San Marcos Wins Spot on PETA’s ‘Vegan-Friendly Cities’ List

For Immediate Release:
December 16, 2020

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

The results are in for PETA’s 2020 ranking of the Top 10 Vegan-Friendly Small Cities in the U.S., and San Marcos’ dozens of vegan-friendly restaurants have landed it the number six spot on the list. In recognition, PETA has sent an award certificate to Mayor Jane Hughson.

For many years, PETA has named the most vegan-friendly big cities in the U.S. This year, as so many people are migrating to smaller cities in the midst of COVID-19, PETA has shifted its sights, too, and has picked the country’s top 10 most vegan-friendly small cities.

“The small cities on PETA’s list are big hot spots for the delicious animal-friendly cuisine that today’s diners demand,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “Whether you’re looking for a sumptuous sit-down vegan feast or a meatless burger to go, San Marcos has you covered.”

San Marcos’ many standout vegan-friendly restaurants include Freebirds World Burrito, which offers burritos, tacos, and bowls piled high with Beyond Meat; Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, where diners can enjoy subs filled with vegan fried chicken, vegan turkey, and vegan meatballs; and Earth Burger, an all-vegan fast-food drive-thru perfect for those looking for a quick fix. For dessert, Rhea’s Ice Cream offers creamy, dairy-free cones in a range of flavors from mint chocolate chip to piña colada.

The number of vegan Americans has increased by 600% in just three years, according to research firm GlobalData. Each person who goes vegan prevents nearly 200 animals a year from enduring daily suffering and a terrifying death; dramatically shrinks their carbon footprint; reduces their risk of developing heart disease, cancer, and diabetes; and helps prevent future pandemics. SARS, swine flu, bird flu, and COVID-19 all stemmed from confining or killing animals for food.

Topping PETA’s list is Asheville, North Carolina, followed by Dayton, Ohio; Frederick, Maryland; Tacoma, Washington; Boise, Idaho; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Bend, Oregon; and Bisbee, Arizona.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to eat”—opposes speciesism, which is a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.