Why Is This Famous Vegan Restaurant in LA Turning Non-Vegan Overnight?

Sage, a small chain of popular vegan restaurants in Los Angeles, recently announced it will start serving non-vegan dishes containing animal products beginning May 29th. This abrupt change is generating both praise and criticism. Check for Why Is This Famous Vegan Restaurant in LA Turning Non-Vegan Overnight?

Sage has been a beloved destination for vegans and vegetarians in LA for its plant-based menus and ethical principles. So why is Sage now departing from its strict veganism?

The Driving Factors Behind Sage Pivot

In an open letter, Sage’s founder and head chef Mollie Engelhart cited financial struggles and a change in her beliefs as the key reasons.

Specifically, Engelhart shared that Sage has not been profitable since 2020. The pandemic dealt a tough blow – one location permanently closed and another converted to takeout-only.

On top of fiscal challenges, Engelhart also explained she no longer feels “a vegan lifestyle for all is a viable solution for the planet.” Instead, she now believes serving some ethically raised animal products is more realistic and sustainable.

What Animal Products Will Sage Offer?

Come May 29th, Sage will reopen under the new name “Sage Regenerative Kitchen and Brewery.”

The updated menu will feature dishes made with animal ingredients like meat, eggs, and dairy that come from so-called “regenerative farms.” These farms try to make the soil healthier, increase the number of different plants and animals, trap carbon, and not use man-made chemicals.

For example, new menu items that are not vegan may have beef, pork, chicken, fish, eggs or milk from animals raised on nearby farms that use these methods. Sage will still offer its current plant-based options too.

Mixed Feelings from Customers

As expected, some loyal vegan customers feel let down or even betrayed by the news. They say the many vegan choices prove that plant-based food can be tasty and popular. Others plan to keep going to Sage, believing the choice was hard but needed.

Some non-vegans have also praised the change, saying it will make them want to eat at Sage more. People on both sides agree being clear about where the food comes from will be important moving forward.

The Bigger Picture

While surprising, Sage may show bigger trends of restaurants coming out of the pandemic making less money and being less idealistic. With rising prices and a possible recession coming, more restaurants could change to appeal to more people instead of sticking to specific values.

Sage story also relates to debates over whether raising animals in a way that helps the earth can make meat and dairy that is more ethical and sustainable. It’s a complicated issue without agreement, often putting scientists who study the environment against people who fight for animal rights.

One thing is clear – Sage sudden change is causing a stir in Los Angeles’ big vegan community and beyond. Whether anger will lead Sage to change back again is still unknown. For now, it shows how even groundbreaking ethical restaurants can be affected by tough money situations.