A longtime favorite in Texas’ growing vegan dining scene is preparing to serve its final meals. Green Vegetarian Cuisine, a pioneering plant-based restaurant in San Antonio, has announced it will permanently close next month after nearly two decades in business.
A community favorite prepares to say goodbye
Green Vegetarian Cuisine will close its last remaining location at the Alamo Quarry Market on April 17, 2026, marking the end of a 19-year run.
Founded in 2007, the restaurant quickly became a standout in the local food scene, offering plant-based comfort food at a time when vegan options were far less common. Over the years, it built a loyal following with dishes like orange tofu bowls, eggplant parmesan, and truffle fries—helping introduce many diners to vegetarian cuisine for the first time.
Why the restaurant is closing
Chef and co-owner Mike Behrend announced the closure on social media, citing ongoing challenges facing the restaurant industry. Rising operating costs and shifts in consumer behavior over the past several years ultimately made the business unsustainable.
Behrend described recent years as “brutal” for the industry and said the team had exhausted efforts to keep the restaurant open. Despite the difficult decision, he expressed gratitude for the community’s support and pride in the restaurant’s impact.
A lasting legacy in plant-based dining
Green Vegetarian Cuisine was among the first fully plant-based restaurants in San Antonio and played a key role in shaping the city’s vegan food landscape. While the restaurant is closing, its influence will continue. Behrend and his partners will still operate Earth Burger, a related vegan fast-food concept…