Looking for vegan options in the High Desert? Hesperia VEGANBURG set to open in May

Planet warriors, vegans and others who enjoy eating healthy burgers will soon have a place to chow down when VEGANBURG Hesperia officially opens for business.

It is the first ever vegan burger joint in the High Desert and is on the ground floor of a tremendous plant-based food movement, making a planet-saving statement one burger at a time. Every VEGANBURG burger is a plant protein patty on farm fresh greens, served with gourmet sauce on a fiber-filled bun, according to the company.

On Monday, franchise owner Dee Johnson and her sister and franchise manager Lisa Gray welcomed members of the press and others to the restaurant.

'Find a need, fill it'

With more than a decade of experience in the food industry, Dee wanted to support her husband Will when he decided to start eating a healthier diet. He became a pescatarian nine years ago, avoiding red meat and poultry and eating fish as one source of protein.

“I became increasingly aware of the health benefits associated with a plant-based diet,” Dee said.

Since her husband began his journey, Dee has become a spokesperson for the benefits of veganism that include improved heart health and lower cholesterol.

She was motivated to open a vegan restaurant because she could not find any devoted to the plant-based revolution.

As the saying goes, “Find a need and fill it,” and when Dee discovered VEGANBURG, Will was fully behind her decision to move forward, she said.

“This is a dream come true,” Dee said during Monday's ribbon cutting.

Although a ribbon cutting has been held, a grand opening won't happen until May 11.

VEGANBURG Ribbon cutting

Monday's ribbon cutting was sponsored by the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce. The ceremony was managed by official emcee Mark Creffield, President/CEO of the Chamber.

A certificate was presented by Creffield from the city of Hesperia and signed by Mayor Cameron Gregg. Other certificates from elected officials included Corrine Mora for Congressman Jay Obernolte, Karen Diaz representing Senator Scott Wilk, Christopher Porter for Supervisor Col. Paul Cook (Ret)., and an official Chamber plaque presented by Terry Fitch.

Porter said his in-laws were vegans and that he looked forward to bringing them to VEGANBURG Hesperia.

Located in the High Desert Gateway, VEGANBURG Hesperia is convenient for residents as well as travelers. It is easily accessible from the Hesperia Main Street exit off the Interstate 15 Freeway.

VEGANBURG Hesperia is located at 12699 Main Street, #130. It has dine-in and take-out options. There is outdoor seating and a kids’ menu as well as online ordering and catering. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram. The website is www.veganburg.com. Their phone number is 442-267-5332.

Information on the May 11 grand opening and other delicious details is available on the social media platforms.

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: VEGANBURG Hesperia holds ribbon cutting