A vegan restaurant has been slammed online over its decision to add meat to its menu to stay afloat.
The Mango Tree restaurant in the UK prided itself on being solely plant-based. However, after an “incredibly tough” few years, they have made the decision to add meat to their menu.
They shared the news on Facebook, writing in a statement to their customers: “The new restaurant we will be serving a variety of dishes to accommodate a wide variety of dietary needs and preferences.”
It continued: “Hospitality is increasingly tough and continuing as a purely vegan restaurant has not been sustainable for a considerable amount of time as not enough customers supported us.
“The changes will allow us to secure the jobs of our wonderful team and allow us to continue offering Taunton delicious plant-based dishes that would otherwise have disappeared.”
Despite the understandable explanation, many took to the comment section to grill the establishment for their decision, with one writing: “This makes me so sad. You’re the only vegan-only restaurant in Taunton yet you’ve had basically the same menu for ages.
“And your solution to low customer numbers is to not be a vegan restaurant anymore? Rather than double down on how good vegan food can be you’re giving up? So much possibilities.”
Another person called their move “unethical.”
A third commented: “This is a massive shame. It’s been amazing to have a 100% vegan restaurant in Taunton. Veganism isn’t a business venture. It’s an ethical philosophy that does the best for the animals, the planet, and public health.”
However, others understood why the restaurant had to change its ethos to stay afloat, with one writing: “You have to go with the times and cater for all tasters otherwise you will go under. Good luck.”
The restaurant went on to thank its loyal customers and shared that they will be re-opening some time in the fall with a “new vibe.”
What do you think of the move?