Karma Baker, Nic’s On Beverly, Shojin, and other plant-based eateries are closing.
Here are the latest vegan restaurant closures in Los Angeles.
Karma Baker
Westlake Village
After years of sharing their amazing vegan, gluten-free desserts with the country, Karma Baker announced its closure at the end of the month. Owner Celine Ikeler wrote, “The decision to close was not made lightly. Despite weathering fires, storms, and a global pandemic, the current economic climate and rising inflation costs have made it untenable for us to continue.” Online orders are available until March 20, and the storefront will be open until March 30.
Courtesy of Karma Baker
Nic’s On Beverly
Beverly Grove
You may remember Nic’s On Beverly first threatening closure in June, but due to the overwhelming amount of support expressed by the community, the building landlord cut a deal with the restaurant to remain open. However, last weekend, owner Nic Adler took to Instagram to inform customers that the restaurant will permanently close on March 31. “We have reached the end of our road. What an incredible second chance you gave Nic’s, but even that was not enough to emerge from the weight of the last few years,” stated Adler.
Courtesy of Nic’s On Beverly
Flore Vegan
Silver Lake
This local Silver Lake favorite also went through quite a journey to remain open. In December of 2019, Flore Vegan was given a 30-day notice to vacate their restaurant space. Thankfully, they were able to raise enough money to move to another building in the neighborhood. But on December 18, 2023, Flore Vegan closed for good after 16 years of service.
Courtesy of Flore Vegan
Shojin
Downtown LA
This month, Shojin shared on Instagram that its original location in Downtown LA will close on April 7. Thankfully, the beloved vegan, gluten-free Japanese restaurant’s Culver City location will remain open until further notice. It’s more important than ever to stop by Shojin and show your support so they can continue serving delicious, healthy vegan fare to Angelenos!
Photo by Allie Mitchell
VEG’D
Costa Mesa
Adding to the list of Matthew Kenney restaurant closures is VEG’D, a vegan fast-food restaurant in Costa Mesa. The eatery first opened in 2021 in a former Del Taco location, serving up healthier alternatives to traditional fast food. The reason for its closure is unknown, but it’s the last Matthew Kenney restaurant to close in the Los Angeles area.
Courtesy of VEG’D
Vegan Drip Burger
Culver City
With juicy burgers and hearty breakfast sandwiches, this Latina-owned vegan ghost kitchen carved a spot in the hearts of foodies across the Westside. But unfortunately, the business will close for good on April 11. The owner, Sandra, wrote on Instagram, “A restaurant is extremely challenging to run. There are constant obstacles, issues, and fires that need to be put out on a regular basis. But running a vegan restaurant? That’s exceedingly more difficult for countless reasons. One reason worth mentioning is that vegan food is unfortunately still a niche market, so we depend on sales and support from too small of a consumer group.”
Photo by Allie Mitchell
Soy Concha Bakery
Santa Ana & East LA
Soy Concha Bakery (formerly known as Vegan By Victoria’s) made waves in the community when it opened seven years ago with a menu of vegan pan dulce. At that time, plant-based restaurants and bakeries were few and far between—let alone panaderias! Soy Concha Bakery became a safe haven for those looking for vegan versions of cultural classics. This is why the community is so saddened to see Soy Concha Bakery’s Instagram post announcing its closure. The team explained the business took too much time, money, and energy from them over the years. They’re hoping to sell the business to a buyer willing to keep it alive, so if you or someone you know are interested in purchasing Soy Concha Bakery, email earvin@soyconchabakery.com.
Courtesy of Soy Concha Bakery
