A major factor preventing numerous people from seriously exploring veganism is simply convenience. Those who’ve had no experience with veganism often find the thought of adopting a vegan diet very daunting. Because of this, COK greatly expanded our restaurant outreach campaign.

While the campaign was aimed initially at publicizing already animal-friendly restaurants on our website, VegDC.com, the campaign now focuses on serious outreach to those eateries which, while not very veg-friendly, could easily alter their menus to include more vegan options.

The success rate has been very high, with more than 125 restaurants displaying COK’s "Proud to Serve Vegetarian & Vegan Meals" decal in their windows.

What’s more, COK has partnered with three all-vegetarian restaurants—The Vegetable Garden, Java Green, and Sticky Fingers Bakery—to host monthly benefit events. One day each month, these restaurants each donate a portion of the sales to help COK’s efforts to promote vegetarian eating. If you live in the D.C.-area or are visiting, be sure to join us:  

The Vegetable Garden hosts COK funding days the first Thursday of each month!

• The Vegetable Garden on the first
   Thursday of each month
• Sticky Fingers Bakery on the second Tuesday of each month
• Java Green on the third Saturday of each month

COK also works with restaurants to expand their menus to include vegan options—often times by adding mock meats and vegan cheeses. Since our Restaurant Outreach Campaign began, more than two dozen area eateries, including Asylum, Science Club, Bread & Brew, and Busboys & Poets are now dishing out delicious vegan cuisine. What’s more is that after working with COK, Java Green in downtown D.C. reopened in 2004 as an all-vegetarian (nearly vegan) restaurant! Want to get more restaurants in your community to add vegan options?

Want to get more restaurants in your community to add vegan options? Check out COK's Guide to Restaurant Outreach.