Matthew Kenney, a famous vegan chef, has faced issues with burned investors, bounced paychecks, and graphic text messages. Seventeen of his restaurants have closed since late 2021. Josie Duran, a former server at Plant Food + Wine, grew resentful of Kenney's misleading image of success. She believed investors were investing in a lost cause while her paychecks bounced. Plant Food, the flagship restaurant of Matthew Kenney Cuisine, closed in January. At least 17 restaurants associated with Kenney have shuttered since late 2021.
In a surprising turn of events, Los Angeles vegan restaurant Sage Plant Based Bistro has announced that it will incorporate animal products into its menu starting May 29. The struggling restaurant, which has faced financial difficulties since 2020, will also change its name to Sage Regenerative Kitchen and Brewery. Chef-owner Mollie Engelhart explained that she no longer believes a vegan lifestyle is a viable solution for the planet and hopes to offer an option for people who continue to eat meat. The decision has received backlash on Instagram, with some commenters stating that they will no longer support the business. Engelhart defended the changes as part of her evolving thinking on protecting the planet and believes that regenerative farming can bring people with different dietary preferences together. Regenerative farming prioritizes soil health, biodiversity, and natural processes, using practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and livestock integration to improve soil health and promote biodiversity [1030dabf] [847328d2].
In a separate incident, hip-hop artist Rick Ross is facing backlash from fans for a video of him trying a vegan burger. The video shows Ross enthusiastically garnishing the burger in front of a large crowd in West Hollywood, California. Fans immediately started roasting him, with many comments about his weight and lack of enjoyment. Some fans also brought up his recent spat with Drake. This comes after Ross faced backlash for hosting a car show that was deemed overrun and disorganized by fans. The incident adds to the ongoing conversation about veganism and the challenges faced by vegan chefs and restaurants [b0f29661].
Rapper PBD Grey, who switched to a vegan diet in 2016, shares the three health benefits of being vegan: mental clarity, weight loss, and contributing to the betterment of the planet. He advises avoiding foods like McDonald's, high fructose corn syrup, and milk. Grey emphasizes that exercise is important but believes that 80% of getting in shape is based on diet. He shares his personal experience of feeling the best he's ever felt after going vegan, without touching the gym. Grey encourages others to consider a vegan lifestyle for improved health and well-being [19903cbd].