Dayton's Plant-Forward Opportunity: Why Local Hospitality Businesses Are Missing Out on a Growing Market

by Molly Blackshear, Vegan Hospitality Consultant in Dayton, Ohio

"Eww. What is that?"

That was a question I heard nearly every day at lunch when I was in school. I was a vegetarian kid in a Dayton, Ohio public school, surrounded by classmates eating chicken poppers while I unwrapped my lettuce, tomato, and sprout sandwich on whole grain bread. What began as a normal part of my upbringing eventually shaped my career path in ways I never expected.

Growing up vegetarian and later transitioning to veganism in 2017 gave me firsthand experience navigating a food landscape that wasn't designed for people like me. I learned early on what it felt like to be overlooked by restaurants, cafeterias, and hotels, and I never forgot it.

molly as a vegetarian child in dayton, ohio, usa

The Market Shift Dayton Can't Afford to Ignore

Today, that experience informs my work helping hospitality businesses in Dayton and throughout Ohio capture a rapidly expanding market. The numbers tell a compelling story: In 2025 alone, 25.8 million people participated in Veganuary, with remarkable retention rates:

• 81% intended to make significant long-term dietary changes 

• 98% said they would recommend the experience to others

 • 46% reported better moods, 44% increased energy

But here's what matters most for Dayton's restaurants, hotels, and event venues: These aren't just committed vegans. This market includes flexitarians, health-conscious travelers, sustainability-minded corporate clients, and guests with dietary restrictions who are tired of being an afterthought.

Why Hospitality Businesses Need a Strategic Approach

After owning a restaurant myself, I understand the operational realities. You're managing costs, staff training, supply chains, and guest expectations simultaneously. That's exactly why the old approach of adding a token veggie burger or sad salad no longer works.

Modern guests reward hospitality businesses that get it right. They return, they leave reviews, they book conferences, they recommend venues to colleagues. But getting it right requires more than good intentions; it requires strategy.

molly at her fully vegan restaurant

This is where vegan hospitality consulting comes in. I work with Dayton-area restaurants, hotels, caterers, and event venues to:

✓ Audit existing menus to identify quick wins that increase plant-based options without full menu overhauls 

✓ Train kitchen and front-of-house staff on preparation, cross-contamination, and confident guest communication 

✓ Optimize ingredient sourcing to improve profitability while expanding plant-forward offerings 

✓ Create inclusive menu design that appeals to all guests, not just vegans

From Dayton Roots to Hospitality Solutions

My passion has never been about perfection or preaching. My goal is to make plant-based dining accessible, delicious, and profitable for the businesses that serve it. As someone who once owned a restaurant, I understand the challenges. As someone who's spent a lifetime navigating limited options, I understand what guests actually want.

Dayton has an opportunity right now. Our community is home to corporate travelers, university populations, healthcare facilities, and event venues that could all benefit from stronger plant-forward hospitality. The problem I see is that local businesses are not yet positioned to serve this market.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're a hospitality professional in Dayton or surrounding Ohio communities looking to expand your plant-based offerings, increase guest satisfaction, and tap into a proven growth market, let's talk.

I offer menu consultations, staff training, and ongoing support tailored to your operational needs, whether you're a hotel restaurant, independent café, corporate caterer, or event venue.

Complete this quick form to request a complimentary 30-minute consultation with Molly Blackshear to discuss how plant-forward hospitality can work for your business, or contact Molly directly at Mollyblackshear1@gmail.com

Molly serves Dayton, Ohio and surrounding areas. If you’re located in a different city, state, or country and would like to be connected with a vegan hospitality consultant in your region, complete this form to request a complimentary strategy session.