Plant Power Fast Food opened Jan. 26 at 2204 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. in Ocean Beach. Featuring burgers, shakes, fries, smoothies and wraps, the menu might look familiar. But on closer inspection, you’ll notice that there’s no meat on the menu.
Zach Vouga, the restaurant’s vice president of operations, has been a vegetarian for 12 years and a vegan for the last four. He thinks that buying plant-based food is getting easier in San Diego, as the demand for it has continued to grow. According to Vouga, more people have become aware of the health and environmental benefits of a plant-based diet.
And Vouga, whose firm plans to open a venue in Encinitas later this year, thinks that a meal with no meat might be much tastier than you think. “There are many more options for eating plant-based these days,” Vouga said, “and it’s no longer necessary for us to sacrifice taste. It’s a win/win. People are generally surprised that our dishes are 100 percent plant-based. Most people just assume that vegan food is tofu and vegetables. That’s a huge misconception.”
For those who haven’t eaten plant-based food, Vouga recommends the buffalo chicken sandwich or the wake & bacon cheddar burger. Meat and dairy production is reportedly the single largest contributor to the greenhouse gas storehouse. Consumption of animal products is also understood to be a key contributor to a rising number of health problems.
Vouga and his associates wanted to reimagine the fast food environment and provide a more healthful alternative. Knowing how much people want their food on the go, his company has fashioned its offerings around the traditional fast-food model. In addition to indoor and outdoor patio dining, Plant Power Fast Food boasts a “sonic” drive-up option. There, customers can order through a kiosk, pay with their credit card and relax in their car until a staffer delivers their food.
The owners hope to blaze a new trail, eventually building Plant Power Fast Food drive-thrus all over the nation. For now, they’re hard at work on the beginnings of a regional chain here in California that they hope will improve the lives of those looking for a more healthful version of traditional fast food. The Ocean Beach venue is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. To learn more about Plant Power Fast Food, visit www.plantpowerfastfood.com.