Plant City takes root in Warwick

Former Burger King soon a vegan emporium

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“Real food. Plant based. Fast.”

Those five words embody the mission of Plant City X, a fast food-style offshoot of what is described as “the world’s first plant-based vegan food hall and marketplace” in Providence.

And soon, the restaurant will bring its offerings to a new location in Warwick.

Kim Anderson, creator and co-founder of Plant City along with chef Matthew Kenney, says she chose Warwick because “many people asked” for such an establishment in the area.

As Warwick resident Alicia Coppola said: “I’m excited about it coming to Warwick because there are no other plant-based restaurants in the city.”

The new Plant City X will be located at 70 Centerville Road, bringing plant-based delicacies to the community with a menu to please any palate. It will include a drive-thru.

In a May Facebook post announcing the plans for the Warwick location, Anderson wrote that the selection of the site – which once housed a Burger King – was itself a reflection of Plant City X’s approach.

“As with our previous locations, we love to take old abandoned properties and give them a new life. The ultimate re-use, recycle,” she wrote.

The Warwick restaurant, which is set to open later this month, will be the second Plant City X location, the first being in Middletown.

The original Plant City, which includes multiple dine-in and take-out options along with a gourmet grocery store, is located at 334 South Water St. in Providence.

The new Warwick location will include plenty of seats for indoor dining, a large patio with ample seating outside, and the drive-thru for those on the go.

Prep cooks will prepare most menu items by hand, including sauces, creams and dressings. Breakfast will be served all day and includes offerings such as avocado toast, a breakfast burrito, and an English muffin sandwich made with plant-based JUST Egg, cheddar and tempeh bacon (tempeh being a traditional Indonesian food made from soybeans).

In addition to the selection of smoothies and frozen yogurt parfaits, there will be a wide array options available for lunch and dinner. From salad bowls and sandwiches, to mac and cheese and more, Plant City X aims to provide flavorful, mouthwatering dishes that please even the fussiest of eaters.

Information provided by Plant City described Kenney as “one of the world’s leading chefs at the forefront of plant-based cuisine with 28 restaurants spanning five continents.”

“His unique approach,” the description continues, “combines impeccably sourced ingredients with innovative tools & techniques to create minimally processed, plant-based cuisine that is both refined and healthful.”

Through the years, the demand for plant-based food options has increased significantly, and so have the options made available.

Warwick resident Adam Brice, a graduate of the University of Rhode Island’s dietetics and nutrition program, has some ideas why.

“In general, there are three driving factors,” he said. “One, just the nutritional content of food and the research we have on it. Two, definitely a push for a more sustainable environment and climate change. And three, it’s the research we have about reversing certain diseases like heart disease and diabetes. [There is] so much research out there to suggest that plant foods will improve your overall health.”

Plant City X also takes allergens into account, and menu items are identified for soy, nuts and gluten. They source fresh foods and ingredients locally and welcome inquiries if there is a farm or company that would like to partner with them.

The restaurant uses compost-friendly items for all disposables the restaurant provides. Food waste can also be composted, with receptacles provided along with instructions. No plastic disposables are used and an in-house water filtration system is utilized to provide the purest water.

Customers will also be able to order via the restaurant’s website and the app for a quick, easy pickup. Delivery will be available within a five-mile radius.

More information and updates on Plant City X can be found on the restaurant’s Facebook and Instagram accounts or at plantcityx.com. To learn more about Plant City in Providence, visit plantcitypvd.com.