Denver will be the first city to welcome Next Level Veggie Grill, the result of a merger between two leading vegan brands. Next Level Veggie Grill, a new concept born from the merger of Next Level Burger and Veggie Grill, is set to debut this August.
Highlights
- Next Level Burger and Veggie Grill merger to open first location in Denver.
- Next Level Veggie Grill will offer an extensive menu, bringing the best of both brands.
- 20 locations of the two brands will merge under the same name soon.
Next Level Veggie Grill to Open First Location in Denver
Next Level Veggie Grill merges two major plant-based brands to offer an expanded menu for vegan food enthusiasts. The expanded menu brings the best of Veggie Grill and Next Level Burger, thrilling fans. The merger expands both brands’ national reach and introduces a more creative, unified menu.
The newly unveiled name signals a fresh chapter, with a menu designed to appeal to longtime fans of both brands. The menu combines the best of both worlds, and will eventually be available in 20 other locations. Eventually, more than 20 existing Next Level Burger and Veggie Grill locations across the U.S. will convert to the new concept.
Merger of the Two Vegan Brands
After acquiring competitor Veggie Grill in 2024, Next Level is soon to take things forward. It is merging this competitor with its 100% plant-based burger joint, Next Level Burger. The merger marks a new era for both brands, which will now operate under the unified name Next Level Veggie Grill.
The first to open under this new name will be the Denver location of Next Level Burger. Next Level is bringing its first unified menu and converting locations to Next Level Veggie Grill. This will unite the two brands under one name.
“With Next Level Burger, our vision was to drive global impact through our commitment to a plant-based menu, organic produce, non-GMO ingredients, and living wages,” says Next Level CEO and co-founder Matt de Gruyter. “After acquiring our largest competitor, Veggie Grill, last year, we realized that we could have an even greater impact by bringing the best of these powerhouse vegan restaurants together. Our new All American Vegan Menu has something to meet everything Denverites are craving, from burgers and fries to bowls, wraps, salads, smoothies, and even steaks. We’ve listened to our guests – we’re taking fast casual to the next level and going beyond burgers and fries.”
Featuring an All-American Vegan Menu
Cierra de Gruyter, Chief Visionary Officer and Next Level co-founder, is the mind behind the new menu. Picking items from her home test kitchen, the new menu focused on nourishing, craveable food.
“This new menu is a love letter to the way I cook at home,” Cierra says. “My food philosophy is rooted in real ingredients and bold flavors. I focus on nourishing, craveable food that brings joy to the table without harming our planet or the animals we share it with. If I wouldn’t serve it to my family, it doesn’t belong on our menu.”
The new menu combines fan favorites from both brands while introducing fresh options aimed at expanding their appeal. With this in mind, it hasn’t just expanded, but also evolved into something impressive. Here’s what one needs to look out for in the new vegan menu:
- Protein Plates: Available for dine-in only, these entree plates come with exciting new products. Guests can customize their plate with a choice of protein, sauce, and two sides, offering flexibility and variety. The protein options include the all-new whole-cut Beyond Steak® Filet, Pan Seared Salmon, Citrus Herbed Chi’n, and Organic Crispy Tofu.
- Superfood Smoothies: This new addition brings smoothies crafted from organic fruits, veggies, herbs, and sweeteners. Options include Green Glow Up, Banan Berry, Tropical Tonic, and more.
- New Shareables: Fresh Summer Rolls, Fried Cheese Bites, Truffle Mac & Cheese, and Crispy Organic Cauliflower. There’s something for everyone, and fans of Next Level Burger and Veggie Grill are not leaving disappointed.
- New Bowls: Built to satisfy, these bowls of organic grains, house-made sauces, and vibrant veggies are perfect. Choose from the Buddha Brunch Bowl with Yo! Egg, Tofu Zen Bowl, Teriyaki Protein Bowl, and more.
- New Snacks and Sides: Grilled, roasted, and pickled. Select the veggies to snack on or place them on the side, because the flavorful magic they bring is irresistible.
- New Salads, Wraps, and Sandwiches: Denver diners can look forward to a variety of new plant-based options hitting the menu soon. Choose from the Southwest Taco Salad, Farmhouse Chik’n, or Veggie’s Grill’s All Hale Kale Salad, and more.
- Hard-Scoop Ice Cream: In collaboration with Cosmic Bliss, Next Level brings ice flavors exclusive to Next Level guests. Organic Summer Strawberry and Organic Berry Bliss Sundae are among the options available.
- Más Veggies Mexican Plates: Enjoy the Fajita Quesadilla, Southwest Nachos, Queso Chik’n Burrito, and more for those Mexican flavors.
- New Burgers: Finally, there is no way the menu is missing out on some burgers. Bringing the fan favorite Sunrise Burger and the Steakhouse Burger, and many more, the options are worth taking a trip down to the location.
The Denver location will feature collaborations with Beyond Meat, Yo-Egg, and Oshi to bring cutting-edge plant-based proteins to the menu. With a fresh, organic lineup of craveable options, the new concept is expected to make a strong impression on local diners.
