BREAKING: The popular vegan restaurant ChagaRoot in Las Vegas has abruptly closed its doors, just weeks after a controversial menu change sparked outrage among loyal customers. The announcement was made on Instagram on July 1, 2023, leaving many diners shocked and the local vegan community reeling.
The closure comes in the wake of ChagaRoot’s decision to add a bison burger to its previously strictly vegan menu. This move, intended to broaden the customer base, was met with fierce backlash, with critics accusing owner Shane Stuart of betraying the values of the vegan community. Stuart defended the decision, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining separate cooking areas to prevent cross-contamination. However, the controversy escalated when he received a headless chicken as a shocking delivery shortly after the menu update.
ChagaRoot, which opened three years ago, had gained acclaim for its innovative mushroom-focused offerings, including mushroom steaks and burgers. The restaurant was even recognized as one of the top vegan spots in the U.S., ranking #55 on Yelp’s Top 100 Vegan Restaurants in 2024.
In their farewell post, the owners expressed gratitude to their customers, stating, “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this journey.” Despite the closure, they will continue to sell their mushroom-based protein powder online.
ChagaRoot is not alone in facing challenges within the vegan dining scene in Las Vegas. Just days prior, on July 7, another well-known plant-based establishment, NoButcher, announced it would temporarily close due to 30% lower sales than projected and significant building issues. The deli, famous for its house-made vegan meats and cheeses, had garnered attention since its opening in 2019.
The shutdown of ChagaRoot and NoButcher highlights an unsettling trend for vegan restaurants in Las Vegas. Other establishments, including VegeNation, once a pioneering vegan venue since 2015, have also closed in recent months, struggling against rising costs and shifting consumer preferences.
As the Las Vegas dining landscape continues to evolve, new vegan options are emerging. Notably, upscale venues like Via Via and Bottled Blonde are now catering to vegetarians, signaling a shift in demand.
With the abrupt closure of ChagaRoot, the future of vegan dining in Las Vegas remains uncertain. The community is left asking: what does this mean for the sustainability of plant-based restaurants in a city known for its diverse culinary scene?
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
