The scene is shrinking
If you’ve noticed your go-to vegan spot has suddenly disappeared, you aren’t just imagining it. We’re in the middle of a national contraction for plant-based eateries. According to data from HappyCow, the number of vegan restaurants in major hubs like New York City, Los Angeles, and Portland dipped by 21% to 25% between 2022 and late 2024. Nationally, HappyCow lists are down from 1,717 in October 2025 to 1,509 today.
Big-name institutions haven’t been safe, either. Famous spots like Modern Love and Candle in NYC, along with The Vegan Joint in LA, have shuttered. Even in Madison, Wisconsin—where the Mad Rabbit Cafe recently closed—the plant-based landscape is getting real sparse.
Why are they leaving?
It’s not always about the bank account. Take Nate Anger, owner of the now-closed Mad Rabbit. He shared that the business was actually profitable, but the physical and mental toll of the service industry was just too much. “I live here. I spend far more time here than anywhere else,” Anger said, noting the major life moments like kids’ sports and school events he’s missed while running the show.
The paradox of choice
It’s a weird time for the movement. While dedicated vegan restaurants are having a rough go, "normie" restaurants are adding plant-based options to their menus more than ever. But there’s a catch: these generic options often lack the creative, main-character energy that dedicated vegan kitchens bring to the table. For many, these restaurants were more than just food—they were “a little heaven” and vital third spaces where veganism felt like an invitation to enjoy life, not a list of restrictions.
Why it matters
These restaurants have historically acted as both a "proof of concept" for plant-based flavor and a refuge for the community. As we lose these spaces, the movement faces a challenge: how do you keep the culture thriving when the places that made it feel like a vibrant community are fading away?
