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Hemingway’s, the beloved oceanfront bar and restaurant serving plant-based comfort food in Discovery Bay, has revealed that their profits have soared since they turned vegan a year ago. In a Facebook post from owner Gary Stokes earlier this month, while 2017 saw the topmost sales since the former Caribbean F&B opened back in 2006, it was 2018 that saw the highest sales ever.
“In January 2018, we took what many believe was a ‘drastic decision’ to go vegan, removing our very popular BBQ Baby Back Ri s and replacing our infamous Hemingway’s Burger with the Hemingway’s Beyond Burger,” Stokes said in the post. “We not only maintained sales, but exceeded them thanks to our amazing team who made this happen.”
After becoming vegan in 2016, the longtime Hong Kong resident knew he had to make a change after becoming the Asia Global Director of marine wildlife conservation organization, Sea Shepherd. Revamping its entire menu last January, the restaurant continued to serve all the childhood favorites, party snacks and classic dishes – nachos, potato skins, pizza, chili – but with a modern vegan twist. Fan favorites amongst Hemingway’s new menu include the Shepher’ds Pie, BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich, and the their Meatballs Marinara.
The booming success of Hemingway’s echoes meatless menus of other establishments who have ditched meat and gone on to favorable outcomes, growing in both sales and reputation. Stokes pointed out that while Hemingway’s experienced “one of coldest and quietest December in years,” sales were still up and food costs have dropped 5% as they no longer need to pay for expensive meat and seafood.
Vegan food has already made a worldwide statement in 2019. Tokyo International Airport open its first vegan restaurant. Since Greggs, UK’s largest bakery chain, announced its vegan alternative to its wildly popular meaty sausage roll at the beginning of the year, the Quorn pastries have been struggling to keep up with demands due to its popularity.
Shop G09, Block A, 92 & 96 Discovery Bay Road, Discovery Bay Plaza, Lantau Island, +852 2987 8804, info@hemingways.hk or send a message on Facebook for more information.
Ed. Note: This article’s title has been amended – originally the title said profits but that was incorrect. Hemingways posted record sales.
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