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How Odd Burger is striving to bring its plant-based concept to the masses

Plant-based options are booming with consumer interest and one Canadian QSR is primed to benefit. Find out how Odd Burger aims to grab the attention of vegans and non-vegans alike in this exclusive interview with company CEO James McInnes.

Provided

August 24, 2021 by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Managing Editor, Pizza Today

Odd Burger, a vegan fast-food concept based in Canada, was founded in 2014 with a specific goal: to bring scratch-made, plant-based products to the dining consumer while eliminating the misconceptions about plant-based products.

At that time, just 1% of U.S. consumers described themselves as vegan, according to a Report Buyer study.

But times have changed.

Plant-based products are gaining popularity among consumers, with 6% of U.S. consumers describing themselves as vegan, according to the study. In addition more than 39% of U.S. consumers are adding more vegan food options to the dining experience, according to a recent survey from Healthcare.

That's all welcoming news to Odd Burger, a QSR that is striving to catch the attention of both vegan and consumers who aren't vegans.

QSRweb.com reached out to Odd Burger CEO and co-founder James McInnes to learn about the brand's plans and how it distinguishes itself among the growing QSR competition.

Q: When formulating a concept, why vegan?
A: For us, our passion is sustainability and an entirely plant-based fast-food concept is by far the most sustainable solution for the planet. We are here to create change and disrupt the fast-food industry and this is why we are a 100% vegan organization.

Q: What separates Odd Burger from other QSRs?
A: Odd Burger is very different than other quick-serve restaurants because we make all of our food from scratch in our own manufacturing facility using sustainable and more natural plant-based ingredients. This allows us to create indulgent food that still tastes great, but also offers some health benefits over traditional fast food. Our customers are truly proud to eat fast food again.

Q: How does Odd Burger plan to capture more than vegan customers?
A: Most of our customers aren't vegan. Frankly, they just love the food and our mission. We've always been a place that non-vegans love to go because we offer tremendous value and delicious food, and I think ultimately that connects with all consumers.

Q. What are Odd Burger's immediate expansion plans?
A. We are aggressively expanding across Ontario at the moment, but we are also planning a national expansion across Canada, as well as into the U.S. market. We plan on having 20 locations operational by this time next year.

Q: You plan to make NYC your first American location. Why?
A: NYC is the perfect spot to launch our U.S. brand, because we believe New Yorkers will appreciate our unique concept and will absolutely love our food. New York is a place that takes pride in innovation and thought leadership, and I think we share this common mentality.

Q: What should QSRWeb readers know about Odd Burger?
A: Odd Burger is here to help save the planet. We are faced with unprecedented challenges in global warming and sustainability, and we believe that our fast-food concept will be a huge part in leading a change in our food system as a whole. Only by changing what we eat and what we consume can we turn the tides in the fight against climate change.