Vegan options are very popular in Beacon. Most eateries from pizza to burgers to tacos are incorporating both gluten-free and vegan options into their menus. Nevertheless, running a restaurant is hard. Végétalien, the plant-based eatery on the east end of town near the mountain, announced two weeks ago that they are closing.

As explained in their Instagram post: “It is with mixed emotions that we write to post to notify you that Végétalien will be closing its doors permanently. Our last day of business was January 29th, 2023. We have various store equipment, shelving and fixtures that will be available for purchase as well. If you are interested in any of these items, pease email us at vegetalienbeacon@gmail.com. Lastly, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported our small business throughout the years. We know that there are many stores in the area to choose from and we are honored that you chose Végétalien above the others. We appreciate all of our loyal customers who have helped our store thrive for the past years! Until we meet again!”

Végétalien was started by restaurateur, Kamel Jamal (currently Beacon Bread, Ziatun, formerly Angelino’s in Cold Spring and Titos in Beacon) whose daughter named it after the french name for vegetarian. Végétalien’s current owner Moises purchased the eatery from Kamel and Lena in 2018.

Over time, the famed Beacon-based vegan ice-cream company, Lick The Vegan Stuff, was also based out of Végétalien. Lick The Vegan Stuff left that location in November 2022.

Prior to Végétalien being in that location, the eatery called Raddish with memorable salads was there. It remains to be seen if a food-based business will remain in that location.