How did this Beijing Pub Sell 3x More Vegan Meals than Meat?!
/Despite numerous stories highlighting the growing interest in plant-based diets, many restaurants remain hesitant to put vegan meals on their menu for fear that they won’t sell as well as their traditional options. But is this skepticism justified? This Beijing pub will tell you, “Most certainly not!”
Arrow Factory Brewing is a favourite among both locals and expats for its nostalgic, homestyle cooking and exceptional range of vegan options. However, it even came as a surprise to the owner and recipe developer, Will Yorke, when, this Thanksgiving, Arrow Factory sold three times as many plant-based meals as traditional turkey platters!
How is this possible?
1. They recognized a neglected market with high demand.
While other restaurants vied for customers with similar traditional Thanksgiving offers, Arrow Factory was the only restaurant in the city to provide a fully plant-based feast for vegans and vegetarians. Furthermore, by offering both traditional and vegan meals, they were also the only establishment equipped to accommodate families and friend groups with different food preferences, ensuring that nobody felt left out of the holiday celebrations.
2. They advertised an ATTRACTIVE vegan option.
It’s not uncommon for vegans to feel like an afterthought when going out to eat. In fact, most of us are familiar with the need to customize our meals by ordering random side dishes, or settling for a boring side salad. Instead, Chef Will meticulously crafted an attractive vegan set menu, which would appeal not only to vegans and vegetarians but also entice omnivores who dislike turkey and adventurous food enthusiasts seeking novel dining experiences.
3. They value their vegan options as much as any other menu item.
Arrow Factory understands the difference between accommodating vegan customers and attracting vegan customers. Their regular menu goes beyond inclusivity and gives all of their guests, no matter their dietary preferences, a range of choice from appetizer, main to dessert. Vegan specials appear on their chalkboard alongside the traditional ones, normalizing plant-based choices and showing they value their vegan guests as much as their omnivorous dining companions.
4. They frequently consult with the vegan community
Over the years, Chef Will and Arrow Factory have actively engaged with the Vegans of Beijing community, fostering a trusting relationship. Hosting events and directly seeking feedback from the 1000+ member strong community ensures continuous improvement of their vegan menu and strengthens their position as a top choice for plant-based eaters in Beijing.
5. They partnered with a professional vegan hospitality consultant
In promoting their vegan Thanksgiving offer, Arrow Factory partnered with Alex Ogden, a prominent figure in the Beijing vegan community and a professional hospitality consultant. By collaborating with a vegan expert, Arrow was able to target the ideal market and garner media exposure to ensure the success of their vegan event.
If you’re interested in capitalizing on the fastest growing market of restaurant guests, don’t wait!
Alex Ogden, a professionally trained vegan hospitality consultant and leader of the Vegans of Beijing Community, is offering a free 30-minute consultation to help you create a vegan offer that attracts more customers to your restaurant. If you’re outside of Beijing and still want to get in on the action, apply for a consult here to be matched with a consultant in your region.