You’ll Never Know This Vegan Drive-Thru in Costa Mesa Used to Be a Del Taco

It’ll be an interesting sight for anyone used to seeing a Del Taco on the corner of Bristol and Red Hill in Costa Mesa. Chef Matthew Kenney transformed it into a completely vegan fast-food restaurant that is scheduled to open in early May. The place will also feature something rarely associated with vegan food: a drive-thru.

Named Veg’d, the uncomplicated all-day spot serves American fare with burgers, fries, smoothies, and more, like a kung pao bowl with cauliflower with tofu and zucchini. Morning items include a breakfast sandwich, breakfast burrito with egg replacement Just Egg, jack “cheese,” green chiles, avocado, Tater Tots, and a green chile salsa. A few dishes venture into raw food territory, where nothing is heated above 118 degrees before serving.

Veg’d is right across the street from health-conscious collection of retail shops called The Camp, featuring an entire campus that includes outdoor seating areas. But the bright interior will be ready for dine-in by the opening date.

Kenney and partner Christine Mulholland will also introduce 100 percent recycled packaging that’s biodegradable and compostable. They also plan to compost or donate all food waste. When it open this spring, hours will be from 7:30 a.m. until 9 p.m.

Courtesy of Matthew Kenney Cuisine

Courtesy of Matthew Kenney Cuisine

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