A plant-based restaurant in the Charlotte area is calling it quits after a year
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Veggeez Plant Based Eatery in Waxhaw will close after service on July 19.
- Owners cited financial strain and low local demand for plant-based dining options.
- Customers shared online tributes praising the restaurant's food and community impact.
A plant-based restaurant that has gotten attention in the Charlotte area for feeding vegans and meat eaters alike is now closing.
Veggeez Plant Based Eatery, a vegan spot opened in Waxhaw last April by restaurant industry veterans Ken Posko and Lisa Vigil, will shut its doors after its last service on Saturday, July 19.
“We have poured our hearts and souls into this place, as well as a bunch of money, to keep it afloat. Unfortunately, the time has come to say goodbye,” a Facebook post from Vigil said on the restaurant’s page.
“When Chef & I opened Veggeez, we understood that it would be an uphill battle. We are in Union County, NC, and the majority of people we know are not interested in plant based dining,” she wrote.
“We had hoped that with our reputation for serving good food, people of all eating styles would give us a try. We understand that it is a stretch for many, but you’ll never find a doctor who tells you to eat less vegetables.”
The restaurant’s point of view included creating plant-based food “without sacrificing flavor, compassion for animals, inclusivity/equal rights for every human in our community, peace, love, a welcoming environment where you can feel like home.”
Customers reached out online to express their sadness at the loss of the restaurant. Although many in the Charlotte area have expressed a need for more vegan options, independently owned restaurants across the spectrum have faced challenges including rising food and labor costs in recent years. Many just can’t make it work.
“To say I am heartbroken is an understatement,“ Clem Melendez wrote in the Vegan City Charlotte Facebook group. “I will miss your tacos, chili cheese fries and brownie a la mode. We will visit you before you close.”
Karen Young Totaro responded on Veggeez’ post, saying: “I am so sorry to hear this. Your food is absolutely delicious and you will be missed greatly.”
“Thank you for your heartfelt efforts while living your purpose,” Patti Orrison Davis shared.
Veggeez shared similar sentiments toward its customers.
“We have an amazing staff and our regular customers are incomparable,” Vigil wrote in the post. “The sheer kindness, generosity and human connections I have witnessed in our restaurant has brought me to tears on multiple occasions. We hope that you know how much we value your patronage, friendship and support.”
Veggeez Plant Based Eatery
Location: 1325 N. Broome St., Waxhaw, NC, 28173
Cuisine: Vegan, plant-based
Hours: 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday
Facebook: Veggeez Plant Based Eatery
