Vegan chain Plant Power Fast Food (PPFF) will open seven additional locations in California in 2021. Founded by entrepreneurs Mitch Wallis, Zach Vouga, and Jeffrey Harris, PPFF opened its first location in 2016 in San Diego serving vegan versions of American comfort food classics such as The Big Zac (a burger named after Vouga that replicates McDonald’s’ Big Mac), chicken tenders, fish filet sandwiches, milkshakes, desserts, and kids meals. Since then, the chain has rapidly expanded to seven locations in California, including one operating out of a former Carl’s Jr. drive-thru in Fountain Valley, CA. During the current expansion, PPFF will open its first Los Angeles location in Hollywood, its first Northern California location in Sacramento, along with outposts in Laguna Hills, San Clemente, and two additional San Diego area locations—including one on campus at the University of California, San Diego.
Explosive growth
After a somewhat controversial 2020, PPFF reports that its brand-wide net sales are forecast to hit $14 million, representing a 47-percent increase over the previous year and 1,173-percent growth since it opened its first location in 2016. “The interest in a full plant-based menu in the fast-food segment continues to skyrocket and we’re excited that so many new guests continue to flock to our restaurants each month,” Harris said. To help execute its expansion, PPFF hired three new executives: Dan Lowe as Director of Operations (former Director of Operations at Chipotle); Rita Ugarte as Director of New Restaurant Openings and Operations Excellence (former General Manager of Hard Rock Cafe International); and Fabian Cervantes as Director of Human Resources (former Human Resources Manager at the United States Navy and Goodwill).
The vegan fast-food chain counts Saudi Arabia’s vegan Prince Khaled Alwaleed bin Talal and Aladdin actor Mena Massoud as investors.
Vegan McDonald’s?
While McDonald’s prepares to launch its McPlant burger next year, PPFF is forging ahead to become a modern version of the iconic chain, all without exploiting animals. “Consumers can make a difference in the world by simply decreasing their consumption of meat and dairy and making healthier plant-based choices. It’s not as hard as people think,” PPFF Co-Founder and Co-CEO Mitch Wallis said. “The whole idea of Plant Power Fast Food is to deliver the fun, delicious fast-food that people love but with a twist—it’s plant-based. It’s better for you and better for the planet. We think that’s a pretty good deal for everyone.”
PPFF will also announce its first out-of-state location in 2021.
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