Vegan food truck Shimmy Shack owner plans to open restaurant in Plymouth

Shimmy Shack food truck will begin serving its gluten-free and vegan menu at its own dine-in restaurant this summer in Plymouth Township.

Debra Levantrosser, a Green Oak Township resident and Shimmy Shack owner, plans to open a fast food restaurant with walk-up counter service Aug. 1 at the northwest corner of Ann Arbor and Sheldon roads.

“We know that Michigan loves our healthier fast food options because we prove that vegan and gluten-free comfort food can be tasty, filling, satisfying, sassy and leave you wanting more,” Levantrosser said in a press release. “Every time you eat at Shimmy Shack, you know you are being compassionate toward animals, nice to your body and kind to the environment. We want to show that living a vegan lifestyle just makes sense.”

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In addition to dine-in seating, the restaurant will include space for a vegan marketplace where customers can make their own gift baskets for holidays and other events. Space also will be available for party rentals.

Wes Graff, Plymouth Chamber of Commerce president, said the vegan restaurant will be a welcome addition to the community.

“We need more restaurants in that area. It’s a good fit for that area and it’s unique,” Graff said. “A vegan restaurant, we don’t have one of those. I would think it would be a good alternative.”

Shimmy Shack serves a vegan version of a fast food cheeseburger; a Southwest burger that includes a black bean and rice patty topped with guacamole and salsa; a vegan coney dog smothered in black bean chili; sweet potato fries; shakes; nachos; falafel pitas; and other items that contain no gluten and no meat or dairy products.

Levantrosser said the menu at the restaurant will be slightly expanded.

The Shimmy Shack food truck will continue to serve at public and private events throughout southeast Michigan. Upcoming events include an Earth Day event from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 22, at Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Road, in Ann Arbor, and VegFest from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 29, at Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River, in Novi.

Contact Sharon Dargay at sdargay@hometownlife.com.