Native Foods Is Now Employee Owned

Native Foods, a popular vegan restaurant chain, has started 2024 by transforming its three remaining locations into employee-owned entities. Despite facing closures of eight locations in 2023, the iconic brand has persevered and is now thriving with renewed vigor. Each of the three locations – in Chicago, Glendale, and Palm Springs – has its own unique story of resilience, passion, and commitment to the vegan movement.

In Chicago, Dame Dia, a seasoned veteran of the restaurant industry, stands as a symbol of tenacity and has played a crucial role in the success of Native Foods in the city. In Glendale, Michael Olivas has fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning a vegan restaurant through his dedication to the brand. In Palm Springs, Misti Rausch and Sean Reynolds share a deep passion for Native Foods’ legacy and are excited to continue the brand’s journey. These employee-owned locations showcase Native Foods' mission of changing the world's eating habits one plant-based meal at a time, with strong community support and a commitment to sustainability.