Phoenix's Giving Tree Cafe, known for its entirely plant-based offerings and recognized as the Best Vegan Restaurant in the Valley in 2020, is set to close its doors on December 28, marking the end of a five-year journey. The health-conscious eatery situated on Seventh Street near downtown Phoenix served organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free meals, purifying its ingredients with reverse osmosis water and banning processed sugars and seed oils from its kitchen, an ethos that made it stand out as a culinary health haven for vegans and vegetarians alike, according to Phoenix New Times.
David Warr, owner and chef of Giving Tree Cafe, expressed his gratitude on social media, stating, "We treasure the shared experiences with you all and appreciate all your support through the years," further reflecting on the cafe's role in providing not only bodily nourishment but also, what he hopes was, sustenance for the soul, Phoenix New Times noted. Meanwhile, in Southern California, another plant-based initiative by Kevin Hart called Hart House shuttered all its locations overnight on September 10, a surprising turn considering the chain's goal to offer affordable vegan fast-food alternatives and its strategic establishment of stores in competitive fast-food landscapes including Westchester and Hollywood Boulevard.
Despite the fervor to promote a vegan lifestyle and construct a quick-service alternative to meat-centric chains, Hart House abruptly ceased operations, Andy Hooper, Hart House CEO, expressed his appreciation for a community that embraced their mission, with an acknowledgment to Eater, "The response to the product has been incredible, and we thank our committed team, our customers, and our community partners for helping make the change we all craved, and for their unwavering support of Hart House."
