New vegan butcher shop is coming soon to Ohio

Vida’s Plant-Based Butcher, a 100% vegan butcher shop, is set to open in Columbus, OH soon. Vida’s will offer cruelty-free versions of traditional butcher and deli staples. Not only will the shop offer cold cuts and links, but it will also serve artisan plant-based cheese.

Though the opening date hasn’t been officially announced yet, Vida’s is planning on announcing when doors will open very soon. Customers can expect vegan versions of turkey, chicken, shredded mozzarella and cheddar, bacon on the menu, as well as sandwiches and sides such as plant-based Ruebens and beans and franks.

CEO and Founder Frank Underwood IV is no stranger to veganism. He has been plant-based for 17 years and started a vegan company, Truly Vida, in 2018. Truly Vida offered wholesale vegan proteins to local restaurants, but Underwood wanted to sell products directly to the public.

He told Columbus Underground, “I want people to be able to buy this and experience it at home and make it for themselves and their family.”

Vida’s launch was initially intended for earlier in the year, but coronavirus forced the shop to change its plans. Fortunately for Underwood and his team, this delay gave them more time to work on the menu and figure out how to best serve customers during the pandemic.

With its opening expected in the next few weeks, Vida’s has been working hard to create a suitable space for customers. Inside the shop, there will be limited space for dine-in guests. However, the shop’s patio area allows Vida’s to accommodate more, as it has seating for around 25-30 people.

Article written by Tessa Altman- United States