Crowdfund record breaker The Vurger Co. to open vegan burger site in Shoreditch
The long-awaited opening follows the brand’s successful July crowdfund, which saw it become the fastest restaurant ever to reach its target on the Crowdcube platform.
Opening In a unit in Richmix Square on 12 March, the 30-cover restaurant will serve plant based burgers and sides.
Varieties of burgers will include the Tabasco ‘auburger’ made with aubergines, chickpeas and vegan cheese; the ‘classic’; the ‘Mexican’; and the ‘MLT’ made with baked mushrooms, rocket and walnut and sundried tomato paste.
Alongside the burgers The Vurger Co. will serve plant-based mac’n’cheese and dairy-free shakes.
The brand ran a series of successful pop ups at festivals and throughout London over the summer. It amassed a strong fanbase, which allowed it to hit its £180,000 crowdfund target within 30 hours. It ended its crowdfunding drive on 6 July after raising £300,000, 66% above its target, in 77 hours.
“We couldn't be happier, we have lived in East London for over 10 years and we adore its vibe, authenticity,” says brand founder Rachel Hugh.
“We have traded in the area for two years through various pop ups, events and festivals so moving into Shoreditch was the perfect match for The Vurger Co.”
Statistics from the Vegan Society show a 250% increase in vegans in the UK over the past 10 years, so now is a good time for meat-free brands to expand.
Thai-inspired vegan restaurant Cook Daily has doubled the size of its flagship Shoreditch site as well as opening a Croydon location, and vegan street-food brand SpiceBox is looking for its first permanent restaurant after receiving nearly £500k in funding. The 18-month old start-up company has raised £450,000 to grow its business.
