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Plant Power Fast Food: Changing the World, One Burger at a Time
The Modern Health Nerd Podcast, Episode #38
Can switching fast food to a cruelty-free, plant-based model change the world?
Jeffrey Harris believes it can.As one of the creative minds behind Plant Power Fast Food, Jeffrey believes building a network of "vegan McDonald's" can open more people's eyes to the health and environmental benefits of eating plant-based. He sees Plant Power as a bridge between the current state of the food system and—ultimately—a whole food, plant-based, organic future.
In this episode, we get cosmic about:
- How the original vision for Plant Power Fast Food spawned a growing network of restaurant locations
- How plant-based fast food can spark curiosity and open people's eyes to a new way of eating
- Where Plant Power fits into Jeffrey's ultimate vision for changing the food landscape—and the world
- The big impact that even small steps toward a more plant-based diet can have on health and the environment
- Why thinking big may be the key to making a significant and lasting impact on the food system
- The importance of integrating compassion into any business model
- Why whole food, plant-based, organic diets make the most sense for long-term human and planetary health
About Jeffrey & Plant Power
Plant Power Fast Food is a plant-based fast-food restaurant concept. Menu offerings are completely free of any meat, fish, eggs and dairy products, as well as artificial flavorings or colorings. With a selection ranging from burgers, fries, shakes and ‘chicken’ tenders to salads, fresh juices and raw items, they have often been referred to as the “Vegan version of McDonald's”.
Jeffrey Harris is both cofounder and co-CEO at Plant Power. The idea for building a nationwide chain of 100% plant-based fast food restaurants started brewing in 2005, and since then, Plant Power Fast Food has grown to 7 operational restaurants, 8 restaurants in development, 21 locations in the franchise development pipeline, an LA-based food truck, a world-class food production facility, a national distribution agreement, new top industry hires from Chipotle and Yum brands and over $14.5 million in brand-wide retail net sales.
Jeffrey himself has been a vegetarian since 1974 and a vegan since 1996. From 1981 through 1987, he worked at two well-known local vegetarian restaurants in Los Angeles (Our Contribution and Follow Your Heart), where he did everything from washing dishes, preparing food, hosting and waiting on tables.
He met up with partners Mitch Wallis and Zach Vouga in 2014 to begin to develop a 100% plant-based fast-food restaurant chain with the intention to demonstrate a new cruelty-free, environmentally sustainable and healthier version of traditional fast food. The first Plant Power location opened in San Diego in 2016, and the chain continues to introduce more people to plant-based diets every day.
Connect with Plant Power (and try their food!)
- Instagram: @PlantPowerFastFood
- Facebook: Plant Power Fast Food
- LinkedIn: Plant Power Fast Food, Jeffrey's profile
- Email: jeffrey.harris (at) plantpowerfastfood (dot) com
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