It’s a tough time for vegan restaurants right now, but many, like Tucson’s Lovin’ Spoonfuls, aren’t closing the doors without a fight. The popular Arizona vegan spot is asking for support on GoFundMe, as the combination of debts, inflation, and increasing costs is compounding to make it harder than ever to keep going.
“This is our last Hail Mary,” the fundraiser reads. At the time of writing, the restaurant has raised more than $22,800, but it needs more than $50,000 more to keep the lights on. “We want to be completely transparent with all of you: we no longer have money to put into Lovin’ Spoonfuls,” the GoFundMe page continues. “The debt has just become too much.”
Lovin’ Spoonfuls has been a cornerstone of the Tucson restaurant scene since its founding in 2005. Since then, it has undergone a few changes in ownership, with the current owners, Michelle Cornett and Irais Benavides, taking over in 2023.
Lovin’ Spoonfuls
The spot is beloved by the community for its wholesome, hearty vegan options, including country breakfasts, burritos, fried chicken, custom cakes, and sweet treats. But despite its popularity, the restaurant, like many others, has been struggling financially for a few years now, and according to Cornett, major loans have been necessary to keep the business afloat. Now, they need to pay off the debt to survive.
“We haven’t had to let staff go, but we’ve reduced hours,” Cornett told Tucson Spotlight. “We’ve had to put in our savings, my husband hasn’t gotten paid in three months. We just have no more money to put into it.”
The vegan community is a lifeline for restaurants
Lovin’ Spoonfuls isn’t alone in asking for help; vegan restaurants across the country are relying on community support now more than ever.
In Austin, Texas, vegan favorite Counter Culture is reopening after three years, following a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised nearly $50,000.
Humans of New York
In New York, plant-based institution Caravan of Dreams was also facing debt-related closure, but a feature on the popular social media platform Humans of New York helped bring it back from the brink. In fact, at the time of writing, a GoFundMe for the restaurant has reached almost $310,000.
For Cornett and Benavides, reaching their $75,000 target will be a major boost and might just help keep Lovin’ Spoonfuls open for many years to come.
“If funds are raised, we will pay off debt and be able to move forward with just the normal expenses of running a restaurant, like rent, food, labor, lights, water, and insurance,” the GoFundMe continues. “Your support will give us a chance to keep serving the community we love and continue being a gathering place for so many wonderful people.”
Want to help? Find out more here:
Lovin’ Spoonfuls’ GoFundMe
For more plant-based stories like this, read:
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
