Vegan Restaurant Expands from the West Coast to Cambridge

Vegan enthusiasts at the College will return to campus this year to a new hangout in the Square—Veggie Grill. The restaurant, slated to open in the fall at 57 John F. Kennedy St., will offer vegan burgers, bowls, burritos, and salads.

Veggie Grill, founded in 2006, currently operates 30 locations, mostly on the West Coast. Chief Executive Officer Steve Heeley wrote in an emailed statement Thursday that it seemed like a logical next step to introduce the restaurant to the East Coast.

“We’re thrilled to be joining the Cambridge community and providing Bostonians with a new plant-based option to satisfy their need for a convenient and delicious meal,” he wrote.

Heeley wrote the menu at Veggie Grill’s Cambridge location will not feature any differences. He anticipates more digital orders because of the “busy lifestyles” of local students and residents.

Heeley wrote Veggie Grill was “thrilled” to join the Cambridge community.

“Cambridge offers a unique collegiate community and we look forward to welcoming Harvard students and faculty, campus organizations, sports teams and more,” Heeley wrote. “We believe there are many people in the Cambridge and Harvard communities who believe in our purpose – Better for you. Better for the planet.”

Remedy Ryan ’21 said though she can rely on vegan options at most places in Cambridge, including Clover, Pinocchios, and Spice, she looks forward to being able to go to a fully vegan restaurant.

“I’m definitely going to go to Veggie Grill a ton,” Ryan said. “I love supporting vegan restaurants. I think veganism is great for animals and the environment, and I hope more Harvard students will try it out because it’ll be right there.”

Heeley wrote Veggie Grill is currently in the negotiation stage to hopefully open three or four more locations in Boston over the next couple of years.

—Staff writer Truelian Lee can be reached at truelian.lee@thecrimson.com. Follow her on Twitter @truelian_lee.