Many veg celebs give the veg world a big boost.  When they talk about vegan food many people listen and are inspired to try it, when they visit a restaurant people want to go there, and this can influence a restaurant to start offering vegan options.

So when a vegan celebrity, Lizzo, announced that she’s going to visit a meat and dairy-heavy restaurant, FoodChasers Kitchen in Philadelphia, the owners took on the challenge of making a vegan meal for the star and her guests.  They opened the restaurant on a Wednesday, when they are typically closed, and tasked the chef with creating a delicious vegan menu.

According to local outlet The Philadelphia Inquirer, the five-item, mushroom-focused menu featured vegan versions of FoodChaser classics such as plant-based cheesy grits topped with seasoned mushrooms; tacos stuffed with fried mushrooms, avocado, and pico de gallo; a meatball grinder made with portobello mushrooms and smothered in vegan cheese; a cheesesteak sandwich with mushrooms; and mushroom ravioli in vegan butter sauce. 

Lizzo enjoyed the food, while playing Uno with her guests, and you can be sure she talked about it on social media.  As a result the eatery has started serving some of the vegan dishes that were created alongside its regular menu.

Many celebrities are choosing a vegan lifestyle these days.  Some do it for ethical reasons, for the animals and the planet; others do it for their own personal health or their athletic performance. 

In Lizzo’s case, she chooses a vegan lifestyle for her health.  “I just feel better when I eat plants” she said. 

Whatever their reasons, celebrities talking about their vegan food choices, and requesting vegan options when they visit a restaurant, has an outsized influence on restaurants and their desire to include vegan offerings, which benefits all of us.