Native Foods Cafe Takes Vegan Coast to Coast!

CHICAGO, Sept. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Native Foods Cafe, the premier plant-based restaurant concept that's taking "vegan" to delicious new heights, announces the grand opening of its first east coast location, today. After twenty years of wowing guests with its deliciously creative and approachable menu, Native Foods is officially tri-coastal, opening its doors at 1150 Connecticut Avenue, NW to anxious fans.

"Guests from all over the country constantly ask us when we're opening a Native Foods in their hometown," said Andrea McGinty, co-owner and CMO of Native Foods Cafe. "From Florida, to Pennsylvania, to Texas, they're asking for us. But nothing compares to the fans waiting in D.C. – a terrific foodie city with international flavor."

In celebration of the opening, Native Foods Cafe held a nationwide video contest where winners scored a weekend trip to D.C. for VIP pre-opening festivities. Creative, hilarious, and completely kooky entries came in from around the country including, "Twister Wrap for President," and "Native Foods Mortal Combat" videos. The ultimate winners – a tie between a father-daughter duo and a Taylor Swift-singing couple – took the capitol by storm and ate more Native Foods than they could handle at pre-opening festivities.

The restaurant opens to the public after three solid days of VIP festivities where close to a thousand tested out the beautiful new store. Members of the press, PETA representatives, Compassion over Killing volunteers, community members, and Native Foods' non-profit partners attended to "swear-in" the restaurant and feast on the concept's new fall menu items.

The Native Foods menu, known for unique plant-based options universally enjoyed by vegans and non-vegans alike, changes three times a year to reflect seasonal ingredients. Classics include the Oklahoma Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Run Ranch Burger, and homemade Peanut Butter Parfait, along with popular new fall dishes including:

• Crispy Chicken, Bacon & Avo Club
• Mexican Cobb Salad
• Japanese Sesame Crusted Chicken Bites
• Kung Pao Bowl

Instead of soft drinks, guests have several from-scratch beverage options all with free refills. The Lavender Lemonade, Watermelon Fresca, Native Iced Teas (organic hibiscus and wild berry tea, sweetened with organic agave) and organic chai are among favorites. Native Foods also offers a quality selection of local beers (including gluten-free options) and vegan wine.

Now in its 20^th year of leading the fast casual vegan train, the company, headquartered in Chicago, plans to open locations at 701 Pennsylvania NW and Falls Church, VA in the coming months.

The new Native Foods Cafe is located in the busy central business district at 18^th and M. Regular store hours for this location are Monday – Friday from 10:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. As with all Native Foods locations, the store is uniquely designed (no two stores are alike!) with murals of local artists' work, a variety of seating options, friendly and efficient service, and both dine-in and to-go options.

About Native Foods Cafe
Founded in 1994, Native Foods Cafe is a fast casual vegan restaurant group featuring from-scratch, chef-crafted meals. Native Foods Cafe specializes in pleasing the palates of vegans, vegetarians, omnivores, carnivores, and everyone else in between. There are currently 21 locations throughout San Diego, CA; Orange County, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Boulder, CO; Denver, CO; Portland, OR; Chicago, IL and Washington D.C., with an additional four coming this year.

Native Foods Cafe is dedicated to keeping both its prices and environmental footprint minimal, by not contributing to toxic ranching emissions. The company focuses on delicious and fun food, community giving, and compassion for animals and the environment. Their monthly community events benefit local and national groups where a portion of proceeds go to the non-profit's cause.

For more information, please reach out to Lauren Neuschel at [email protected].

Follow Native Foods Cafe:
Website – www.nativefoods.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/NativeFoods
Instagram – www.instagram.com/nativefoodscafe
Twitter – www.twitter.com/nativefoodscafe

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140930/149320

Contact:
Lauren Neuschel
Native Foods Cafe
[email protected]
(312) 605-8116

SOURCE Native Foods Cafe