Meta Burger, The Last Standing Vegan Restaurant in Boulder, Will Close November 29

When Meta Burger announced its impending closure last weekend, hundreds in the local vegan community expressed their sadness on social media. One user questioned, “Why can’t vegan restaurants survive here?”

Michael Reeves, who founded Meta Burger with Matthew Coates, agrees that a plant-based restaurant scene is “on brand” for Denver, but the high turnover is obvious. Both co-owners were previously managers at Native Foods, a vegan restaurant chain whose 26-location empire fell in recent years. Now, only the Glendale outpost remains.

The original Meta Burger, at 7950 East Mississippi Avenue, shuttered last December, and on November 29, its final two locations — in Edgewater and Boulder — will follow suit. (The original plan was to close November 30, but the date was moved up after getting so much business during its final week that it's running out of food.)

Raw vegan restaurant Thrive in Boulder also just closed on November 11, which means that soon the city will have zero exclusively vegan restaurants.

“We’re the first domino,” comments Reeves. He adds that he’s worried about other local vegan restaurants and encourages diners to support eateries like Somebody People and Vegan Van.

“Sales are down for restaurants across Denver, especially niche places like vegan fast-casual,” he says. Shortly after Meta Burger was named the best vegan burger in the world, the company hit record profit highs. But Reeves admits that compared to 2021 numbers, business at Meta Burger has dropped more than 50 percent.

He explains that the downward shift was gradual, exacerbated by the pandemic and economic challenges that limited investor opportunities and ultimately hindered Meta Burger’s goal of becoming a national chain.

“We did everything we could. Me and Matt both have to declare bankruptcy and sell our houses. It's a nightmare for us personally. This is not something that we want.” Reeves emphasizes, “Don't open a restaurant in Denver, that's what I learned.”

However, every cloud has a silver lining. Since its opening in August 2018, Meta Burger claims to have served an incredible 600,000 sandwiches. Reeves adds that the business saved animals’ lives and made a positive impact on the environment. According to its website, producing its plant-based burger requires 75 percent less water, 95 percent less land and 87 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than a traditional beef burger.

Additionally, Reeves says that over the years, Meta Burger received many messages about its influence in converting people to veganism. Thanks to its tasty and accessible menu, many were encouraged to stay vegan — and even persuaded friends and family to eat plant-based.

To bid the restaurant farewell and enjoy what Westword named Denver’s Best Veggie Burger for several consecutive years, stop by Meta Burger at 5505 West 20th Avenue in Edgewater or 1905 29th Street in Boulder by November 29.