Vegan Are Us Opens New Restaurant in Philadelphia
The new plant-based eatery is now serving classic comfort foods at its location on Race Street.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Vegetarian
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Vegan Are Us has officially opened a new restaurant in Philadelphia at 1016-1018 Race Street. Founded by Sharonda Harris-Bunton, the establishment offers a variety of plant-based comfort dishes alongside specialty juices and seasonings.
Why it matters
The founder launched the business to encourage healthier eating habits following the loss of family members to health-related issues. She previously built a significant following through social media cooking shows before expanding into physical storefronts.
The menu features plant-based versions of favorites like chicken and waffles, shrimp po' boys, and Philly V Steaks, with sides such as mac and cheese. The shop also retails proprietary seasonings, smoothies, and alkaline water.
The players
Sharonda Harris-Bunton
Sharonda Harris-Bunton is the founder and CEO of the Vegan Are Us restaurant chain.
The details
The restaurant is situated in the heart of Philadelphia and draws on the founder's experience establishing Vegan Are Us locations across New Jersey. Guests can choose from a range of soul food-inspired menu items crafted entirely from vegan ingredients.
Timeline
The restaurant location is currently open to the public as of October 25, 2026.
A second location is scheduled to open in Atlantic City during the spring of 2027.
Culture Shift
This opening reflects the broader trend of plant-based comfort food expanding from social media niches into accessible neighborhood dining. It highlights how digital creators are leveraging online audiences to establish sustainable physical businesses in urban food corridors.
Philadelphia residents now have a new option for vegan soul food dining located at the 1016-1018 Race Street storefront. The shop also provides health-conscious consumers with access to specialized products like alkaline water and house-made seasonings.
The takeaway
Prioritizing plant-based ingredients in comfort food can offer a healthy alternative for those seeking traditional soul food flavors. Exploring new local restaurants allows the community to support small business owners committed to wellness-focused menus.
What happens next
Sharonda Harris-Bunton is slated to expand the brand with a new location in Atlantic City scheduled for opening in the spring of 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local plant-based dining trends in the Philadelphia Vegetarian section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 6abc Action News.
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Would you choose a plant-based restaurant over a traditional one when dining out?
