This merge makes Next Level Burger the largest plant-based restaurant company in the nation.
In a groundbreaking move, Next Level Burger, the 100% plant-based burger chain, has secured its spot as the globe’s largest plant-based restaurant company by acquiring Veggie Grill, a fast-casual plant-based restaurant brand. This strategic acquisition not only marks a significant expansion for Next Level Burger but also symbolizes a union of values and commitment to a compassionate future with VegInvest, a vegan investment fund that played a pivotal role in rescuing Veggie Grill from the brink of bankruptcy last year.
Courtesy of Veggie Grill
The Rise of a Plant-Based Empire
With the addition of Veggie Grill, Next Level Burger now boasts an impressive 27 locations spread across the United States, making it the largest chain in the plant-based restaurant industry.
“We’re not just writing a new chapter for Veggie Grill—we’re starting a new book,” said Next Level Burger’s co-founder and CEO Matt de Gruyter. “Veggie Grill by Next Level will mean all sorts of changes: organic produce, non-GMO ingredients and ensuring living wages for our many team members across the country. Everything guests know and love about Veggie Grill is about to be taken to the Next Level, but know that the fan favorites aren’t going anywhere.”
Courtesy of Next Level Burger
A Visionary Leadership Transition
In a move to elevate Veggie Grill’s standards, de Gruyter will assume the role of CEO at Veggie Grill by Next Level. Swift upgrades are on the horizon, incorporating Next Level Burger’s top-tier sourcing practices, ensuring the use of non-GMO ingredients and exclusively organic produce.
Next Level Burger is committed to extending its inclusive team culture to Veggie Grill’s workforce. This involves fostering diversity, meritocracy, and stewardship, with a strong emphasis on living wages and access to premium benefits for all team members.
“Our teams, including our new Veggie Grill team members, are the beating heart of our organization and the lifeblood of what we do,” said de Gruyter.
A Milestone Amidst Ongoing Expansion
This acquisition follows a $20 million funding round announced by Next Level Burger in 2022. With a long-term goal of establishing 1,000 plant-based restaurants nationwide, this strategic move represents a substantial stride toward realizing that ambitious objective. As Next Level Burger continues its mission to make a positive impact on human health, ecological sustainability, and ethical supply chains, the acquisition of Veggie Grill signals an exciting new chapter in its journey.
Visit NextLevelBurger.com and VeggieGrill.com for more information.
