Veggie Grill To Expand With $22 Million Investment

Veggie Grill, a vegan, fast-casual chain in Southern California with a seasonally rotating menu, announced last week that its investors have funded a $22 million expansion for locations beyond the West Coast.

Steve Heely, Veggie Grill's CEO, said the company planned to continue growth in Southern California. "We're still evaluating markets, but we're looking at the Midwest and the East Coast," he told Nation's Restaurant News.

In 2013, Veggie Grill received $20 million to double its number of restaurant locations to 28. With this recent investment, the chain should be able to double its number of locations again in three years. Although it's likely that the chain will expand to more urban areas, some other locations such as universities and airports are being considered as well.

Additionally, Veggie Grill will be the first fast-casual food chain to serve the new Beyond Burger by Beyond Meat, a plant-based alternative to a beef patty.