Ian Brandt has introduced plant-based eating to generations of Salt Lake City locals. Sage’s Cafe, cozy yet elegant, opened in 1999. Vertical Diner, comfort food in a casual setting, opened in 2007. His latest venture is Vertical Deli, where he’s looking forward to expanding his reach.
Growing up in Philadelphia, Brandt was raised in deli culture. Opening one in Salt Lake City seemed obvious. Brandt likes many things about delis, but he mostly appreciates the flexibility and the opportunity to bring good food to the masses. He digs the home-grown vibe, serving healthy, delicious plant-based fare to everyone from the elite to those just scraping by. “It feels good to run a business where you’re not eliminating people,” he says.
“The whole point is to feed people and let them know we’re here for them,” Brandt explains. Providing access to plant-based foods has always been the mission behind his restaurants. “You don’t have to be a non-profit to have a purpose,” he says. When it comes down to it, Brandt wants to feed people delicious food that’s healthy, good for animals and benefits the environment.
The world has changed since Brandt opened Sage’s Cafe.“The vegan movement is going through a lot of changes,” explains Brandt. He’s noticed that the nation’s political divide has created more animosity towards the term “vegan.” It’s a challenging time to run a vegan business. Omni restaurants now offer plant-based options, which takes business away from vegan establishments, Brandt says. The pandemic also really changed the way people eat out. Customers want their meals delivered, and a streamlined to-go option…