Popular Diner Johnny Rockets Tests Gardein on Menu

Earlier this week, we shared exciting news that retail giant Target launched its own line of vegan meat — and now we’ve got more good news to make your tastebuds jump for joy! According to Business Insider,  Johnny Rockets restaurant chain — with 300 locations worldwide — is testing Gardein meatless meats on its menu! While there’s no update yet, it’s possible hearty Gardein burgers (or maybe Gardein’s infamous Chick’n Tenders) at a Johnny Rockets near you!

Gardein is one of the top five meatless brands in the country with expected retail sales topping $100 million this year. And they’re also currently working with Chili’s (with 1,500 locations) to add animal-friendly fare to its menu, too.

These developments underscore the trend toward restaurants celebrating healthier vegan options, as highlighted in the Los Angeles Times this week, as well. This shift in menus that feature more plant-based meals hinges on consumers asking for it.

As concerns grow about antibiotics pumped into animals who are raised for food, health risks such as heart disease and diabetes associated with animal products, and the environmental devastation caused by factory farms, the public is seeking alternatives. A recent report by Mintel confirms this — the half billion  dollar market for plant-based meats in the US took a $40 million jump in just the last two years. 

Gardein’s extensive line of frozen and chilled products, from their most famous 7-Grain Crispy Chick’n Tenders to their brand new Fishless Filets, is served in 22,000 groceries and restaurants, on 70 college campuses, and at the corporate offices of powerhouses such as Google, Microsoft, AOL, and Yahoo!. Gardein products are also already offered at Yard House, a chain with 60 locations, and Lyfe Kitchen, a newer chain launched by former McDonald’s executives.

Gardein’s impressive availability is certainly a key driver for mainstreaming vegan eating, and we are happy to see Johnny Rockets join that fleet. But even more exciting is the fact that the majority of Gardein’s customers are actually flexitarians — proving that meat-free eating is for the masses! 

Love the new abundance of cruelty-free choices on the market? Don’t forget to let Subway know that you want to see protein-packed vegan options at their national locations, too!