Chipotle, Pita Pit in the Running for peta2 Awards

Restaurants Are Dishing Up More Delicious Vegan Options Than Ever Before

For Immediate Release:
November 20, 2013

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

More than ever, young people are turning away from meat, eggs, and dairy products, which cause animal suffering, and a growing number of restaurants are hearing them loud and clear. And peta2, PETA’s youth division, has narrowed the field down to four nominees for Best Vegan-Friendly Restaurant Chain in the eighth annual Libby Awards. “Libby” is for “liberation”—as in animal liberation—and this year’s nominees have really gone out of their way to expand and improve their meat-, egg-, and dairy-free options.

Up for the title is Chipotle, whose build-your-own ordering system has made it a favorite of vegans and vegetarians for years. But the recent phase-in of vegan pinto beans and the superb tofu Sofritas has made the eatery a leading contender. Tropical Smoothie Café also earned a nomination, thanks to the addition of vegan chicken strips from Beyond Meat that have to be tasted to be believed. Beloved college student haunt The Pita Pit—with its budget-friendly pricing, late-night hours, and customizable sandwiches with free extra hummus—made the cut, as did HuHot Mongolian Grill, whose all-you-can-eat menu boasting tofu, fresh veggies, and delectable sauces makes it a hungry vegan’s paradise.

“Animal rights is one of the fastest-growing social movements in America and worldwide, and young people are leading the charge by insisting on cruelty-free eating,” says PETA Director of Youth Outreach and Campaigns Marta Holmberg. “All our animal-friendly nominees are winners because they’re offering some of the best and most delicious meals on the market.”

Other food-related categories include Best Vegan Snack, Best Accidentally Vegan Snack, and Best Vegan Cheese. Voting ends on December 13. Winners will be chosen by peta2 based on several factors, including vote count, and will be announced on December 17. See the full contest details here.

For more information and to cast your vote to help peta2 decide whom it should choose as the winners, please visit peta2.com/Libbys.