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Vallejo Today
By the People, for the People
Vegan Mob Closes Downtown Vallejo Location
Plant-based restaurant cites strategic shift towards franchising as reason for closure.
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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Vegan Mob, a popular Bay Area plant-based restaurant chain, has closed its downtown Vallejo location after over two years of operation. Founder Toriano Gordon cited a need to focus on franchising the business as the primary reason for the closure, though he expressed gratitude for the strong community support the Vallejo location received.
Why it matters
The closure of Vegan Mob's Vallejo location is indicative of the challenges small businesses, especially in the food and restaurant industry, have faced in recent years. However, the brand's plans to expand through franchising suggest an opportunity for growth and wider accessibility of its plant-based offerings.
The details
Vegan Mob's Vallejo location, known for its signature soul food dishes made with plant-based ingredients, closed on February 25, 2026 after opening in August 2024. Founder Toriano Gordon said the closure was a strategic decision to focus on franchising the business and expanding its reach, rather than continuing to operate the Vallejo storefront. The Vallejo location had experienced a slower season in recent months, leading Gordon to take a more hands-on role in daily operations and pulling him away from the creative aspects of the business that he thrives in.
- Vegan Mob's Vallejo location opened in August 2024.
- The Vallejo location experienced a slower season starting in November 2025.
- The Vallejo location closed on February 25, 2026, its final day of operations.
The players
Toriano Gordon
Founder of Vegan Mob, a Bay Area plant-based restaurant chain.
Vegan Mob
A Bay Area plant-based restaurant chain known for its signature soul food dishes made with plant-based ingredients.
What they’re saying
“To go to the next level, sometimes you've got to take a step back. I had to make the decision to either ride with it or cut it short to continue my journey with franchising.”
— Toriano Gordon, Founder (thereporter.com)
“I want to create the culture — that's who I am. If I'm behind the counter the whole time, I can't do all these other things that really make (the business) successful.”
— Toriano Gordon, Founder (thereporter.com)
What’s next
Vegan Mob plans to continue expanding through franchising, with an upcoming 'Vegan Mob Tour' beginning in Los Angeles in March. The brand also plans to continue hosting pop-ups in Vallejo to maintain a presence in the community.
The takeaway
The closure of Vegan Mob's Vallejo location highlights the challenges small businesses face, but the brand's plans to franchise suggest an opportunity for growth and wider accessibility of its plant-based offerings. The strong community support the Vallejo location received underscores the importance of local businesses in fostering a sense of community.
