A storied Los Angeles vegan restaurant is set to close all of its remaining locations after more than a decade, quietly announcing its impending goodbye via an Instagram post at the start of the new year.
But unlike its subtle, reflective farewell, the comments on Sage Regenerative Kitchen’s post have been rather vocal — and in some cases, pretty mean.
“The planet, and kind customers … weren’t duped by your cruel choices,” reads the most prominent comment, left by animal rights organization PETA; it has more than 200 likes. “I am saddened that you chose to gaslight your former customers and spread misinformation,” reads another.
So what has Sage’s comments section so up in arms? Veganism — and chef/owner Mollie Engelhart’s turn away from the strict practice.
For about 13 years, Sage was known as Sage Vegan Bistro (rather than its final name, Sage Regenerative Kitchen), and was a leader in the plant-based casual restaurant space, with multiple locations across Southern California.
But in the spring of 2024, Engelhart announced a shift in direction for the brand, with plans to “focus on sourcing and proselytizing regenerative farming practices,” wrote the Los Angeles Times.