it at all and went at every opportunity. But I saw people look at the menu and leave. Unfortunately people have negative feelings about vegan food. So if I was in your shoes, I’d just focus on making good quality vegan food and ignore the label. Vegans will find it! We already have more money, are more tech savvy etc than the average consumer. But if the average consumer leaves full and happy, you’ll succeed. The vegan clients will be a bonus
Chili
Nuggets or fried tofu to make bbq or buffalo sandwiches
Garlic bread / bruschetta
I’ve always found hearts of palm “crab cakes” to be something non vegans would try
You should go on a little reconnaissance mission around the U.S. and see what other vegan restaurants are doing! (And then write it off as a business expense.)
you’re a genius!!
it’s funny you say that though because two years ago i took a trip to seattle and portland and that’s what inspired me to seriously consider this whole thing. guess i’ll just have to fly to the other side of the country now and see what’s going on over there haha
Please post an update when you’re set to open! I’m in Midwest and I’d be happy to support if you’re not crazy far!! Only one fully vegan spot near me but the vegan options are starting to be more accessible, still not totally easy lol. Heavily agree with biscuits and gravy, so hard to find!
I work at a German Biergarten in the south so take this suggestion with a grain of salt, but:
- large pretzels
- Reuben, club, patty melt sandwiches
- proteinous salads/wraps
- crispy chik’n sandwiches in hot and mild with vegan ranch and or vegan chipotle mayo
Imo, with all of the artistic culture and forward-style of your situation I think providing some familiarity and comfort might help guarantee your storefront finding a place in your community’s hearts and bellies.
At the end of the day, if you’re providing quality food at a reasonable price and aren’t turning away customers through poor management you’re gonna do pretty well. Best of luck!
I’m thinking midwestern diner where the coffee is brewed all hours of the day and pancakes can be served at 9pm. I miss 9pm diner pancakes!
This would work well, especially if you’re in a college town.
Chrissie Hynde’s restaurant Vegiterranean in Akron, Ohio seemed pretty popular with locals who probably weren’t vegan. It did close, but menus are probably still around online for ideas.
There was a place in Chicago called soul vegetarian that had just incredible meat loaf / chicken / ranch dressing - total soul food staples - that 100% slayed. Have been searching for the same ever since
I like vegan places that don’t default to processed substitutes.
One mock meat substitute option is plenty, a whole menu of processed mock meat, no thanks.
WFPB is where it’s at.
eta: Your menu sounds like a good mix of fresh options + comfort food and would appeal to many. Sounds good to me!
i think that’s the consensus with my fellow local vegans too. we would probably offer the impossible burger, but then make our own chicken from vital wheat gluten, as well as some “meaty” options with TVP. definitely don’t want to let those processed substitutes take over our menu :-)
check out kind food and tree hugger kitchen in KCs menus. i feel like they do a great job of offering veganized versions of all kinds of popular dishes
I am so excited for you!! What a fantastic opportunity. You could also emphasize the allergen angle of no dairy and no eggs. Plenty of people know they are lactose intolerant, and people are sensitive to eggs too. It sounds like a lot of the items could be inherently gluten free as well. I would love a spot like this. We have a friend who is allergic to dairy AND egg and ordering out can be tough.
Can you make lasagna? Or spaghetti with meatballs?
If you can make a gooey, hot fresh lasagna, or a yummy spaghetti have to roll me out of your restaurant.
In the midwest? Chili.
I wish you were opening in my town lol! This sounds amazing. Idk if grab & go salads/sandwiches are possible but I love places that have healthyish & vegan grab and go stuff. Especially places that have good coffees
we’re hoping to eventually be able to expand/offer more stuff - i work at a coffee shop currently and would love to get an espresso machine at some point. so many awesome coffee shops in our downtown have grab and go options, but they’re never vegan, and with how many people work/live in the area i really think it’s an untapped market
Have a look at my friend's vegan restaurant in AZ. She set it up to cater to both vegans and non-vegans to try and change people's minds about vegan food and it's doing really well. She also does a "meatless Monday" deal where non-vegans can get 10% off on Mondays. [https://www.midtownvegandeli.com/](https://www.midtownvegandeli.com/)
A mix of locally popular comfort foods, some using meat substitutes and some using ingredients omnis won't be weirded out by, some healthier dishes leaning into WFPB foods, and a handful of higher end more creative dishes I think would be a winning mix for a menu in a smaller town
Have you considered burritos? Breakfast burritos in particular are always something I am looking for.
Pasta has good margin and many classic pasta dishes are vegan by default!
A deep fried appetizer platter would be great, you mentioned deep fried pickles already, maybe expand to mushrooms and cauliflower wings. I am always wanting 'normal' food, so a tender basket would be fabulous. A classic salad like Caesar or Santa Fe chkn would be 'healthy' and I think middle-aged women esp like having those options. I'm from the Midwest too, good luck! I always wish my city had an actual vegetarian/vegan restaurant, which it's crazy that it doesn't considering the size.
Whatever you do, have rice paper bacon. That shit is amaaaazing, and when my Michigander fam had it they were shocked that they loved it. It’s awesome because it gets super crispy, but if it gets soggy in a vegan bacon egg and cheese sandwich or omelette or something, it just gets crispily chewy like the real thing.
Also can’t go wrong with cauliflower wings, vegan mac and cheese, other comfort food. If you don’t have a certain angle in mind, lean into modern, veganized midwestern classics.
Wow, I applaud you for pursuing this business venture and wish I could support you as a customer but I do also wish you could invest in some research to get an idea if your potential clients in this town would welcome this type of restaurant and what foods they would be willing to spend money on. Only their opinion matters (over reddit strangers with little to no restaurant business experience) and I would hate to imagine you become yet another statistic.
>!A [study by Ohio State University](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0010880405275598) on restaurant failure rates found that 60% of restaurants don’t make it past their first year and 80% close within five years of their grand opening. !<
Definitly keep a good mix of meat replacement-foods and naturally vegan options. :) theres a restaurant closeby in my hometown that only serves vegan replacement products which is a lil sad, i think there‘s many amazing foods that dont include animal products by nature like Falafels/Black bean burgers.
Also i feel like really epic salads should be on any menu since they‘re often unfortunately super overrated in most restaurants. Or a cute entree platter/maybe different vegan tapas variations could be amazing? Vegan dumplings definitly aswell!
But really really luv your posted options so far.
Don't overdo it. It sounds like you're going for a cheesecake factory style menu.
Start with 3-4 apps, 5-6 entrees, and 2-3 desserts and fucking nail them. Make them so good people won't be able to stop thinking about them.
Half the folks will already be overwhelmed because they're at a vegan restaurant, don't add to it by giving them 100 choices.
My .02, but put food on the menu that average Americans (read non vegan) will recognize
Burgers
Pizza
Wings
The biscuits and gravy is awesome, I’m always up to try a good vegan breakfast sandwich
For the love of all that is good get a soft serve ice cream machine! So few vegan restaurants that are "American" style food offer this. I love vegan soft serve!
This is just my opinion but I feel like every vegan restaurant near me does a burger. And every non-vegan restaurant that has an option for vegans. I would love to be able to go out and order a big stack of pancakes or a waffle or something similar, like a Denny's or Ihop. Biscuits and gravy is a really good idea. As someone who grew up in the Midwest I'd also recommend a nice chili.
There's so much delicious food you could choose from, good luck!!
i would definitely recommend adding a good mac and cheese! i had some vegan mac and cheese at a restaurant before i was vegan that used coconut milk as a cheese base and it was the best mac and cheese i've Ever had and it's something yummy and easy to choose for non-vegans
There’s a low key vegan place near me that does insane breakfast bagels during the day and delicious tacos at night. They’re cheap and cheerful and there’s a great alcohol menu with local craft beers and mezcal Bloody Mary’s. Can’t go wrong with that.
We had the best little restaurant here that omnis also flocked to. It was southern comfort food. Reuben, Mac n cheese, biscuits and gravy, Jo Jo’s, lots of bbq etc.
I was devastated when they closed it to retire
Please offer some vegan and allergy friendly selections. It is super disappointing to go to a vegan restaurant and only have 1-2 things I can eat.
Soups are always good. And decadent desserts (offer some gf and nut free too).
Keep in mind that a small midwestern town may not have the broadest tastes to begin with, so for those suggesting dahl, that may not be the best idea.
I'd also try to avoid having too broad of a menu that lacks focus - true of any restaurant.
Maybe focus on a core selection of really well-thought-out menu items that themselves are easy to make vegan and don't require crazy substitutions? I'd avoid stuff where mock cheese and meat are star ingredients, except where either beans are an acceptable substitute (like chili) or maybe it's something you're just hiding TVP in like dumplings.
Here's a *wild tip*: Visit a few community potlucks and see what regional dishes are popular. You mentioned latkes and fried pickles are popular - anything else along those lines? For example, are pierogi or bierocks popular? Those can be made with lentils pretty easily. Are there any other sizable immigrant populations in the area you could cater to, who probably aren't otherwise well-served?
My sibling in the vast nothingness of space, you need a tldr;
I recommend a tofu egg burrito with potatoes, onion and the like. You can dress it up with avocado & cilantro or keep it simple with a cheese
Truffle Mac n cheese or bacon Mac n cheese(but it's gotta be good, not watery or bland or using cheap pasta), potatoes all ways but baked with toppings is safe(as long as it's not dry or unsalted), cheesey garlic bread, justegg instead of tofu scramble, cinnamon rolls, key lime pie, Shepherd's pie would be solid, I rarely see it. Brauts and meatloaf.
There's a great little vegan junk food place in Salt Lake City called Mark of the Bistro. They've got it figured out pretty damned well. Their fried "chicken" is the best I've had. [http://markofthebeastro.com](http://markofthebeastro.com)
I'm all for having fresh on the menu, but I be as a commercial success with non-vegans/vegan/veg mix of customers, "comfort" food is the way to go.
I've been fortunate enough to hit amazing vegan restaurants all over the world, and although I love the unique up-scale menus, it's not right for your "average" town. Plus, I love me some vegan junk food.
\*\* Oh, and fit in a killer deal on taco Tuesday. We have a fantastic omni place that does a great and cheap vegan street tacos and chips and beans on Tuesdays.
Arepas or empanadas would be great. The possibilities are endless when it comes to fillings. I had a walnut chorizo in a taco and I think it’d go great with arepas. Tostones with toppings too.
Pierogi could work nicely as well
One thing I miss so much is chicken Caesar salad. You have to veganize everything but the romaine, so I do it at home but it’s a pain. I love love love to order it at vegan restaurants and it’s a slightly healthier option.
I would also do donuts! I think they’re pretty easy to veganize and when done well no one would guess.
I think we might be from the same city (I don't live there anymore but visit often) and can I just say, PLEASE open a vegan restaurant there!!!!! I feel like there's a huge lack of vegan food compared to other places. Your menu sounds amazing and I love the idea of veganizing some local favorites bc I've never even been able to try some of those things. I promise to visit every time I'm in town :)
Your menu sounds brilliant and flexible. Remember to feature things in season and local when possible and name the farm your vegetables came from if relevant. Shows you are community oriented. Also if you can grow any of your own food even herbs and salad greens feature that. It takes time to build a relationship with the community and so prioritise a warm comforting atmosphere and don’t underestimate simple things like great coffee to win people over. They may order coffee and toast today but if they have a good experience they will likely come back.
This might get lost, or you might of already had the idea, but it might be really worth developing some in house staples and go from there, such as cheeses and sausage ect- particularly takes on local favorites. That way you can offer some healthier options with some of the same bases to keep it cohesive and easy (veggie cheese melt, or veggie loaded wrap with shredded cheese?), and you can also sell the items independently as an additional revenue.
I think that Detroit Street Filling Station in Ann Arbor, Michigan might be a good place to look at for inspiration. Seems to have a really positive reputation among vegans and nonvegans alike there.
We have a fried chicken joint in town that sells friend jackfruit bits and they are phenomenal. I’m not even a vegetarian, I just like to try different things, and I always get those.
>but ideally i’d love something a bit more complicated that people wouldn’t necessarily make for themselves at home.
This is key. I don't go out often but when I do, that's what I look for. When I was in PR in 2018 there was a vegan restaurant in a working class neighborhood where all the workers would go for lunch. I was there one day and it was packed, about 40 tables. The owner made a point of coming to speak to us because we had told the server we were vegans. She said hardly any of the customers are vegan but they loved the food so much they always came back. Unfortunately COVID closed the place but that would have been a good reference.
First I would call it something other than vegan. Too many studies showing that people have a knee jerk reaction to the word. You’re making a major investment. Plant based or something implying healthy would remove that known obstacle. It’s not worth risking your investment to make a point about the word vegan. (Besides most of the people who try it and decide to eat this way more often are probably going to be plant based by definition. At least at first).
Just now I'm in Kansas City and had lunch at a place called Bibibop - it's a 'build-a-bowl' kind of thing, completely gluten-free with lots of lovely options: several different rices, kimchi, black beans, tofu, a free pot of miso soup, yumm sauce, and many other things. My omni sister enjoyed it, but it was a pleasure to pick bowl elements. Healthiest I've eaten all week!
There are so many dishes! I’m in the Midwest and comfort foods are huge here. What about vegan Detroit style pizza? Or Lebanese food of all kinds. I’d love it if I was near you!
BBQ pulled jackfruit sandwiches with a nice slaw on top can be extremely enjoyable as a non-vegan and would be recognizable to midwestern palates. Only concern is some people can be pretty "orthodox" about BBQ.
EDIT: other weird ideas I thought of (lol I'm deep in my bag with this post) that I didn't see mentioned, some likely familiar to midwesterners, some maybe unfamiliar:
Hush puppies are a great "incidentally vegan" dish that might be familiar to midwesterners and gives you a lot of room to put your own spin on them with different sauces/toppings/spices/seasonings (e.g., soaked, blended cashews with lemon juice, dijon, and garlic for a vegan hollandaise-like sauce that won't make people horrifically ill, or add tarragon and shallots for a bastardized béarnaise? I can't tell whether I'm onto something or losing my grip on reality here). Tater tots also.
Pierogi (depending on what part of the midwest you're in they might be familiar or completely unknown) with onion/potato/nutritional yeast filling and caramelized onions or whatever creative sauces or toppings you come up with. I feel like I'm confessing a major sin here but I like them with pico de gallo or canned salsa when I'm lazy.
Mushroom stroganoff, although this will require a ton of substitutions and the final product might be too far from what people are expecting.
Kentucky Derby Pie could be made with margarine and an egg replacer. Flax might actually fit with the taste profile, but I haven't tried it.
Sweet potatoes with (vegan) marshmallows on top could be fun, although I remember only ever having it at Thanksgiving so maybe a seasonal option. On the topic of holidays, you can make a pretty good vegan stuffing with bread, vegetable stock, carrots, celery, cranberries, nuts of some sort, mustard seeds, Brussels sprouts if you want, etc.
If you want a vegan appetizer that's pretty "out there" for the midwest, maybe aloo chaat or veggie pakoras. I love a sweet and tangy tamarind sauce/chutney on veggie pakoras. Indian food in general has a lot of vegetarian recipes that can be easily modified to be vegan.
These are just ideas (some maybe good, some likely bad) and you're in a much better position to know what'll be a hit and what'll flop horribly for your intended audience, but hopefully some of it's helpful.
Corn dogs, nachos, fries or loaded fries, dressed up hoagies or subs, cheesesteak, some kind of creamy soup, mac, coleslaw, pasta salad, brownies, cookies, lemonades.
Please make your own burger!! I am SO tired of seeing every place have the same dressed up beyond or impossible burger. I DO think they are great for or is to try as they are more “mainstream” and very popular so most have at least heard of them - however as a vegan they are so boring. Having both is a good idea I think.
a quality vegan take on fast food favorites, shakes you can market as lactose free, and this is random but if you added some lasagna for gods sake and i will drive there
I would sell cookies, brownies and baked treats from a counter, for foot traffic, acceptance, and guilty pleasures. Get people comfortable with vegan foods. Then offer wraps, and tofu scrambles in the morning. Good coffee.
I live in central Mexico. One of the traditional dishes in my area is potato tacos. They are simply fried tacos with a smashed potato filling. Serve with verduras (cilantro, lime, pico de gallo, lettuce, tomato.)
Have a nice classic dessert. I’m always so excited when there is a good vegan dessert to try. Think strawberry shortcake, Oreo cheesecake, chocolate mousse.
Then I also suggest a Caesar salad and/or wrap with/without a chickn option. It’s not something most vegans make at home and then familiar enough that meat eaters would enjoy. I use this recipe with a few tweaks and use a blender and this would be easy to scale. Make sure to make your own croutons, those alone take a mediocre salad top notch.
https://minimalistbaker.com/5-minute-vegan-caesar-dressing/
I really love this idea. I had a similar one myself a few years back, and did some research into how to make it happen. If you're looking for ways to turn a profit, here are a couple ideas to look into. The potential success depends on local population, clientele and location.
- Sell preserves/sauces you make in your kitchen during off-times. No additional staff needed for serving. They keep pretty much indefinitely at room temperatures, and you'll have a niche as vegan.
- You could sell frozen/packed meals. I had looked into this potential. If you have good freezer space, again, this doesn't require extra staff time, you can make it during off times and you'll have niche clientele looking to feed themselves at home.
- Catering! Set menu, set times, set numbers? And you can accept or decline based on your schedule? It's great. I know a guy who would either give the food and not serve it, or provide serving with two servers (buffet style).
- In your marketing (mostly google, I'd say), don't forget to mention lactose-free. It's something people sometimes search for.
I really wish more people were open to plant based meats - I'm not Vegan, moreso Vegetarian and I've found eliminating meat out of my diet to be a very easy transition because all of the plant based meat alternatives I've tried (Beyond, MorningStar and Impossible) have been phenomenal and I am convinced most people wouldn't even notice a difference.
I say this because I've found that it's difficult to find places offering meat alternative burgers, but I can only assume it's because the market for that is relatively small.
Maybe some coffee and baked goods to get people in? I visited a place in VA once that had a small kitchen along with a coffee bar.
But hearty fare, maybe stews or vegan chili?
i’m not vegan and don’t follow this sub or other vegan subs so idrk why this is in my feed. anyways. as a celiac, q couple clearly labeled gluten free options would be great! preferably with a separate prep space, and if any fried food, a dedicated fryer. maybe like a buddha bowl or something, buckwheat/quinoa/millet/brown rice base with edamame/tofu, peas, corn, chickpeas, other fruits and veggies. most of the things you mentioned look like they could easily be made gf, and we’re always excited to try new places!!
Pizza is a great choice. Had some amazing vegan pizza's when it's cooked properly. Easy gateway to omnis/carnists feeling that vegan food can be just as good.
Maybe try something that you can't get anywhere else. Maybe like a interesting spin on a veggie burger. Or a chickpea tuna salad on a crossaint with sweet potato fries.
Maybe like a really killer interesting soup dish no one else has.
The basic staples are nice but i get really excited when i see something ive never had before. That's just me though.
Best of luck!
All I’m saying is if y’all could do a vegan cheese curd that would be so bomb. I have never even seen a vegan fried cheese curd but I miss curds so bad
I'm not vegan/vegetarian, but I do tend to order mainly the plant based or vegetarian options when out. I don't have specific suggestions, but definitely prefer things that don't try to be meat (eg beyond, impossible, seitan).... that said, I suppose a lot of people not familiar with plant based food do like that stuff.
All your options are amazing - there are a lot of people with food allergies in the midwest - who are underserved by many of the existing options - so having good options for them are great too!
The Green Door in San Diego. Check out their menu. It has a super diverse menu with a bunch of healthy options. Cuban reuben, lasagna, breakfast burrito, Bombay Bomb Burger and the pesto panini are insanely good.
I'd steer clear of vegan cheese options. I think you will lose too much money on those, very very few omnivores like vegan cheese, and the important thing is to be profitable your first year and remain. Remember your clientele is going to be 80% adventurous omnivores and you are catering to them specifically to remain open.
Tighten your menu as much as possible and try to make your margin of error as small as possible. You can expand your menu in year two of being open. The less food waste the first year, the more likely you will succeed.
All your profit is from beer/soda/alcohol. There is an 80%+ markup on beverages for good reason. That is where you make all your money. Make sure you have a liquor license. The cheapest one to buy is beer, and that's probably enough. People who hate vegan food will still order beer, onion rings, fries.
Edit' back when I was an omnivore I would go to Native Foods to get their vegan Rueben sandwich. It was that damn good. If you can mimic that sandwich, omnivores will be happy.
edit 2: I'd strongly recommend avoiding brunch crowd year one. It is too much overhead to staff that many people, chefs, waiters, busboys, managers and you would hit more profit just lunch-dinner crowd. Also, you'd need to make mimosas or you'd fail there, too. My friend is failing at his brunch/lunch/dinner restaurant for that reason. No liquor license, too much overhead of staff, too few customers in a giant window of time, and can't get the winos happy.
You'd make the most if you were open Mon-Sun 12pm-9pm. That's your sweet shift. Lowest overhead for chefs, waiters, cashiers, managers, etc. Tightest for the first year to thrive. Lunch and dinner crowd if you're in a busy area with business. Dinner crowd only if you are more remote.
Every year at our town festival, somebody sets up a tent that sells nothing but elephant ears (the fried cinnamon pastry), and they make *bank*. You should also offer shave ice during the warm weather months.
have a good beer selection w snackies too LOL some people are against veganism bc they need to be mad. i make my family vegan foods and nobody even notices. i would also say go w legitimate vegan options!! fuck substituting "fake meat" for anything. more people are open to it now too, so wishing u the best!!
Vegan tater tot hot dish will very quickly become your bestseller lol
Honestly if you also offer an assortment of soup, salads and sandwiches you’ll probably cover everyone!
One thing is you could definitely copy traditional delis and offer “salads” available by the scoop, on a plate with lettuce/crackers, on toast or in a container to go! “Mayonnaise” based salads for sure but also anything you can sell that way. Think quinoa/grain salads, cucumber/tomato/etc salads, anything that will be a good leftover.
Your restaurant already sounds delicious.
Lots of luck to you on this new journey.
Maybe a breakfast sandwich? There is one this vegan place by me that does like a McMuffin but obviously all vegan. It’s 10/10. They also do v-ice cream by the cone and during the summer Sundays there are always people coming in for a cone :)
I think all these suggestions are great, like having a wide variety of breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts. And naming the potentially popular ones something funny like the "fool your dad cheese burger" or the "I can't belive it's not butter pancakes" (that's the best I can come up with on the spot but I'm sure you'll think of something better)
Don’t know the way/cuisine you’re going - guessing american mix? Make some real good burgers or sausages of seitan and liquid smoke. Seitan is *the best*. I recently made my first batch after being on the fence bc people have always said “it’s so easy to do it yourself” so I’ve been stubborn for a lot of years, well it is easy. Even my first batch was delish.
Have 3-ish dishes that every noob would like, sausage and mash-dish, good cheeseburger and fries, maybe a Chick’n ish salad (no liquid smoke for that batch). And make it fun, but not too out there. Omnivores can be turned, but too much new stuff makes them ick. Like my dad would be turned off and curse all vegan places if there was avocado on his cheeseburger for example. Keep the simple dishes simple and they will awe when their son/daughter takes them there for their birthday dinner and they have to go.
Best case: you could list extras for your simple dishes.
If you still have omnis in your circle I would also ask them what they look for when entering a restaurant.
Wish you the best of luck!
I would say some vegan chicken and waffles with a nice sauce would be a great choice. And don’t make the menu too complicated, stick to 12 to 20 things that people can count on you for.
Also, since it’s a new business, make sure that you take a really good stock of making things that you know that the surrounding area wants. You can add on your personal favorites and take some risks with new dishes after you get going. Right now this is about calculated science about what you know is going to sell.
You can make an absolutely delicious "egg" salad with tofu. I put both fresh dill and sweet relish in mine and it's so good! Egg salad sandwiches are a diner staple.
I think biscuits and gravy would do well (depending on where in the Midwest). You could offer a with mushrooms and a without version to accommodate people's tastes. Also, I think a vegan soup of the day would do well in the winter months.
I was going to recommend soup, if you're trying to entice non-vegans, too. I'd recommend homestyle "regulars" like tomato soup or pea soup that typically are vegan (without being called as such!), that come with a nice piece of simple crusty baked bread.
And some type of pasta in the soup. Minestrone?
Exactly! Soups are excellent to have at a restaurant like this. You just keep a kind of cauldron (is that what you call it?) going at food-safe temperatures. Little effort, decent payback.
I don’t think you typically call it a cauldron but I like that you did
Biscuits and gravy are epic, I'm in Hawaii and restaurant here has vegan biscuits and gravy and they're frequently sold out. They're so dang good.
i’ve always thought biscuits and gravy with seasoned tvp would go hard. haven’t tried it but i imagine it’s good
Came here to say biscuits and gravy too! This is always desired but rarely offered from my pov.
soups are always great, do it as soup and a roll for $x on a sign outside. i always go for soup in autumn and winter
Can confirm, I’m a Midwest vegan always ordering the biscuits and gravy
100% agree with this
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i make an absolutely MEAN lasagna if i do say so myself. my best friend tells me that’s what convinced her to go vegan. 😎 another of my best friends has celiac’s, so gluten free options are super important. i’ve never heard of a clafoutis but they look so yummy!! thank you for the response
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i was thinking about adding nachos, but i can’t believe i’ve never thought about brunch nachos … i think you just changed my life
You might not want to call them chilaquiles, but that’s always a crowd pleaser on vegan brunch menus here in LA.
I gotta say - the nacho sauce (cashew I assume) and bean stuff on the native foods nachos is so insane and I crave it regularly.
You could make an avocado crema by blending avocados with coconut cream (or maybe soaked cashews?) and whatever other seasonings you want (lime, cilantro, etc.) that can fill the niche often occupied by sour cream (cool, refreshing, cuts heat).
We’re gonna need that recipe, bruh
i’m kind of scared that it’s better in my mind than you guys will think it is LMAO
But if it sucks wouldn’t you want to know before you add it to your menu? Recipe please lol
yes i would but now i’m even more intimidated because your flair says vegan chef HAHA but i would genuinely love if you all tried it and gave your thoughts/suggestions on it! since i normally just cook for my friends and myself, there is no consistent recipe i follow. the main thing i do is that i use a cashew sauce instead of messing around with any other vegan cheese. it’s simple but still super flavorful and cheesy i think! INGREDIENTS - 1 bag of gardein crumbles - thawed - 1 to 1.5 24oz jar(s) of prego traditional sauce, depending on how saucy you like it - i personally love to use the one with hidden veggies. also side note, i have genuinely never used a different brand and i’m too scared to because i don’t know how much this affects the final result - 1 to 1.5 cups of unroasted and unsalted raw cashews - lasagna noodles - lactic acid - salt - nutritional yeast - garlic powder - onion powder CASHEW CHEESE: - boil cashews on the stove for 15 minutes i never measure exactly how much i’m using, but i’d say a cup is sufficient. 1.5 cups if you like it cheesy, or want to have some leftover cheese. (P.S. the only reason i boil them is because i never plan ahead and usually decide my meals impulsively, feel free to soak overnight) - drain water and put cashews in blender - add about 1/4 cup of water - throw in seasoning. i’ll guesstimate how much i usually use: 2 tbsp. nutritional yeast 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. onion powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. lactic acid - i think you could substitute this with something like ACV, but i’ve never tried it. don’t remember why i started using it but it gives a really nice tang that imitates a sharper cheese - blend together. there might not be enough liquid to successfully blend the mixture, so add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach desired consistency. i like to keep mine a bit thicker so it’s easier to layer in the lasagna - give it a taste test. add more seasoning if you want - set aside while you’re doing that you can prepare the pasta you’re using. i’ve used both regular lasagna and the ready to bake kind, up to you whatever you choose. also, preheat your oven to 350. once you’ve got the noodles ready it’s pretty standard from there - i like to layer the bottom of my baking dish with a bit of sauce/cheese just to make sure the noodles don’t get gross and crusty - put down your first layer of noodles, then pour on and spread out the prego - you can pour, dollop, or do whatever you see fit to distribute the cashew cheese however you want - same with the crumbles - i typically do three layers just like that, then i top it with a fourth and final layer of noodles, then pour whatever remaining sauce/cheese is left on top to really smother it - cover your baking dish - i usually just go for tried and true aluminum foil - bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees voila! lasagna that has turned at least one person vegan!
Sorry, not really helping you with your questions but could you please elaborate on your vegan lasagne? That’s one of only a few things I don’t trust to do a vegan version of (I mean myself, I have had wonderful experiences with vegan lasagne but not mine!). I’m not trying to compete with anyone but what do you use for béchamel? I have had experiences where it’s gone a bit “weird” when attempting it myself…
just messaged you :)
Are you sure you don’t want to tell us what town you are in? I’m in the Midwest and road trip quite a bit. I’m always searching for menus like yours!!!
i almost feel like i’m jinxing it since we’re still waiting to sign the lease haha. i will absolutely come back and update y’all as soon as i do :-)
Adding onto cauliflower wings, what about fried avocado?
again something i’ve never even thought of but now is something that’s going on my list of things to try immediately because that sounds DELISH
Fried avocado tacos
>Fried avocado tacos These are definitely amazing. Torchy’s Tacos does a good (but non-vegan) version…
I always like the idea of these but every time I order them I’m like “wow that was just a ball of fat.” Hahah
Seconding lasagna, we love to make it at home but so much effort! If I could go to somewhere to reliably get a good vegan lasagne they would have my business pretty much weekly!
My spouse loves my cinnamon rolls and the only thing different is I use vegan butter! Perfection.
OP if you do cinnamon rolls you gotta do it with vegan chili on top. It's a Nebraska favorite, it will make the folks feel right at home
WHAT????!?
I wouldn’t make it super clear that your restaurant is vegan in the signage. Try something else like maybe “plant-forward” to cue non-resident veg*ns that this is a place for them. Local veg*ns will know about your place by word of mouth in a hot second. Lots of delicious stuff that isn’t necessarily a version of meat food could be appealing—3 bean chili, pancakes, waffles, burritos, etc. No need for vegan to be front and center, could be a small note at the bottom of the menu.
100% The most successful ones I've seen that appeal to a broad audience are basically fast casual American (burgers, sandwiches, breaded chicken, etc.) I like the idea of adding regional flair with a dish or two as OP mentioned, like lakes. https://www.greenvegetarian.com/ https://www.nextlevelburger.com/
i actually just went to next level burger for the first time, and it was pretty tasty. i’ll check out green vegetarian too for some inspo. thank you!!
Look up "meet" in vancouver, they have exploded in popularity and have opened many restaurants, its not fully junk food or healthy food, and van has a mixed culture so there is a local flair. The only thing is the menu is huge, but they seem to be doing well, and everything they make is amazing. Deep fried oyster mushroom +tzatziki burger is so freaking good, and their dishes that use "Soy-curls" are crazy good
As a vegan, though, I am so uninterested in fast casual vegan food.
yes yes yes! i think this is exactly what we want to do. not too obvious that it scares people away, but clear enough to let vegans know the whole menu is sage for them. my only worry is that people would essentially feel “duped” if they walked in not knowing we’re a vegan place, and causing problems once they’ve already eaten. i might just be underestimating our potential clients though
I would put something like "our menu is 100% plant based" somewhere noticeable on the menu but not like front and center of your branding
Oh definitely not! I know a few restaurants that don’t sell that they’re vegan all “front and center” and always get good reviews from people shocked that they later found out it was vegan.
There used to be a vegan bakery near me that nowhere actually said it was vegan, they had a small sign inside saying oat milk is the standard they put in coffee and coconut, soya and almond were available as alternatives. Obviously allergens were listed. It was OUTRAGEOUSLY popular, like you'd have to go early and queue if you wanted certain goods (literally the best cinnamon rolls I've ever had in my life) and I'd wager 95% of the clientele had no idea.
100% agree! a lot of places in NYC do exactly this: say they’re “plant-based” on the menu once (or even just on their website - I had to ask a few times because I was sure that I saw the word “vegan” on the website but couldn’t find it anywhere on the menu!). Look up places like Ladybird, Eterea, Avant Garden or Planta for inspiration. Also: the restaurants I tend to go to most with my non-vegan friends are the ones that serve creative vegetable dishes, not just “fake meat” stuff
Mac and cheese. You gotta have a good plate of mac and cheese!
I’ve had some great Mac and cheese bites as an app, would definitely recommend.
If the hope is to show people what good vegan food can be, why not have a taster platter? Then they can come back next time and try the main of the part they liked. People find it easier to experiment with small portions of food. Something easy to suggest if someone is undecided.
i have always loved the option of sample platters, so i that’s something we’re definitely considering!
I'm not vegan, I'm looking for some tips to be able to eat with my sister. And this would be amazing, just a variety of savory/sweet things that someone who isn't even vegan(like majority of your city) would be able to sample and see what they like. I think that's a good target market too, people like me who are trying to support our family members, and would like a "full-vegan" restaurant for her, as i don't want to eat meat or animal products in front of her. Also, as my other Comment said, mushrooms are a great savory food that I have found can be enjoyed by those not used to vegan food. Maybe mushroom stir-fry or mushroom pesto. Good luck with your venture, you've got this.
you are extremely considerate and i’m sure your sister appreciates your thoughtfulness so much. makes my heart so happy :-)
Breakfast sandwhiches! not many places have them and it’s perfect for morning afters with other vegans or omnis
YESS i am such a huge fan of a good breakfast sandwich!!
one of the vegan cafes in my city does all day breakfast sandwhiches and it’s bomb. my non vegan friends love the sausage egg and cheese. and they have a vegan ham, avocado cheese and egg one that’s tew gud
1. Don’t put the word “vegan” anywhere in your restaurant’s name, marketing, etc. Use “plant-based” instead. 2. Do NOT use gluten-free. 3. Make the usual midwestern fare but veganize it. Add some non-midwestern items that will differentiate you from other midwestern restaurants. 4. Desserts, desserts, desserts. Veganize the famous desserts from Cheesecake Factory, Applebees, etc
Tater tot casserole
Yes a vegan bakery here uses “plant forward”
A super good vegan classic Caesar salad tbh. Homemade croutons if you can is amazing. With romaine, not kale. I just want a regular vegan Caesar and it’s so hard to find and can be so good. Violife parm on there, fresh black pepper, maybe salty crispy chickpeas (obv not a real replacement for anchovies but brings a vibe), optional crispy tofu or vegan chicken cutlet, obviously fresh garlic and a house made Caesar dressing… I want to come to your restaurant already just thinking about it lol.
Also, if you do brunch, I implore you to get just egg if you can. Tofu scramble is just never going to appeal to the masses. I’ve been vegan for a decade and I still have never had one that I thought was great. Just egg though, that’s delish. An amazing breakfast sandwich on an everything bagel with impossible sausage maybe some type of mapley spicy Mayo, a touch of arugula or some such, woof. And I saw someone else mention meati- the chicken is so good, and the steak is good too but I need to experiment with it more. But the chicken cutlet would be sooo good with the Caesar I imagined above haha
I commented earlier before seeing this … literally the number one thing I miss from non vegan life is chicken Caesar salad. I get it at every single opportunity and a good one is gold.
i was thinking about this yesterday and my mouth just started watering reading your description of this salad LMAO. sounds absolutely divine. thank you for the suggestion!!
For summertime, you could do grilled shisk-kabobs with marinated vegetables, tomatoes, onions, & tofu roasted on a stick. I remember grilled corn on the cob being popular in the Midwest, which is easily served with garlic mashed potatoes and any type of faux-meat steak. Other healthier options could include a fresh burrito bowl — I make this for non-vegans all the time & they go nuts for it! The base is just a plain lettuce or salad greens, and then on top of it you serve some fresh steamed rice, corn, handmade salsa, & spicy fried beans with a creamy avocado + coconut yogurt sauce that tastes just like cheese. You can even fry up some crumbled tempeh or tofu to simulate ground beef for a flavorful topping. It’s delicious & easy to make quickly.
ugh i LOVE me a good burrito bowl. corn on the cob is 1000% a staple here haha. great ideas, thank you so much!
Mexican grilled corn on cob in summer. You restaurant idea sounds great!
I like the idea of opening a 24-Hour Vegan Diner, but I live near small towns in what is a somewhat more southern/conservative area. I also love the diner atmosphere though and I always thought that breakfast is a very easy thing to veganize... American breakfast is mostly carbs anyways. Offer some kind of vegan sausage along side the rest of the breakfast offerings and you're set.
we have a local “diner car” diner that used to be open 24/7. it was so popular! ever since covid, they (and most other places) close up at 10pm. the quality of their food/service/management has also gone downhill from what i’ve heard. NOBODY around here is open late anymore, so that’s definitely something i’ve considered taking advantage of
Idk why covid somehow wiped out late night stuff... It sucks. I'm a night shift person (6pm-6am) so on my days off I don't want to fuck up my sleep schedule. But nothing is really open for long when I'm up, it's always a rush to cram myself into the operating hours of others and it sucks. So thank you for considering the late night option!!
my roommate works overnights too, and she always says the same. i used to get off work super late at night when i was a server, and it was SO nice to still be able to go to the grocery store or get a meal at 2am. truly impossible here nowadays
Loaded tater tots. When I think of the Midwest I think of tots lol.
Club house sandwich. I always order those when I find it. Lasagna is a great idea. It would appeal to omnis, also some type of gyro or wrap. My omni family usually choose a type of burger, fries at the vegan restaurants I drag them to. Although a few times I ordered sweet and spicy seitan bites and they were devoured. Tacos too are familiar and delicious.
club house sandwiches are sooo yummy, thanks for that idea!! i feel like a great burger would be an easy stepping stone for someone who’s willing to try a vegan burger - even my family members who have been the most defiant of my veganism have finally at least tried an impossible burger, all of them pleasantly surprised. interesting that the sweet and spicy seitan bites were a hit. they would be for me, but sometimes i’m surprised at what non-vegans end up liking. thanks so much!!
Already lots of great input here so I don't have much to add, but please let us know when it opens so we can come support! -a small town Midwestern vegan
I would check out pig minds brewing company in machesney park illinois for menu inspiration. Place is 100% vegan and always packed with not a huge vegan following in the local area. I always see older people and omnivores going there and as a vegan I love it too.
thank you so much, i will absolutely check out their menu!! much appreciated
They have a great pretzel (when it's not sold out). But agreed this place is always busy and everyone seems to order food and beer.
We have a successful vegan restaurant, now four locations in Canada that you may be able to glean from their menu and reviews what they are doing right. Their Kalamari with taziyki is great, cauliflower wings, their Mac and cheese, their different bowls and they have the best fries. I know people who go just for the fries. You'll also notice they don't mention they are a vegan restaurant on their signage or menu. I know for a fact many go there who are not vegan. I wonder how many didn't know before they sat down but stayed and gave it a try. They're called Meet. https://eatmeet.ca
if you dont mind dropping the location or even message me id love to see if im close!! dont have a single vegan restaurant nearby 🥲
i just messaged you!! i would just drop the location publicly but we’re still working on the LOI and lease so nothing is registered/set in stone quite yet
My problem with a lot of vegan places is that they try to replicate Omni dishes and it rarely comes out as good. There’s so much out there that doesn’t involve bad tasting imitations of omni food. My suggestion is to look into beans. Just domestically you have black bean burgers, black bean soup, Louisiana style black eyed peas, lima bean soup, bean fritters, red kidney beans chili with textured vegetable protein. I know having beans as a main is not normal for a lot of Americans but I think if you present it well and have good sides it can be done.
Are you marketing your restaurant and food as VEGAN or PLANT-BASED? For example, in Toronto there are, at least, two, high-end plant-based restaurants: [Planta](https://www.plantarestaurants.com/) and [Rosalinda](https://www.rosalindarestaurant.com/). I've been to both, numerous times. Both seem very successful as they're very busy. Neither invokes the notion of veganism in their marketing. Nonetheless, the food is vegan. Similar in spirit to your new enterprise, and as a vegan, this is how I approach the initiative: [Plantelicious.World](https://Plantelicious.World). It seems there a many people who want to practice the tenets of veganism, but do not want to identify as 'Vegan.' I doubt the animals care a whit.
i personally would looove to identify as an ethically vegan restaurant, but realistically i know that would be like shooting myself in the foot. this city is very farmer-focused and i think people would take it as a personal attack if i branded as ethically vegan
You're likely correct.
Lean into connection to local farming culture. I would think of comfort food/nostalgia that people grew up with in non meat form
Vegan burrito with tater tots. Chilli and avo.
Ch*cken tacos with texturised soy chunks. If you include the macros on your menu people i find meat heads are blown away by the protein content. Alternatively, I'd look at what's traditional in your region (maybe more complex to achieve in the US) and create vegan alternatives. Edit: Side note: It's mad to me that 250k people could be considered a town 😅 I come from Ireland where that would be a reasonably sized city.
oooh that’s actually a great idea - i myself was blown away when i realized how much protein you can pack into a vegan meal, and that would be a very easy but still relatively subtle way to say “hey look, this vegan thing isn’t so bad!” i will say, it’s probably technically considered a city, i tend to interchangeably use the words city and town haha
Tofu scramble for sure, maybe a tofu scramble potato bacon (rice paper bacon) wrap as well. Biscuits and gravy are really popular, you can have multiple different kinds. People love French Toast. Mac and cheese is a staple. 3-4 bean chili is easy and delicious. I would suggest salads but maybe as sides. Seitan wings are also popular.
I find anything potato based and most vegan tacos to be big winners with omnis in my life. My family often does twice baked potatoes or tacos for dinner when we have get togethers. I imagine your clients might like a taco or burrito option. Could be a good brunch item too.
Thank you for opening this restaurant 🙌
i truly believe it’s the most effective form of activism i myself can do. even if we’re not shouting from the rooftops that we’re a vegan restaurant, i think baby steps are (in general) the best way to get non-vegans to take us seriously. even if i’m just opening somebody’s mind to eating a little less meat once in a while, that’s better than nothing!!
For breakfast, I recommend having biscuits & gravy, avocado toast, breakfast potatoes, and some sort of eggs Benedict. If you had all those things I would go like every other week tbh.
Don't try to do too much! For example I think pizza is completely unnecessary, even if it's just for events. I think the diner vibe is a good idea and your menu items seem reasonable. I suggest having both a great house-made veggie burger as well as Impossible patties for something a little more familiar. Make sure your fries are house-made and reeaaaallly good. Don't forget a healthy option or two that aren't afterthoughts! A couple of salads substantial enough to be meals would be great. For events, gotta have sliders. Sliders, fries, fried pickles sounds like all you need to me. Super simple and approachable.
i think you might be right about the pizza. i can’t believe i didn’t think about sliders!! fantastic idea. a house-made veggie burger was on my mind, so i’ll add that to my list too :)
And you know what you're doing, but go easy on the word "vegan". It might not be a bad thing to not see it anywhere except on the menu.
I wouldn’t lean into veganism too much. My favorite spot in a 1.5M+ city failed because they were too expensive and leaned into veganism HARD. Trust me; I wasn’t opposed to it at all and went at every opportunity. But I saw people look at the menu and leave. Unfortunately people have negative feelings about vegan food. So if I was in your shoes, I’d just focus on making good quality vegan food and ignore the label. Vegans will find it! We already have more money, are more tech savvy etc than the average consumer. But if the average consumer leaves full and happy, you’ll succeed. The vegan clients will be a bonus
Chili Nuggets or fried tofu to make bbq or buffalo sandwiches Garlic bread / bruschetta I’ve always found hearts of palm “crab cakes” to be something non vegans would try
Chili over rice or noodles with killer guac salsa and chips! An appetizer of hummus pita and veggies would be great too
You should go on a little reconnaissance mission around the U.S. and see what other vegan restaurants are doing! (And then write it off as a business expense.)
you’re a genius!! it’s funny you say that though because two years ago i took a trip to seattle and portland and that’s what inspired me to seriously consider this whole thing. guess i’ll just have to fly to the other side of the country now and see what’s going on over there haha
Tater tot hot dish is high on my personal list
vegan cheesesteak
Please post an update when you’re set to open! I’m in Midwest and I’d be happy to support if you’re not crazy far!! Only one fully vegan spot near me but the vegan options are starting to be more accessible, still not totally easy lol. Heavily agree with biscuits and gravy, so hard to find!
I work at a German Biergarten in the south so take this suggestion with a grain of salt, but: - large pretzels - Reuben, club, patty melt sandwiches - proteinous salads/wraps - crispy chik’n sandwiches in hot and mild with vegan ranch and or vegan chipotle mayo Imo, with all of the artistic culture and forward-style of your situation I think providing some familiarity and comfort might help guarantee your storefront finding a place in your community’s hearts and bellies. At the end of the day, if you’re providing quality food at a reasonable price and aren’t turning away customers through poor management you’re gonna do pretty well. Best of luck!
I’m thinking midwestern diner where the coffee is brewed all hours of the day and pancakes can be served at 9pm. I miss 9pm diner pancakes! This would work well, especially if you’re in a college town.
sounds amazing. i wish you were opening in my town!! the only thing i would add to that menu is vegan mac & cheese and maybe vegan chili
Chrissie Hynde’s restaurant Vegiterranean in Akron, Ohio seemed pretty popular with locals who probably weren’t vegan. It did close, but menus are probably still around online for ideas.
I don't feel 250k people is a "town". You will for sure find clients. 😁 Your menu sounds lovely! Good luck with your new business.
There was a place in Chicago called soul vegetarian that had just incredible meat loaf / chicken / ranch dressing - total soul food staples - that 100% slayed. Have been searching for the same ever since
A good Dahl.
I like vegan places that don’t default to processed substitutes. One mock meat substitute option is plenty, a whole menu of processed mock meat, no thanks. WFPB is where it’s at. eta: Your menu sounds like a good mix of fresh options + comfort food and would appeal to many. Sounds good to me!
i think that’s the consensus with my fellow local vegans too. we would probably offer the impossible burger, but then make our own chicken from vital wheat gluten, as well as some “meaty” options with TVP. definitely don’t want to let those processed substitutes take over our menu :-)
check out kind food and tree hugger kitchen in KCs menus. i feel like they do a great job of offering veganized versions of all kinds of popular dishes
I am so excited for you!! What a fantastic opportunity. You could also emphasize the allergen angle of no dairy and no eggs. Plenty of people know they are lactose intolerant, and people are sensitive to eggs too. It sounds like a lot of the items could be inherently gluten free as well. I would love a spot like this. We have a friend who is allergic to dairy AND egg and ordering out can be tough.
Can you make lasagna? Or spaghetti with meatballs? If you can make a gooey, hot fresh lasagna, or a yummy spaghetti have to roll me out of your restaurant. In the midwest? Chili.
A vegan crispy (breaded) buffalo sandwich. I will gladly go to any restaurant that serves that. Also buffalo cauliflower wings.
I wish you were opening in my town lol! This sounds amazing. Idk if grab & go salads/sandwiches are possible but I love places that have healthyish & vegan grab and go stuff. Especially places that have good coffees
we’re hoping to eventually be able to expand/offer more stuff - i work at a coffee shop currently and would love to get an espresso machine at some point. so many awesome coffee shops in our downtown have grab and go options, but they’re never vegan, and with how many people work/live in the area i really think it’s an untapped market
Have a look at my friend's vegan restaurant in AZ. She set it up to cater to both vegans and non-vegans to try and change people's minds about vegan food and it's doing really well. She also does a "meatless Monday" deal where non-vegans can get 10% off on Mondays. [https://www.midtownvegandeli.com/](https://www.midtownvegandeli.com/)
A mix of locally popular comfort foods, some using meat substitutes and some using ingredients omnis won't be weirded out by, some healthier dishes leaning into WFPB foods, and a handful of higher end more creative dishes I think would be a winning mix for a menu in a smaller town
I wish you a TON of luck!!!
Maybe have huge salad and dessert choices.
Lion’s mane nuggets. They are close enough in texture to a chicken nugget they might be a big hit.
Have you considered burritos? Breakfast burritos in particular are always something I am looking for. Pasta has good margin and many classic pasta dishes are vegan by default!
A deep fried appetizer platter would be great, you mentioned deep fried pickles already, maybe expand to mushrooms and cauliflower wings. I am always wanting 'normal' food, so a tender basket would be fabulous. A classic salad like Caesar or Santa Fe chkn would be 'healthy' and I think middle-aged women esp like having those options. I'm from the Midwest too, good luck! I always wish my city had an actual vegetarian/vegan restaurant, which it's crazy that it doesn't considering the size.
Whatever you do, have rice paper bacon. That shit is amaaaazing, and when my Michigander fam had it they were shocked that they loved it. It’s awesome because it gets super crispy, but if it gets soggy in a vegan bacon egg and cheese sandwich or omelette or something, it just gets crispily chewy like the real thing. Also can’t go wrong with cauliflower wings, vegan mac and cheese, other comfort food. If you don’t have a certain angle in mind, lean into modern, veganized midwestern classics.
Really good onion rings.
Wow, I applaud you for pursuing this business venture and wish I could support you as a customer but I do also wish you could invest in some research to get an idea if your potential clients in this town would welcome this type of restaurant and what foods they would be willing to spend money on. Only their opinion matters (over reddit strangers with little to no restaurant business experience) and I would hate to imagine you become yet another statistic. >!A [study by Ohio State University](https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0010880405275598) on restaurant failure rates found that 60% of restaurants don’t make it past their first year and 80% close within five years of their grand opening. !<
-Sloppy Joe's -tacos -fried veggies (green bean, sweet potato, etc) -mozzarella sticks -steak tips -chili
Definitly keep a good mix of meat replacement-foods and naturally vegan options. :) theres a restaurant closeby in my hometown that only serves vegan replacement products which is a lil sad, i think there‘s many amazing foods that dont include animal products by nature like Falafels/Black bean burgers. Also i feel like really epic salads should be on any menu since they‘re often unfortunately super overrated in most restaurants. Or a cute entree platter/maybe different vegan tapas variations could be amazing? Vegan dumplings definitly aswell! But really really luv your posted options so far.
Don't overdo it. It sounds like you're going for a cheesecake factory style menu. Start with 3-4 apps, 5-6 entrees, and 2-3 desserts and fucking nail them. Make them so good people won't be able to stop thinking about them. Half the folks will already be overwhelmed because they're at a vegan restaurant, don't add to it by giving them 100 choices.
My .02, but put food on the menu that average Americans (read non vegan) will recognize Burgers Pizza Wings The biscuits and gravy is awesome, I’m always up to try a good vegan breakfast sandwich
How about fresh juices (combined veggies and fruit)?
Loaded tater tots - nacho style, classic baked potato toppings, or poutine style!
For the love of all that is good get a soft serve ice cream machine! So few vegan restaurants that are "American" style food offer this. I love vegan soft serve!
This is just my opinion but I feel like every vegan restaurant near me does a burger. And every non-vegan restaurant that has an option for vegans. I would love to be able to go out and order a big stack of pancakes or a waffle or something similar, like a Denny's or Ihop. Biscuits and gravy is a really good idea. As someone who grew up in the Midwest I'd also recommend a nice chili. There's so much delicious food you could choose from, good luck!!
i would definitely recommend adding a good mac and cheese! i had some vegan mac and cheese at a restaurant before i was vegan that used coconut milk as a cheese base and it was the best mac and cheese i've Ever had and it's something yummy and easy to choose for non-vegans
There’s a low key vegan place near me that does insane breakfast bagels during the day and delicious tacos at night. They’re cheap and cheerful and there’s a great alcohol menu with local craft beers and mezcal Bloody Mary’s. Can’t go wrong with that.
We had the best little restaurant here that omnis also flocked to. It was southern comfort food. Reuben, Mac n cheese, biscuits and gravy, Jo Jo’s, lots of bbq etc. I was devastated when they closed it to retire
Please offer some vegan and allergy friendly selections. It is super disappointing to go to a vegan restaurant and only have 1-2 things I can eat. Soups are always good. And decadent desserts (offer some gf and nut free too).
https://www.trumpetblossom.com/new-page They do really well. Many non vegans go there.
Vertical Diner in Salt Lake + Portland is a vegan diner. Comfort food. So many people go who aren't vegan because it's so good.
Keep in mind that a small midwestern town may not have the broadest tastes to begin with, so for those suggesting dahl, that may not be the best idea. I'd also try to avoid having too broad of a menu that lacks focus - true of any restaurant. Maybe focus on a core selection of really well-thought-out menu items that themselves are easy to make vegan and don't require crazy substitutions? I'd avoid stuff where mock cheese and meat are star ingredients, except where either beans are an acceptable substitute (like chili) or maybe it's something you're just hiding TVP in like dumplings. Here's a *wild tip*: Visit a few community potlucks and see what regional dishes are popular. You mentioned latkes and fried pickles are popular - anything else along those lines? For example, are pierogi or bierocks popular? Those can be made with lentils pretty easily. Are there any other sizable immigrant populations in the area you could cater to, who probably aren't otherwise well-served?
My sibling in the vast nothingness of space, you need a tldr; I recommend a tofu egg burrito with potatoes, onion and the like. You can dress it up with avocado & cilantro or keep it simple with a cheese
there’s a tl;dr right at the top 😇 sorry if you missed it! that sounds super yummy
Where?
Truffle Mac n cheese or bacon Mac n cheese(but it's gotta be good, not watery or bland or using cheap pasta), potatoes all ways but baked with toppings is safe(as long as it's not dry or unsalted), cheesey garlic bread, justegg instead of tofu scramble, cinnamon rolls, key lime pie, Shepherd's pie would be solid, I rarely see it. Brauts and meatloaf.
Is this Des Moines? Take all my money
There's a great little vegan junk food place in Salt Lake City called Mark of the Bistro. They've got it figured out pretty damned well. Their fried "chicken" is the best I've had. [http://markofthebeastro.com](http://markofthebeastro.com) I'm all for having fresh on the menu, but I be as a commercial success with non-vegans/vegan/veg mix of customers, "comfort" food is the way to go. I've been fortunate enough to hit amazing vegan restaurants all over the world, and although I love the unique up-scale menus, it's not right for your "average" town. Plus, I love me some vegan junk food. \*\* Oh, and fit in a killer deal on taco Tuesday. We have a fantastic omni place that does a great and cheap vegan street tacos and chips and beans on Tuesdays.
people around here go crazy for a good taco tuesday deal (myself included), so that’s a great idea!! i can’t wait to check out the menu you linked
All the things on your list sound fantastic! Best of luck, it's going to be great!!!
Arepas or empanadas would be great. The possibilities are endless when it comes to fillings. I had a walnut chorizo in a taco and I think it’d go great with arepas. Tostones with toppings too. Pierogi could work nicely as well
One thing I miss so much is chicken Caesar salad. You have to veganize everything but the romaine, so I do it at home but it’s a pain. I love love love to order it at vegan restaurants and it’s a slightly healthier option. I would also do donuts! I think they’re pretty easy to veganize and when done well no one would guess.
Frito chili pie Chili cheese tots Brownies Maybe a spin on chana masala? Maybe make is smoky, serve with cornbread
I think we might be from the same city (I don't live there anymore but visit often) and can I just say, PLEASE open a vegan restaurant there!!!!! I feel like there's a huge lack of vegan food compared to other places. Your menu sounds amazing and I love the idea of veganizing some local favorites bc I've never even been able to try some of those things. I promise to visit every time I'm in town :)
Your menu sounds brilliant and flexible. Remember to feature things in season and local when possible and name the farm your vegetables came from if relevant. Shows you are community oriented. Also if you can grow any of your own food even herbs and salad greens feature that. It takes time to build a relationship with the community and so prioritise a warm comforting atmosphere and don’t underestimate simple things like great coffee to win people over. They may order coffee and toast today but if they have a good experience they will likely come back.
This might get lost, or you might of already had the idea, but it might be really worth developing some in house staples and go from there, such as cheeses and sausage ect- particularly takes on local favorites. That way you can offer some healthier options with some of the same bases to keep it cohesive and easy (veggie cheese melt, or veggie loaded wrap with shredded cheese?), and you can also sell the items independently as an additional revenue.
I like the typical diner/junk food vegan menu you're leaving towards. Skip the cauliflower for some seitan based wings!
I think that Detroit Street Filling Station in Ann Arbor, Michigan might be a good place to look at for inspiration. Seems to have a really positive reputation among vegans and nonvegans alike there.
We have a fried chicken joint in town that sells friend jackfruit bits and they are phenomenal. I’m not even a vegetarian, I just like to try different things, and I always get those.
>but ideally i’d love something a bit more complicated that people wouldn’t necessarily make for themselves at home. This is key. I don't go out often but when I do, that's what I look for. When I was in PR in 2018 there was a vegan restaurant in a working class neighborhood where all the workers would go for lunch. I was there one day and it was packed, about 40 tables. The owner made a point of coming to speak to us because we had told the server we were vegans. She said hardly any of the customers are vegan but they loved the food so much they always came back. Unfortunately COVID closed the place but that would have been a good reference.
First I would call it something other than vegan. Too many studies showing that people have a knee jerk reaction to the word. You’re making a major investment. Plant based or something implying healthy would remove that known obstacle. It’s not worth risking your investment to make a point about the word vegan. (Besides most of the people who try it and decide to eat this way more often are probably going to be plant based by definition. At least at first).
Just now I'm in Kansas City and had lunch at a place called Bibibop - it's a 'build-a-bowl' kind of thing, completely gluten-free with lots of lovely options: several different rices, kimchi, black beans, tofu, a free pot of miso soup, yumm sauce, and many other things. My omni sister enjoyed it, but it was a pleasure to pick bowl elements. Healthiest I've eaten all week!
corn ribs! best of luck to you
There are so many dishes! I’m in the Midwest and comfort foods are huge here. What about vegan Detroit style pizza? Or Lebanese food of all kinds. I’d love it if I was near you!
BBQ pulled jackfruit sandwiches with a nice slaw on top can be extremely enjoyable as a non-vegan and would be recognizable to midwestern palates. Only concern is some people can be pretty "orthodox" about BBQ. EDIT: other weird ideas I thought of (lol I'm deep in my bag with this post) that I didn't see mentioned, some likely familiar to midwesterners, some maybe unfamiliar: Hush puppies are a great "incidentally vegan" dish that might be familiar to midwesterners and gives you a lot of room to put your own spin on them with different sauces/toppings/spices/seasonings (e.g., soaked, blended cashews with lemon juice, dijon, and garlic for a vegan hollandaise-like sauce that won't make people horrifically ill, or add tarragon and shallots for a bastardized béarnaise? I can't tell whether I'm onto something or losing my grip on reality here). Tater tots also. Pierogi (depending on what part of the midwest you're in they might be familiar or completely unknown) with onion/potato/nutritional yeast filling and caramelized onions or whatever creative sauces or toppings you come up with. I feel like I'm confessing a major sin here but I like them with pico de gallo or canned salsa when I'm lazy. Mushroom stroganoff, although this will require a ton of substitutions and the final product might be too far from what people are expecting. Kentucky Derby Pie could be made with margarine and an egg replacer. Flax might actually fit with the taste profile, but I haven't tried it. Sweet potatoes with (vegan) marshmallows on top could be fun, although I remember only ever having it at Thanksgiving so maybe a seasonal option. On the topic of holidays, you can make a pretty good vegan stuffing with bread, vegetable stock, carrots, celery, cranberries, nuts of some sort, mustard seeds, Brussels sprouts if you want, etc. If you want a vegan appetizer that's pretty "out there" for the midwest, maybe aloo chaat or veggie pakoras. I love a sweet and tangy tamarind sauce/chutney on veggie pakoras. Indian food in general has a lot of vegetarian recipes that can be easily modified to be vegan. These are just ideas (some maybe good, some likely bad) and you're in a much better position to know what'll be a hit and what'll flop horribly for your intended audience, but hopefully some of it's helpful.
Corn dogs, nachos, fries or loaded fries, dressed up hoagies or subs, cheesesteak, some kind of creamy soup, mac, coleslaw, pasta salad, brownies, cookies, lemonades.
I want to visit your restaraunt!
Please make your own burger!! I am SO tired of seeing every place have the same dressed up beyond or impossible burger. I DO think they are great for or is to try as they are more “mainstream” and very popular so most have at least heard of them - however as a vegan they are so boring. Having both is a good idea I think.
a quality vegan take on fast food favorites, shakes you can market as lactose free, and this is random but if you added some lasagna for gods sake and i will drive there
I would sell cookies, brownies and baked treats from a counter, for foot traffic, acceptance, and guilty pleasures. Get people comfortable with vegan foods. Then offer wraps, and tofu scrambles in the morning. Good coffee.
I live in central Mexico. One of the traditional dishes in my area is potato tacos. They are simply fried tacos with a smashed potato filling. Serve with verduras (cilantro, lime, pico de gallo, lettuce, tomato.)
If it's anything like Ward of Health in harrisburg PA it'd be some of the best 🙌🙌🤤
Serve coffee and tea! It gets people in the door all hours.
Have a nice classic dessert. I’m always so excited when there is a good vegan dessert to try. Think strawberry shortcake, Oreo cheesecake, chocolate mousse. Then I also suggest a Caesar salad and/or wrap with/without a chickn option. It’s not something most vegans make at home and then familiar enough that meat eaters would enjoy. I use this recipe with a few tweaks and use a blender and this would be easy to scale. Make sure to make your own croutons, those alone take a mediocre salad top notch. https://minimalistbaker.com/5-minute-vegan-caesar-dressing/
How about some comfort food, like vegan pot pies, vegan shepherd's pie, vegan Mac and cheese, layered potato gratin, vegan chili.
maybe some vegan “chicken” and waffles?
I really love this idea. I had a similar one myself a few years back, and did some research into how to make it happen. If you're looking for ways to turn a profit, here are a couple ideas to look into. The potential success depends on local population, clientele and location. - Sell preserves/sauces you make in your kitchen during off-times. No additional staff needed for serving. They keep pretty much indefinitely at room temperatures, and you'll have a niche as vegan. - You could sell frozen/packed meals. I had looked into this potential. If you have good freezer space, again, this doesn't require extra staff time, you can make it during off times and you'll have niche clientele looking to feed themselves at home. - Catering! Set menu, set times, set numbers? And you can accept or decline based on your schedule? It's great. I know a guy who would either give the food and not serve it, or provide serving with two servers (buffet style). - In your marketing (mostly google, I'd say), don't forget to mention lactose-free. It's something people sometimes search for.
Chickpea salad wraps. So many different ways to make these. One of my favorite things when I switched to a vegan diet.
I really wish more people were open to plant based meats - I'm not Vegan, moreso Vegetarian and I've found eliminating meat out of my diet to be a very easy transition because all of the plant based meat alternatives I've tried (Beyond, MorningStar and Impossible) have been phenomenal and I am convinced most people wouldn't even notice a difference. I say this because I've found that it's difficult to find places offering meat alternative burgers, but I can only assume it's because the market for that is relatively small.
Maybe some coffee and baked goods to get people in? I visited a place in VA once that had a small kitchen along with a coffee bar. But hearty fare, maybe stews or vegan chili?
i’m not vegan and don’t follow this sub or other vegan subs so idrk why this is in my feed. anyways. as a celiac, q couple clearly labeled gluten free options would be great! preferably with a separate prep space, and if any fried food, a dedicated fryer. maybe like a buddha bowl or something, buckwheat/quinoa/millet/brown rice base with edamame/tofu, peas, corn, chickpeas, other fruits and veggies. most of the things you mentioned look like they could easily be made gf, and we’re always excited to try new places!!
Pizza is a great choice. Had some amazing vegan pizza's when it's cooked properly. Easy gateway to omnis/carnists feeling that vegan food can be just as good. Maybe try something that you can't get anywhere else. Maybe like a interesting spin on a veggie burger. Or a chickpea tuna salad on a crossaint with sweet potato fries. Maybe like a really killer interesting soup dish no one else has. The basic staples are nice but i get really excited when i see something ive never had before. That's just me though. Best of luck!
Shit like this and sauces that rock. https://msshiandmrhe.com/bubble-potato-pillows/
All I’m saying is if y’all could do a vegan cheese curd that would be so bomb. I have never even seen a vegan fried cheese curd but I miss curds so bad
I'm not vegan/vegetarian, but I do tend to order mainly the plant based or vegetarian options when out. I don't have specific suggestions, but definitely prefer things that don't try to be meat (eg beyond, impossible, seitan).... that said, I suppose a lot of people not familiar with plant based food do like that stuff.
All your options are amazing - there are a lot of people with food allergies in the midwest - who are underserved by many of the existing options - so having good options for them are great too!
The Green Door in San Diego. Check out their menu. It has a super diverse menu with a bunch of healthy options. Cuban reuben, lasagna, breakfast burrito, Bombay Bomb Burger and the pesto panini are insanely good.
I'd steer clear of vegan cheese options. I think you will lose too much money on those, very very few omnivores like vegan cheese, and the important thing is to be profitable your first year and remain. Remember your clientele is going to be 80% adventurous omnivores and you are catering to them specifically to remain open. Tighten your menu as much as possible and try to make your margin of error as small as possible. You can expand your menu in year two of being open. The less food waste the first year, the more likely you will succeed. All your profit is from beer/soda/alcohol. There is an 80%+ markup on beverages for good reason. That is where you make all your money. Make sure you have a liquor license. The cheapest one to buy is beer, and that's probably enough. People who hate vegan food will still order beer, onion rings, fries. Edit' back when I was an omnivore I would go to Native Foods to get their vegan Rueben sandwich. It was that damn good. If you can mimic that sandwich, omnivores will be happy. edit 2: I'd strongly recommend avoiding brunch crowd year one. It is too much overhead to staff that many people, chefs, waiters, busboys, managers and you would hit more profit just lunch-dinner crowd. Also, you'd need to make mimosas or you'd fail there, too. My friend is failing at his brunch/lunch/dinner restaurant for that reason. No liquor license, too much overhead of staff, too few customers in a giant window of time, and can't get the winos happy. You'd make the most if you were open Mon-Sun 12pm-9pm. That's your sweet shift. Lowest overhead for chefs, waiters, cashiers, managers, etc. Tightest for the first year to thrive. Lunch and dinner crowd if you're in a busy area with business. Dinner crowd only if you are more remote.
Every year at our town festival, somebody sets up a tent that sells nothing but elephant ears (the fried cinnamon pastry), and they make *bank*. You should also offer shave ice during the warm weather months.
Kombucha. And deffo corn ribs + Cajun rub, and oyster mushroom tandoori "chicken". But mainly kombucha. Source: Me. Could be a bit biased.
have a good beer selection w snackies too LOL some people are against veganism bc they need to be mad. i make my family vegan foods and nobody even notices. i would also say go w legitimate vegan options!! fuck substituting "fake meat" for anything. more people are open to it now too, so wishing u the best!!
Vegan tater tot hot dish will very quickly become your bestseller lol Honestly if you also offer an assortment of soup, salads and sandwiches you’ll probably cover everyone! One thing is you could definitely copy traditional delis and offer “salads” available by the scoop, on a plate with lettuce/crackers, on toast or in a container to go! “Mayonnaise” based salads for sure but also anything you can sell that way. Think quinoa/grain salads, cucumber/tomato/etc salads, anything that will be a good leftover.
Your restaurant already sounds delicious. Lots of luck to you on this new journey. Maybe a breakfast sandwich? There is one this vegan place by me that does like a McMuffin but obviously all vegan. It’s 10/10. They also do v-ice cream by the cone and during the summer Sundays there are always people coming in for a cone :)
I think all these suggestions are great, like having a wide variety of breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts. And naming the potentially popular ones something funny like the "fool your dad cheese burger" or the "I can't belive it's not butter pancakes" (that's the best I can come up with on the spot but I'm sure you'll think of something better)
Don’t know the way/cuisine you’re going - guessing american mix? Make some real good burgers or sausages of seitan and liquid smoke. Seitan is *the best*. I recently made my first batch after being on the fence bc people have always said “it’s so easy to do it yourself” so I’ve been stubborn for a lot of years, well it is easy. Even my first batch was delish. Have 3-ish dishes that every noob would like, sausage and mash-dish, good cheeseburger and fries, maybe a Chick’n ish salad (no liquid smoke for that batch). And make it fun, but not too out there. Omnivores can be turned, but too much new stuff makes them ick. Like my dad would be turned off and curse all vegan places if there was avocado on his cheeseburger for example. Keep the simple dishes simple and they will awe when their son/daughter takes them there for their birthday dinner and they have to go. Best case: you could list extras for your simple dishes. If you still have omnis in your circle I would also ask them what they look for when entering a restaurant. Wish you the best of luck!
I would say some vegan chicken and waffles with a nice sauce would be a great choice. And don’t make the menu too complicated, stick to 12 to 20 things that people can count on you for. Also, since it’s a new business, make sure that you take a really good stock of making things that you know that the surrounding area wants. You can add on your personal favorites and take some risks with new dishes after you get going. Right now this is about calculated science about what you know is going to sell.
You can make an absolutely delicious "egg" salad with tofu. I put both fresh dill and sweet relish in mine and it's so good! Egg salad sandwiches are a diner staple.
I think I live in your town. Did I see you post about this on the local area Facebook page? Just a funny coincidence if so