The Big Apple continues to lead the charge in promoting vegan choices and encouraging a healthier, more compassionate lifestyle.
As we step into the new year, New York City is not just ringing in 2024 but also celebrating Veganuary in style. Local restaurants are stepping up their game to promote plant-based dining throughout January, aligning with the global movement encouraging individuals to explore the world of veganism.
New York City proudly secured the title of the #1 US city for Veganuary sign-ups last year. A recent YouGov study revealed that a remarkable 71% of US adults are eager to incorporate more vegetables into their diets in 2024. Veganuary, in collaboration with restaurants nationwide, is rising to meet this demand by introducing inventive plant-based dishes and expanding menu choices.
Times Square Billboard Launch Marks Veganuary Kickoff
The festivities kicked off with a spectacular billboard in Times Square on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. A riot of colors urged both New Yorkers and global visitors to embrace a vegan lifestyle for the sake of health, animals, and the environment. This dynamic start set the tone for an entire month of plant-based offerings.
Vegan Dining Month Takes Center Stage
For the second consecutive year, Vegans Baby is spearheading New York's Vegan Dining Month, amplifying the range of vegan options across the city. In addition, &pizza is hosting a Veganuary kickoff event at their Nomad location on January 9, unveiling exciting new specials for plant-based enthusiasts.
"At &pizza, we take pride in our commitment to top-quality, fresh ingredients. Our menu is thoughtfully designed to be inclusive of various dietary preferences, offering great vegan options that ensure everyone finds a pie to suit their taste,” said Joseph Fahey, Culinary Director at &pizza. “Collaborating with Veganuary was a natural fit for us, and we're thrilled to contribute to raising awareness about &pizza's exceptional plant-based toppings!"
Citywide Vegan Specials and Collaborations
Numerous New York City restaurants are featuring exclusive Veganuary offerings this year:
- Hard Rock Cafe (Broadway) is launching a Veganuary menu featuring Cauliflower Wings with vegan ranch sauce and Mushroom Primavera Pasta.
- &Pizza is adding two new vegan pizzas featuring Daring Chicken.
- Just Salad is launching a limited-time vegan salad created in partnership with Amanda Cohen, chef and owner of the award-winning vegetarian restaurant, Dirt Candy.
- Butcher’s Daughter is offering a free drink to anyone who eats a full vegan meal and mentions Veganuary for the month of January, and is promoting a special collab tee with Don’t Eat The Homies online.
- Bareburger is partnering with dairy-free cheese company Armored Fresh to introduce new vegan menu items in January.
- Balvanera is featuring multiple special dishes for Veganuary at NYC and Pittsburgh locations.
- Plantega is launching a social media challenge customers can take part in for a chance to win a Plantega prize pack valued at over $100. Plantega is also offering promotions like spend $25, save $5 for new customers on all major delivery apps, and an offer of $10 off orders of $50 or more.
- Stockeld Dreamery vegan cream cheese brand is launching special items and promotions with multiple restaurants during Veganuary, including Vinny’s Pizzeria, Glizzy’s, Sugarwood, The Bad Bagel, and Essa Bagel.
- PLNT Burger is adding two new chik’n sandwiches and two new salads across all locations.
- Rush Bowls is launching a Detox Bowl, which features a blend of banana, pineapple, apple, pitaya, lemon, ginger, cinnamon and oat milk, topped with fresh apples and pomegranate seeds.
- Neat Burger is collaborating with plant-based meat brand OmniFoods to launch their new Mediterranean Salad Bowl.
- PLANTA is including specialty menu items across all locations for Veganuary, including non-alcoholic cocktails in partnership with premium non-alcoholic retailer Boisson.
- More specials can be found on the Vegan Dining Month website!
Beyond the culinary delights, Veganuary serves as a valuable resource for those curious about adopting a vegan lifestyle. Offering free recipes, shopping tips, restaurant guides, and meal plans, Veganuary collaborates with major brands, retailers, and restaurants to create awareness and promote plant-based living. Plus, the organization's Business Support Toolkit aids businesses in launching and promoting exciting Veganuary specials and initiatives.
Visit Veganuary.com to learn more and partake in Veganuary.