Why Restaurants Can’t Ignore Vegan Diners
When it comes to dining out with a group, there’s often one person who quietly holds all the power—the vegan guest.
This is known as the “Vegan Veto Vote”—the unspoken rule that if a restaurant doesn’t have a vegan option, the entire group will go elsewhere.
Even if a restaurant believes they don’t see many vegan diners, they may be missing out on larger groups who choose another place simply because one member of the wants a vegan meal.
How the Vegan Veto Vote Impacts Group Decisions
It’s not just about one vegan in a group saying “I can’t eat there.” It’s about how group dynamics naturally lean toward inclusion.
When planning where to eat:
- People value inclusivity. Most groups want everyone to enjoy the meal, so they gravitate toward restaurants where no one feels left out.
- Vegan and health-conscious voices carry weight. Even if the majority aren’t vegan, many are choosing to eat more plant-based. Diners who care about sustainability or health often speak up in favor of restaurants with plant-based options.
- Convenience wins. If one restaurant accommodates everyone, the group goes there—making it the default choice over places that don’t.
This subtle but powerful dynamic means that a restaurant without vegan options doesn’t just lose one guest—it loses groups.
Plant-Based Eating Is Growing Faster Than Ever
With the number of vegans and flexitarians rising, this trend is becoming more pronounced.
A 2022 survey by Ipsos found that 48% of U.S. consumers are trying to eat more plant-based, and over 60% of Millennials and Gen Z are open to choosing plant-based options when dining out.
In addition, a growing number of people are identifying as flexitarian—those who primarily eat plant-based but occasionally eat animal products—making vegan menu options even more appealing to a broad range of diners.
A Simple Solution to Capture More Diners
The solution is simple: By adding a few well-crafted vegan options to the menu, restaurants can welcome a wider range of diners and avoid losing out on group reservations.
A flavorful vegan pasta, a hearty grain bowl, or a plant-based burger can make all the difference in ensuring that everyone feels included—and that the restaurant stays on the list for the next gathering. 🌱🍽️