Considered one of the leading foodservice industry trade publications, Nation’s Restaurant News names ten “Breakout Brands” each year that it defines as “cutting edge restaurant concepts that are set to redefine foodservice” — and for 2015, the all-vegan restaurant chain, Native Foods made the list!

Right from the get-go, the article establishes that meat-free eating is gaining momentum, even among meat-eaters: “Those who feel vegan and vegetarian eating will never go mainstream probably haven’t been to Native Foods Café — [R]oughly 80% of guests at Native Foods aren’t even vegetarian or vegan.”

What’s the secret to this restaurant chain’s success? According to co-owner Andrea McGinty, “We’re selling great food that just happens to be vegan.”

Native Foods currently has 26 locations in 5 states with investment backing to accelerate its growth to 200 locations within the next 5 years.

This tremendously positive coverage of the rise in meatless dining by an influential foodservice industry magazine offers yet another powerful example that vegan eating is shifting from the margins to the mainstream.

As McGinty notes, vegan eating is expanding in all corners of the restaurant industry: “We’re seeing mainstream chains putting one to three vegan options on the menu now, which I love because it further educates people about vegan food.”

And this is far from the first time Nation’s Restaurant News has featured stories about the growing interest in vegetarian and vegan eating. In addition to discussing the broadening appeal of meat-free eating, this industry journal has even featured meatless menus on the cover.

Want to help get more vegan options on menus near you? Check out our free restaurant outreach guide!