Dallas' Sinelli Concepts partners with Earth Burger for vegan expansion

A Dallas restaurant group is stepping in to help a vegan burger chain go big. Earth Burger, the San Antonio-based chain that does a vegan spin on a fast-food joint, has partnered with Sinelli Concepts, owner of concepts such as Which Wich Superior Sandwiches, who will help launch a national expansion.

The new partnership has already resulted in a brand redesign plus updates to the menu that will include the addition of breakfast and a coffee program, coming soon.

Earth Burger was founded in 2014 with the goal to do a healthier plant-based version of drive-thru fast food, after co-founder and chef Mike Behrend switched to a plant-based diet and lost 70-plus pounds. There are currently two locations in San Antonio, one in San Marcos, and one in Nacogdoches.

They're a 100 percent plant-based restaurant famous for their stacked burgers and krinkle-cut fries, plus chick'n and "fishless" sandwiches, wraps, wings, bowls, and corn dogs, as well as healthier items such as kale salad, edamame, and carrots & hummus.

“As a Texan, I can strongly confirm meat is a central part of Texas food culture – but believe me when I tell you these burgers are just as tasty," Behrend says in a statement. "You’re not settling for an average bland fast food meal at Earth Burger. Our completely meatless menu features bold recipes and sauces we create in-house, bringing out the best flavor in our dishes. We want to provide a really delicious meal that just happens to be plant-based."

House-made chef-style sauces include agave mustard, BBQ ranch, poblano ranch, "secret" sauce, spicy mayo, and tartar sauce.

There's a big selection of kids items including a grilled cheese sandwich and chick'n tenders, as well as vegan desserts including coconut-milk soft-serve and milkshakes, often offered in seasonal flavors such as their current pumpkin spice.

Sinelli Concepts founder Jeff Sinelli has been a pioneer in the vegan realm, early to offer vegan items at all of his restaurants, and even dabbling in a vegan diet himself.

Sinelli was heavily involved in the Kickstarter campaign that helped launch the first Earth Burger restaurant in San Antonio’s Park North Shopping Center. He also aided them with concepting and branding.

In a statement, he says that Sinelli Concepts is proud to partner with a Texas-based brand that takes pride in offering customers accessible plant-based options.

"We’ve seen a trajectory of demand for plant-based food and more sustainable options," Sinelli says. "The future of fast food is here, and we know plant-based lovers and novices alike will enjoy Earth Burger’s flavorful offerings."

They're hosting a franchising party in San Antonio in early November, but there's also information online at www.earthburger.com/franchise.

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Brianna Caleri contributed to this story.