A month ago, former Native Foods Chairman and CEO Daniel Dolan returned to his position at the widespread vegan eatery as CEO Carin Stutz slipped into retirement.
Now, Dolan is rethinking the brand’s model, actively downsizing a number of its too-big locations to cater to the burgeoning take-out trend.
This means one of Native Foods’ largest locations in Westwood Village is no more (as of June 23)…but not for long.
Come 2024, a new, smaller Native Foods will return to Westwood with less seating and a cozier, more intimate atmosphere that’s ultimately more practical considering the residual effects of the last few years.
“The fact of the matter is, following Covid, we no longer need spaces with 150 seats. With the rising percentage of take-out orders, the rent for a space that large just isn’t feasible…so we’ll be downsizing all across the board,” Dolan tells What Now Los Angeles.
Thankfully, Dolan’s beloved brand which he helped grow from three units to 30 units from 2009-2014, won’t ever skimp on quality despite its need to scale back in size. According to Dolan, he’s in the process of relearning how the company runs while also figuring out how to maintain what makes the brand great: its offerings.
“My then-wife and I stumbled upon Native Foods 25 years ago in Palm Springs; it was one of my daughter’s first meals. I love the brand and I’m excited to once again have the opportunity to grow it.”
Learn more about the innovative, fast-casual vegan restaurant here.
