Food News of the Week: Ippudo Goes Vegan in LA, Planta Files for Bankruptcy, and Mr. Charlie’s Expands

Craving vegan ramen? How about plant-based burgers and fries? Or indulgent vegan chocolate? If so, we’ve got great news. This week has been packed with exciting developments in the vegan food world—from the opening of a new plant-based Japanese restaurant in West Hollywood to the launch of 18 new vegan fast-food locations across Arizona.

But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. The restaurant industry continues to face challenges, with rising costs and shifting consumer habits forcing some businesses to make tough decisions. One major blow: the popular plant-based restaurant chain Planta has filed for bankruptcy. You can read more about the decision below.

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There’s also been heartbreak in Minnesota, where a fire has forced the beloved Herbivorous Butcher to close its doors—at least for now. Scroll down to learn how you can help support their recovery efforts.

On a brighter note, companies like Hippeas, Gotham Greens, and Heura have delivered some uplifting news. Keep reading for all the latest updates from the vegan food scene.

Ippudo V

West Hollywood restaurant Ippudo goes vegan

Popular ramen chain Ippudo, which has more than 140 locations worldwide, has opened a new, all-vegan spot in West Hollywood, CA called Ippudo V. The new restaurant is the chain’s second all-vegan location following last summer’s opening of Ippudo V in Brooklyn, NY. “This isn’t just another restaurant,” the chain posted on Instagram about its new West Coast location. “It’s the next step in a plant-based revolution.” In addition to vegan ramen, the menu also features sushi and a range of appetizers.

Gotham Greens partners with ‘Sesame Street’

Gotham Greens is on a mission to help children eat their vegetables. The fresh produce brand has partnered with Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit behind Sesame Street, to launch new limited-edition products and a marketing campaign inspired by the hit children’s TV show.

The new products, which include Cookie Monster Crunch Lettuce and Crispy Green Leaf Lettuce featuring Elmo, are available at stores across the US, including Sprouts Farmers Market, Kroger, and Whole Foods Market. “We are proud to partner with Sesame Street to inspire people of all ages to eat more plants,” said Gotham Greens CEO Viraj Puri. We hope this partnership will inspire greener, more nutritious choices for kids’ meals and make cooking more fun for families.”

Herbivorous Butcher closes temporarily amid fire damage

Herbivorous Butcher, a beloved Minnesota vegan restaurant and the first vegan butcher shop in the US, has been forced to close temporarily after suffering major fire damage. The brand announced the devastating news on Instagram, writing: “There was a fire in the building, and our kitchen suffered serious damage. The fire department had to flood the space, and everything is now a mess. We’re still taking it all in—and figuring out what comes next.” The business has set up a GoFundMe to help with the rebuild. Find out how you can help here.

Hippeas

Hippeas has launched vegan cheese balls 

Plant-based brand Hippeas has added new Cheezy Cheddar Pops to its range of popular snacks. The new Pops, a source of fiber and protein, are just like classic cheese balls, only made with chickpeas. “We set out to reimagine the classic cheese ball—bringing back that nostalgic flavor and fun you remember, but with a modern, better-for-you twist,” said Nick Marmet, Hippeas’ Director of Innovation and Ecommerce. They’re now available to buy from Target, Walmart, and Amazon.

Vegan Nutella spotted in the UK

Vegan Nutella has been spotted on UK supermarket shelves. According to the Instagram account Vegan Food UK, the plant-based version of the nutty chocolate favorite has not been officially launched yet, but it is already appearing in British supermarkets. “For all the people that have been drooling at the thought of trying the Plant Based Nutella…it’s finally here in the UK,” the page stated, adding that it is rolling out in Sainsbury’s stores. 

Lindt launches vegan truffles in Canada

Lindt has launched its creamy, oat milk-based Lindor Vegan Truffles in Canada. The launch comes amid growing demand for dairy-free chocolate in the country. According to a recent national survey, 78 percent of vegans in Canada crave milk chocolate, or an alternative that tastes just as good. Lindt aims to provide that alternative with the new truffles, which are available in Original and Dark flavors.

Mr. Charlie’s

Mr. Charlie’s announces 18 new locations

Mr. Charlie’s, often touted as the vegan answer to McDonald’s, is expanding. The fast-food chain has revealed a new multimillion-dollar development plan to open 18 locations across Arizona. Right now, it has locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sydney, Australia. The new expansion agreement, which will see the first Arizona location open in Scottsdale this year, was made in partnership with Patrick Lam, President of Capital Markets at Access Capital Group.

“Bringing Mr. Charlie’s to Arizona is more than a business move—it’s a mission,” said Lam in a statement. “We’re not just opening 18 stores; we’re planting the seeds of something bigger. These restaurants will be hubs of community, second chances, and delicious food. As an Arizonan, I’m proud to help redefine what fast food looks like in the state—and to do it with a brand that stands for something real.”

Planta has filed for bankruptcy

Plant-based restaurant chain Planta, which has 18 locations across North America, in cities like Atlanta, New York, Chicago, and Toronto, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company has described the filing as a strategic move, as it seeks to streamline and restructure amid declining consumer spending in the restaurant industry.

Heura lands more than $22 million from the European Investment Bank

Spanish vegan brand Heura, which specializes in plant-based meats like burgers, fillets, and cold cuts, has landed more than $22 million from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The new funding will help the company develop more products and expand beyond its existing plant-based meat portfolio. Alessandro Izzo, EIB Director of Equity, Growth Capital, and Project Finance, said in a statement: “By investing in the development of new plant-based food products, the EIB is also contributing to a more sustainable and healthy food system in Europe and the overall food security of the European Union.”

Danone acquires majority stake in Kate Farms

Danone, the multinational food giant, is acquiring a majority stake in Kate Farms. The US brand develops nutritious, plant-based and organic shakes, tube feeds, and children’s formulas.  Shane Grant, Deputy CEO of Danone Group, said of the acquisition: “Kate Farms is complementary to our specialized nutrition offerings, which we believe will allow us to reach more consumers and patients and bring a high-quality new standard of care to people with a wider variety of health needs.”