Minneapolis to Get Its First Vegan Burger Chain

Next month, vegan fast-casual burger shop Stalk & Spade will open in Wayzata, MN, a suburb of Minneapolis. Created by restaurateur Steele Smiley, Stalk & Spade will feature vegan versions of traditional fast food, such as burgers, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, French fries, chicken nuggets, and shakes. All recipes were developed by the team after months of testing. 

Smiley believes the plant protein concept can be a market leader and plans to build on the Wayzata location by expanding nationally through franchising, starting this spring. “I’m utterly convinced we’ve cracked the code on plant-based burgers. You won’t know the difference,” Smiley told media outlet Twin Cities Business. “I knew the only way people would come is if the food tastes like classic favorites.”

Plant-based eating is the future

A long time vegan, Smiley says his 11-year-old son inspired him to create the plant-based burger concept when, one night, he asked for a burger while eating at Smiley’s salad chain Crisp & Green. “We’re going to look like a national brand from day one: dine in, order ahead, car-side pickup,” Smiley said. “I believe all-plant eating is our future. It’s exciting to be first.”