Val’s Vegan Kitchen, a plant-based comfort food spot known for its late-night service, is hoping to expand to Long Beach within the next six months.
The company, which recently opened a permanent location in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood, was initially launched as a ghost kitchen out of the Aztec Food Hub near San Diego State University. While no exact Long Beach address has been confirmed, owners Fernanda and Michael Allen have shared plans to bring their brand of indulgent vegan food to new markets, according to San Diego Magazine. Their goal is to establish multiple locations across Southern California. Fernanda tells What Now Los Angeles that they have a business partner in Long Beach who is actively scouting locations. At the time of this publication, the company has yet to find a home for its Long Beach location.
The expansion follows an upcoming opening of a San Diego storefront at 2611 El Cajon Boulevard, where they currently operate out of a shared space with Donna Jean and Evolution Fast Food. The North Park location will open on Wednesday, October 15, serving customers late into the night from Wednesday through Sunday. The concept was born out of a need Michael identified while working his day job at UCSD, where late-night vegan options were limited.
Val’s Vegan Kitchen focuses on vegan versions of nostalgic comfort food, including smash burgers, loaded fries, grilled cheese sandwiches, and quesadillas. The menu is entirely plant-based and designed to appeal to both vegans and non-vegans. Their style blends classic fast food with creative vegan cooking, prioritizing flavor and fun over strict traditionalism.
Named after Fernanda’s daughter, Valentina, the business is rooted in the family’s personal shift to veganism, inspired by their experiences and values. Michael and Fernanda both grew up on farms and transitioned to a vegan lifestyle after a cycling trip through Ireland. Their story is central to the brand’s identity, which emphasizes peace, love, and a passion for animal welfare.
The Long Beach location is expected to reflect the same late-night operating hours and core menu, offering plant-based comfort food well past midnight.
