Plant Power Fast Food’s entirely vegan menu debuted in San Diego’s Ocean Beach back in 2016, with a second location opening in Encinitas a year later. The chain has new locations coming to nearby Redlands and Long Beach later this year, and its most significant feature is the drive-thru that serves animal-free breakfast sandwiches, burgers, and shakes.
According to co-founder Zach Vouga, Plant Power Fast Food just signed leases in both cities, and construction is underway. The future 2,100 square foot Long Beach location will be in the former University Burgers space at Clark and Pacific Coast Highway. Plant Power’s second Southern California store is moving into the Redlands Packing House District, a fairly new dining and retail destination.
LongBeachize’s Brian Addison first noticed Plant Power Fast Food’s expansion. There’s a car-centric culture around Plant Power Fast Food. The Ocean Beach location has a drive up where diners can park and order and eat in their cars, along with drive-thru service in Encinitas. Vouga tells Eater that Long Beach is an ideal location, and that drive-thrus are part of the company’s long-term plan.
Plant Power Fast Food Long Beach
5095 Pacific Coast Hwy
Long Beach, CA
- Vegan Drive-Thru Giant Plant Power Fast Food Opening Location in Long Beach [LongBeachize]
- Essential Los Angeles Vegetarian Restaurants, 2018 Edition [ELA]
Comments
I can dig it. The reliance on tofu/Seitan "meat" is a bit of a turn off though but it can be done well.
By MaxCa on 06.05.18 10:22pm
With all the other reverse-engineered pea protein meat products coming online that are way superior to traditional tofu/seitan (Beyond Meat, the Impossible Burger, etc.), I would be surprised if this didn’t change in the coming years.
By disqusted on 06.06.18 11:08am
You must be stoked…
By Adrian Reynolds on 06.06.18 1:42pm
I love the concept and what they are doing. to be a little nitpicky though, I think all the quotation marks around the words ‘chicken’ and other normally non vegan items is kind of annoying and unnecessary.
By chefrygoldblum on 06.06.18 11:25am
They should invest in an intimidating security guard to keep panhandlers and riff raff from hitting up customers for money 24-7 as that area of PCH can get pretty rough. I know vegans are doing God’s work but they still want to eat en paz.
By Messy Jesse on 06.06.18 12:33pm
I like seitan, but it’s best appreciate it on its own merits. Buddhist cooking often uses seitan, and it is very good. I prefer it to the cheap, tough meat served at most inexpensive restaurants. I like the texture. Don’t think of it as "substitute meat", think of it as an alternate protein.
I would love an affordable, drive-through vegan restaurant in my neighborhood.
By Bookwich on 06.09.18 9:49am