All-American, All Plant-Based — My Full-Circle Moment with Veggie Grill
My vegan journey started with just one little spot in Wisconsin back in 2020. But everything changed the first time I walked into a Veggie Grill in New York — I still remember the buffalo chick’n tenders that made me go, “Okay, wait… this is different.”
By 2021, I was in LA. In 2023, I made it to Seattle and tried Next Level Burger for the first time. And in 2024, something incredible happened — they joined forces. Veggie Grill and Next Level Burger came together to introduce something bold: the All-American Vegan Menu.
I was invited to the official launch party, and from the moment I arrived, I knew I was stepping into something bigger than just a menu drop. I got to meet the heart of the mission, Matt de Gruyter, in person — and that energy stuck with me. It was real. That passion is what planted the seed for this very blog. Veggie Grill inspired me to start sharing my food storytelling on a deeper level.
This was also the first official brand partnership I landed as an entrepreneur — and that means something to me. It wasn’t just a campaign. It was the beginning of me building something of my own, in alignment with my values, my creativity, and my voice.
Even more special? I brought Veggie Grill onto the set of a vegan film I worked on — Land of Wolves, where I served as the BTS Creative Director. I saw an opportunity to make magic happen with the catering, and Veggie Grill was the perfect fit. It aligned with the message of the film, the mission behind the food, and the energy I wanted present on set.
That decision wasn’t just about food — it was about making the connection between storytelling, purpose, and community. That’s my passion: building the bridge between conscious brands and culture, and stepping in where I see alignment and impact. I’m not just here to spotlight what’s on the plate — I’m here to help shape the bigger picture.
🌱 What I Ate (And Loved)
I’ve been back multiple times now, and I’ve tried nearly everything on their New American menu. Highlights?
• Southwest Nachos — Walnut meat, house-made queso, pico, guac… a full situation. 🔥
• Beyond Steak Plate by Beyond Meat — Tender, juicy, with mashed potatoes and sautéed greens that hit every note. 🍽
• Farmhouse Chik’n Sandwich — Crispy chik’n, vegan bacon, sriracha mayo, lettuce, tomato, and a sunny-side-up moment thanks to Yo Egg. An instant classic.
• PubChz Burger & Cauliflower Tacos — Comfort food that slaps. Simple as that.
• Summer Rolls — Light, fresh, and dipped in a peanut sauce that speaks fluently in flavor.
• Oh She Glows Fish Plate by Oshi — Textured, bold, and the future of vegan seafood.
• Sundaes & Ice Cream by Cosmic Bliss— Because every good story deserves a sweet ending.
Each visit reminded me why I started this blog: to slow down, to reflect, and to tell the stories behind the food — the kind of food that’s shaping the future.
💡 Why This Matters
Veggie Grill by Next Level isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a blueprint. A place that shows what’s possible when passion, sustainability, and creativity come together on a plate.
With Next Level leading the way, it feels like a new chapter — and I’m grateful to be part of the pages being written.
📍Call to Action
If you’ve ever asked me where to start on your plant-based journey… go to Veggie Grill. Support this mission. Try the new menu. Bring your friends. Order something bold. And when you do, know you’re supporting a brand that believes in the future — just like you.
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This one’s officially #TLWApproved.
And trust me — this is just the beginning.
— Travis 🫀
