2020 has been a year when many Americans are becoming more conscientious about what they eat. In addition to wanting to rid their diets of unhealthy and unnaturally sourced food products, people are expecting more eco-friendly practices on behalf of corporations. The fast food industry is among the worst of all polluters, and deforestation for the purpose of cattle grazing has had a terrible impact on the rapidly depleting ozone layer. Moreover, people have been forced to reconsider the conditions of poultry and meat processing facilities and have become unwilling as consumers to support inhumane treatment of animals. As a growing number of people are becoming vegetarian or vegan, the restaurant industry can respond to this growing demand for healthy and well-made food. It’s forming a new niche in dining, and now is the perfect time for restaurant owners and operators to support the demand while also supporting the environment and sustainability.

Utilizing Innovation

The restaurant industry used to have relatively limited ways to offer patrons vegetarian or vegan options. Basically, the only vegetarian menu option was salad. Enhanced production of affordable and good quality meat alternatives is enabling vegetarians to increase their protein intake, and restaurants are able to provide a wider selection of vegetarian dining options. Professional chefs can make fantastic dishes made with only plant-based ingredients, and vegan and vegetarian restaurant goers are more interested in seeking out fine dining experiences.

Obtaining Financing

Financing options for entrepreneurs in the restaurant industry have become more manageable than they once were. Restaurants can use alternative funding sources that offer good interest rates. An SBA loan will enable a startup venture to obtain funding for fixed assets at below-market rates. Typically, a borrower must contribute at least ten percent of the starting capital to be eligible for an SBA loan. Likewise, private lending is significantly more affordable than it was in years past. More players on the field have led to the need to create more affordable and dynamic financing options for new borrowers. Many lenders have found a strategic footing to serve specific industries, so it’s possible to work with a financing company that has specialized insight and expertise in serving borrowers in the restaurant industry.

Opening a vegan or vegetarian restaurant responds to a growing demand for sustainability and supports a new generation of conscientious eaters with discerning palates. Being able to create dining experiences that rival traditionally themed restaurants and taking advantage of good financing opportunities is enabling ambitious restaurateurs to carve out a bold new path