Plant Bae, a vegan restaurant that earned national recognition, announced on Friday that it will close its downtown Montgomery location on Lee Street after serving its final customers at 7 p.m. The decision marks the end of a six‑year run that began in May 2020.
Owner reflects on the restaurant’s origins
Owner Quebe Merritt shared a heartfelt message on the restaurant’s Facebook page, thanking patrons for embracing the plant‑based menu and making Plant Bae a “beloved part of our community.” Merritt noted that the restaurant’s success was rooted in the support of families and friends who tried vegan food for the first time, celebrated milestones, and helped spread the word.
Health journey that sparked a business
In a 2021 profile by Action 8 News, Merritt explained that health concerns following the birth of her second child led her to experiment with a 30‑day vegan diet. She reported a drop of nearly 30 points in her cholesterol, weight loss, clearer breathing, and the disappearance of acne. Those results convinced her to turn her new lifestyle into a business, opening Plant Bae in May 2020.
National accolades
Within a year of opening, Plant Bae was named one of USA Today’s Top 20 Vegan Restaurants in the Southeast. The restaurant also secured a United States trademark for its brand, underscoring its regional impact.
Looking ahead
While the physical location will close, Merritt emphasized that the “heart, creativity, and mission” behind Plant Bae remain intact. She hinted that the brand may evolve into a new venture, stating, “We’re making room to see what this beloved brand might become next. This isn’t necessarily a period.”
Community response
Local diners expressed gratitude for the restaurant’s role in expanding plant‑based options in Montgomery. Many highlighted how Plant Bae introduced healthier eating habits to families and contributed to the downtown dining scene.
Plant Bae’s closure reflects a broader trend of small, specialty eateries reassessing their models after the pandemic‑era surge. As Montgomery’s culinary landscape continues to evolve, the restaurant’s legacy of health‑focused, family‑friendly dining will be remembered by longtime patrons.
Original reporting: Alabama News Network — read the source article.
