New York Style Deli Switches to a Fully Vegan Menu

As a Vegan Hospitality Consultant and vegan customer, I am always ecstatic when I can find vegan versions of traditional dishes--  vegan schnitzel in Germany, vegan haggis in Scotland, vegan okinamiyaki in Japan, and now I can say I've had an authentic New York style Jewish Deli experience without compromising my ethics! You can find a vegan version of Lox or Whitefish, vegan Ruebens and Tuna Melts, and all your other deli favorites veganized at Ben & Esther's Vegetarian Jewish Deli & Bakery in Portland, Oregon.

Ben & Esther's wasn't always a vegan-friendly establishment. Before October 2020, this shop wasn't even vegetarian! I asked the owner of Ben & Esther's, Justin King, about the decision to create a vegan-friendly establishment and he said,  "I turned the shop vegetarian because I decided it wasn’t worth doing business unless I could do it responsibly and ethically. Everything seems to be working against our planet these days and, as a business owner,  I have a platform that can be used for positive change. So, I decided to do what I can to minimize my impact on the environment, strive to cause no harm to others and place principles over profit."

WhiteF ’ish Bagel

This is a huge leap for Ben & Esther's; a decision that will reduce suffering and the impact on the environment, while inviting vegans and veg-curious to try veganized traditional deli favorites!

What's next for Ben & Esther's? "I intend to transition the shop to a fully vegan menu within the next couple months, as soon as we get some of our staple dishes dialed in”, said Justin of his vision.

Beyond being an enthusiastic vegan customer, I’m also a hospitality consultant. I became a vegan consultant through Vegan Hospitality to see these kinds of positive changes in the world, and to shift the way we think about vegan food. I love helping restaurants around the world understand how to accommodate their vegan guests, and thrive in the process!

Having been vegan or vegetarian for most of my life, I have seen many restaurants that are underprepared in serving their vegan guests. As a kid, I remember the only vegan option I could find at most restaurants would be a side of fruit, and that was almost always pieces of cantaloupe with a couple grapes. Now cantaloupe is the only fruit I can't stand because of cantaloupe overload in the past!  There are endless possibilities for vegan food options that are delicious and nutritionally balanced. Vegans should never have to settle for anything less!

We've come a long way since the 90s, but we still have a long way to go when it comes to catering to the ever-increasing number of people choosing to eat plant-based. The rise in veganism has been soaring over the last few years as more and more folks are making the decision to be more ethical or healthful. People are becoming more aware of their habits and the impact they have on their health, the environment, or other beings.

Ready to get your restaurant on-board with serving vegan guests? Start with these 3 success tips your restaurant or food service business can learn from Justin's decision for Ben & Esther's:

1) Start by creating vegan versions of your best sellers rather than creating a new dish for vegans. You’ll maximize the ingredients you already have, and your dishes will retain your signature flavors! Your existing customers may already be reducing their meat consumption and welcome an opportunity to try a vegan version of their favorite dish, and you’ll bring in new customers as well.

2) Go “all in”. Don't make vegan customers feel like an afterthought, be intentional about serving them and marketing to the vegan community. Partner with a vegan consultant if you’re not already connected with the vegan community. Invite vegan influencers to try out your new dishes. Show the vegan community that you value their patronage.

3) Big risks can lead to big rewards. Innovation in hospitality makes you stand out from your competitors. What do you want your brand to be known for? If it’s “traditional” food, like Ben & Esther’s once was, consider how you can innovate while keeping traditional components.  

Article written by Ani Stavrou of Real Vegan Solutions (Trained by Vegan Hospitality)

Ready to give it a shot but need help? Click here to book a free consult with me, Ani Stavrou, or click here to find a consultant in your region.

Click here to visit Ben & Esther’s and check out their most up-to-date menu options. Since writing this article, they’ve already veganized their entire sandwich menu!