Vegan Strip Malls: Friend or Foe?
April 5, 2010
•Le Cordon Bleu
•Portland
• 0 Comments
Vegan Strip Malls: Friend or Foe?
Vegans are passionate about their commitment to eating a diet of wholesome foods from the earth. They’ll make special trips to markets or restaurants out of the way because to them, veganism is not merely a meal plan -- it’s a lifestyle. Strip malls are hardly the scene for this rare group of people, as most shopping centers are lined with chain restaurants that serve meat-heavy dishes. But what if it was possible for vegans to enjoy the convenience and selection of stores available at a strip mall? The time has come all ye faithful vegans: A strip mall devoted to the diet is now open in the heart of downtown Portland. Look below to learn more about this veritable vegan paradise and what it offers the rest of us meat eating folk.
1. How will a large scale retail center affect the price tags of traditional vegan products?
Most vegans are resourceful by nature and value frugality. Although many people in this clan consider it a priority to eat the highest quality of earth-made food, sometimes veganism can be adopted due to the money-saving benefits. Such is the case for many Portland vegans, who are, by and large, low income earners. Business owners know that the glitz of a high-priced strip mall isn’t entirely attractive to many surrounding vegans, so they’ve catered their prices to match Portland’s “less is more” mantra.
2. What would make a non-vegan want to check it out?
Just because you eat meat doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the array of unique shops. It’s also a great chance to try a new culinary style; when eating vegan, you’ll discover how great food can taste without animal products or harsh additives. Besides food, the strip mall offers entertainment for everyone. Even a vegan strip club is located here, which prohibits any animal fur on the costumes or premises (of course steak, the night club staple, is stripped from the menu too). The business concept may sound a little odd at first, but it demonstrates how veganism can be incorporated into all facets of life.
3. Are vegans the only people advertised to or welcomed in the location?
Absolutely not. In fact, the owner of the strip joint initially used the space as a meatless Mexican restaurant, but wanted to create a business that attracted more than just vegans. The mall also features a tattoo parlor that uses only animal safe products. Clearly, veganism is not required to enjoy the strip mall or appreciate the efforts of business merchants to protect a cause.
4. What makes this strip mall different from a typical mini-mall?
Stores located here aren’t nationally-recognized chains, unlike most retail strips that feature Old Navy and Rite Aid. You’ll find an eclectic mix in this Portland spot, including the vegan magazine Herbivore, which is a premier resource for finding great tips and reviews of the vegan scene. The mall is quaint and charming, with only four stores currently located on the premises. Just because this retail hub is accessible, doesn’t mean that the integrity of vegan culture is compromised.
This article is presented by Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Portland. Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Portland offers Le Cordon Bleu culinary education classes and culinary training programs in Portland, Oregon. To learn more about the class offerings, please visit http://www.Chefs.edu/Portland for more information. Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Portland does not guarantee employment or salary.