One Thing Many Vegan-Friendly Restaurants Have in Common
Before I became vegan, I wasn't particularly interested in exploring different restaurant options. I never ate out unless I was with family or traveling. I just picked what looked good on the menu, usually some form of chicken.
Nowadays, I pay attention to all aspects of what I eat, especially as a vegan, from which grocery store has all the ingredients for this week's meal prep to which restaurant I should go to for my birthday.
During my investigations of vegan-friendly options, I have realized that many restaurants are ineffective at marketing themselves. A decent number of restaurants only have a Facebook business page, if that. It's hard to find vegan options in smaller cities because many aren't listed on HappyCow and abillion, and many of the online menu listings are inaccurate due to not being updated.
What can we do about this?
It's not rocket science that most food establishments lack the necessary staffing to update their content regularly and establish an online presence. Many times, the owners are doing it, and it is an extremely low priority compared to the dozens of customers waiting for their meals.
That's where we come in. If we want restaurants to offer vegan-friendly options, we need to do our part by promoting them, like sharing news about the new restaurant in town that features numerous plant-based alternatives.
Think heroes wear capes? Try tofu aprons instead.
Your local vegan restaurants do so much more than serve great food. They build community, support sustainability, and prove that compassion can be a delicious experience. But small restaurants often need help getting noticed and staying busy.
With a few simple actions, you can make a massive difference in helping your favorite vegan spots thrive.
1. Add Them to abillion
Turn your foodie photos into good deeds! Every post on abillion not only helps fellow vegans discover your local favorites but also earns donations for animal charities. It's like Yelp with a halo.
2. Review Them on HappyCow
HappyCow is basically the vegan traveler's treasure map. Leave a heartfelt review (bonus points for drool-worthy photos), and you might just lead another hungry monster to their next favorite meal.
3. Add Their Business to Search Engines
Can't find them on Google Maps or Apple Maps? Be the hero who fixes that! A few clicks can help more people find their way to that amazing jackfruit taco or cashew cheesecake.
4. Follow Them on Social Media
Show some digital love! Follow your favorite vegan food joints on your social media platform of choice. Each like, share, and comment boosts their reach—and reminds them their food is fueling real, happy humans.
5. Tag Them on Social Media Posts
Posting that perfectly plated Buddha bowl? Tag the restaurant! Free promotion for them, aesthetic content for you, and one more reason to go back for seconds.
6. Bring Non-Vegan Friends Along
Nothing converts like flavor. Bring your omnivore pals to your favorite vegan and vegan-friendly spots. You'll fill bellies, spark curiosity, and maybe even recruit a new member to the plant-based club.
7. Buy Gift Cards or Merch
Spread the vegan love! Gift cards make perfect presents, and merch like tote bags or mugs keep your favorite restaurant top of mind (and top of wardrobe). It's wearable activism with extra style points.
8. Order Directly from Their Website
Skip the middle-monster (aka third-party delivery apps). Ordering directly helps restaurants keep more profits and avoid hefty platform fees. More money for them means more deliciousness for everyone.
9. Leave a Positive Local Review
A glowing Google, Yelp, or TripAdvisor review can make a big difference. When someone searches "vegan near me," your kind words might be what draws them in.
10. Attend Their Events or Pop-Ups
Vegan pop-ups and community dinners are where the magic happens—new dishes, fun people, and all the good vibes. Your presence supports the restaurant and strengthens your local vegan scene.
I'm Guilty of Promoting Vegan-Friendly Restaurants
The closest vegan restaurant to my home is a bakery. I'm excited because they are serving butterbeer and Harry Potter desserts all month long. I have to swing by there sometime before they're gone.
Before I discovered them and tried their Valentine's Day box in 2022, they had a website and a basic social media presence, but they weren't listed on Google. I added them to Google My Business. I also updated their listing to reflect their new bakery location on Google, abillion, and HappyCow, after I noticed that the home business had moved to a building near the local university.
Unfortunately, I am guilty of being biased towards food places' vegan options because I can eat there and have a great time, but it takes many people to make this happen. If you've found a vegan-friendly establishment that you'd like to share, please do your vegan community a favor by spreading the word.
There may be a day when I travel more for my blog after I do it full-time, but regardless of whether that happens or not, I need your help. Do everything you can to let the world know about your favorite vegan and vegan-friendly spots to eat. Spread the word. Invite family and friends to join you the next time you go there, and help improve their online presence one positive review with photos at a time.
Every time you share, review, or recommend a local vegan restaurant, you're doing more than supporting a business. You're fueling a movement. Compassionate dining grows through community, and your small acts of kindness can help vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants continue to thrive.
So grab your fork, lift your phone, and get ready to be the hero your local vegan scene deserves—no cape required, just a full belly and a big heart.
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Megan McFadden
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