Startups & Business

Toronto Entrepreneurs Launch Plant-Based Fast Food Chain

A new venture backed by local investors is introducing an entirely plant-based fast food model, targeting both ethical eaters and sustainability advocates.

A new culinary venture is taking root in Toronto, and it’s flipping the script on fast food. Founded by a group of local entrepreneurs, GreenBite is a fully plant-based fast food chain that’s set to open its first three locations across the city next month. With a bold mission to bring sustainable, affordable meals to the masses, the concept is already generating significant buzz.

Co-founder Mariah Desai, a former chef turned food entrepreneur, said the idea was born out of frustration with limited options. 'Fast food in Canada has long been synonymous with meat, dairy, and excess,' she said. 'We saw an opportunity to make something that was craveable, quick, and completely plant-powered.'

GreenBite’s menu features reinvented classics: black bean burgers with chipotle aioli, jackfruit poutine with dairy-free gravy, and cauliflower wings tossed in maple BBQ sauce. Everything is sourced locally where possible, with ingredients from Ontario farms and suppliers who follow sustainable growing practices.

To test their offerings, the team ran a six-week pop-up in Kensington Market. The response exceeded expectations, with lines out the door and thousands of social media followers flocking to taste the goods. Several items, including the “No Moo Milkshake,” sold out daily.

Co-founder and operations lead Josh Wellington noted that affordability is key to GreenBite’s model. 'We’re not just targeting vegans,' he said. 'Our combo meals are priced to compete with mainstream chains because we believe that sustainability shouldn't cost extra.'

The startup has secured backing from a mix of local investors and national sustainability funds, raising $2.8 million to launch operations. Their first three locations will open in Toronto’s Queen West, Danforth, and Liberty Village neighborhoods—areas known for their food culture and foot traffic.

Toronto’s food scene has seen a rise in plant-based eateries, but GreenBite is aiming for something bigger: national expansion. Discussions are already underway with mall developers and ghost kitchen operators to bring the brand to Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary within the next two years.

The launch is also creating job opportunities. Each location will employ 20–30 people, and the company is partnering with local culinary schools to train students in plant-based food prep. Desai said inclusivity is a core value. 'We’re committed to hiring from within the communities we serve.'

Nutritionists and environmentalists have applauded the initiative. Dietitian Clara Ross said the menu balances taste and health, while environmental groups highlighted the reduction in water and carbon footprints compared to traditional fast food operations.

Critics, however, have raised concerns about supply chain logistics. Plant-based ingredients, especially specialty items, can be hard to source consistently at scale. GreenBite’s founders acknowledge the challenge but say their supplier network is robust and growing.

Public anticipation continues to mount as the opening date nears. Social media campaigns featuring behind-the-scenes videos and influencer taste tests have racked up hundreds of thousands of views. The company’s Instagram following has doubled in the past month alone.

If the launch goes as planned, GreenBite could redefine what fast food looks like in Canada. As Desai puts it, 'We’re not just making plant-based food—we’re making plant-based mainstream. And we’re doing it without compromising flavor, speed, or price.'