Washington, DC—PLNT Burger has announced plans to open several new locations in 2021. Since 2019, the plant-based burger joint has opened mini restaurants within Whole Foods Markets in DE, MD, PA and VA. Now, the company will build its first standalone stores.

“PLNT Burger has proven itself as the first successful fast food chain to serve up only plant-based foods that taste as delicious as its competitors," said celebrity chef Spike Mendelsohn, in a press release. "Whereas our focus will always be on creating planet-friendly food that is accessible to everyone, our number one goal is to give our customers the best tasting burger on the planet and for the planet.”

Related: 2020 Retailer of the Year: Weavers Way Microbiome, Nutrition Make ADM’s Top 5 2021 Trends Craving Convenience

The influence of plant-based has been quick and pervasive, Mendelsohn says.  “We are seeing the transformation of the restaurant industry—the sit-order-and-eat model that we grew up with might never come back. In order to continue succeeding, PLNT Burger will have to continue to anticipate and create a new model for quick service restaurants.”