It’s really no wonder that when Mr. Charlie’s opened its first location in Los Angeles in 2022, it became something of a social media sensation. For one, there are the striking red-and-yellow branding similarities to McDonald’s, though in this case, the yellow isn’t a golden arch; it’s an upside-down frown and two crossed-out eyes. The company also leaves no space between “Mr.” and “Charlie’s” in its logo, leaving plenty of folks to incorrectly call it McCharlie’s, like McDonald’s, instead.
Secondly, the entirely plant-based menu offers cheekily named dishes like Not a Cheeseburger (made with Impossible meat) and Frowny Fries, which can be ordered together as combos and come in bright red cardboard packaging for children, including the arched handle.
In early 2022, music superstar Lizzo reviewed the chain’s Frowny Meal on TikTok and garnered more than 4 million views. Soon, #veganmcdonalds was all over social media…