100% plant-based restaurant coming to Wayzata this spring
A 100% plant-based restaurant is opening in Wayzata this spring, with more locations expected to follow.
Stalk & Spade is taking over the former Starbucks (it closed last fall) in downtown Wayzata at 740 E. Lake St., steps from Lake Minnetonka.
The concept from Steele Smiley, who is the CEO of Wayzata-based Crisp & Green, will be right across the street from the flagship Crisp & Green restaurant.
The restaurant is "built on the notion that great-tasting, healthy food should also be accessible and convenient," Stalk & Spade's LinkedIn page says.
On the menu, there will be a "wide selection" of plant-based food alternatives, such as hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fries, chick'n sandwiches, chick'n nuggets and frozen treats.
This restaurant concept, which Stalk & Spade says is "America's first plant-based franchise," comes as fast-food chains continue to add plant-based proteins to their menus as consumers seek out convenient non-meat options.
“I’m utterly convinced we’ve cracked the code on plant-based burgers. You won’t know the difference,” Smiley told Twin Cities Business. “I knew the only way people would come is if the food tastes like classic favorites.”
The recipes for the plant-based foods are proprietary and Smiley and his team have been developing and testing them for months, the publication says, with Smiley noting in a dozen blind tastings, no one could tell they were eating just plants.
Stalk & Spade plans to open on April 22, Earth Day, Twin Cities Business says.
According to LinkedIn, Smiley is franchising the restaurant concept this spring and says more locations are expected in Minnesota this summer.
Meanwhile, Smiley recently expanded Crisp & Green, his grab 'n go salad shop, to Florida, helping the franchise on its way to tripling its size this year. It now has several locations in Minnesota, with more coming soon, as well as in Iowa, the Dakotas, Texas and Florida.
Bring Me The News has reached out to the restaurant for more information on Stalk & Spade.
