Viral 'vegan McDonald's' restaurant making its Arizona debut. What to know
A restaurant that went viral on TikTok as the "vegan McDonalds" is coming soon to Arizona. Mr. Charlie's Told Me So, which offers a menu of burgers, fries and ice cream that is entirely plant-based, will open 18 locations across Arizona, according to a release. The move marks a major franchise rollout for the company, which has a total of 3 locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Sydney.
Mr. Charlie's Told Me So, a vegan fast-food restaurant, announced it will open 18 locations in Arizona.
Co-founders Taylor McKinnon, Aaron Haxton and Charlie Kim opened Mr. Charlie's in Los Angeles in 2022.
The branding is full of references to McDonald's, from the "Frowny Meal" to the bright red and yellow colors of the restaurant, which led people on TikTok to dub it a "vegan McDonald's." Nearly 4 million people watched singer Lizzo taste-test Mr. Charlie's in a TikTok in 2022.
Mr. Charlie's considers itself a mission-driven restaurant. The Los Angeles restaurant employed people transitioning out of homelessness, the LA Times reported, and the Sydney location announced a commitment to having at least 30% of its staff be Aboriginal.
The first Arizona location will open in Scottsdale in 2025.
