Dan McKelvey’s local fast-casual vegan restaurant, Daily Veg, recently announced its first franchise partnership with Michael Gallagher, who will be overseeing operations in North Wilmington. Gallagher’s first location is due to open within the first half of 2023, though the exact location is yet to be disclosed.
Gallagher could not be immediately reached for comment.
Daily Veg began in 2018 as a juice bar with acai bowls called Raw Essential, which followed the success of another juice concept McKelvey had launched five years prior. However, it wasn’t until 2019 that McKelvey revamped his menu as well as his brand, officially dubbing the new venture Daily Veg. And according to a press release, Gallagher had been an ardent supporter all along.
“I was definitely excited to see someone that has been a customer since I opened Raw Essential in 2018,” said McKelvey. “Since almost day one, Michael saw what I did with the whole rebrand to Daily Veg in April of 2019. He has been a big believer in the concept and a big fan of the food ever since.”
Should Gallagher and other future franchisees be successful, Daily Veg is ultimately hoping to launch 30-50 locations over the next five years.
In addition to the acai bowls and smoothies that McKelvey built his reputation on, Daily Veg’s menu includes burgers, wraps, and sandwiches, as well as a slate of sides and desserts. As Daily Veg writes on its website, “we’re obsessed with making sure our customers are satisfied without harming any animals while also protecting our planet.”
Daily Veg currently has one outpost that’s open from 10am-8pm Monday through Saturday and 10am-6pm on Sunday. It’s located in Wilmington, at 5335b Limestone Rd.
