<div class="tldr">Chelsea’s vegan dining landscape changed this week with two new openings and the departure of chef Jamie Caldwell from Willow. The neighborhood’s plant-based restaurant options continue to grow and shift.</div>
<ul class="key-facts">
<li>Vegan diners welcomed Sprout and Verde, both opened the week of June 10, 2024.</li>
<li>Chef Jamie Caldwell left Willow, a Chelsea vegan bistro, on June 11.</li>
<li>Chelsea is now home to at least nine vegan restaurants, according to Eater NYC.</li>
</ul>
Sprout, a fast-casual vegan cafe, began service on June 10 at 177 Seventh Avenue. The opening adds a plant-based breakfast and lunch spot to the southern stretch of the neighborhood. Its menu highlights grain bowls, sandwiches, and smoothies.
Verde, a dinner-focused vegan restaurant, debuted on June 12 at 231 Eighth Avenue. Verde’s team includes former Blossom sous chef Liliana Ortiz, who has described the menu as “vegetable-forward Italian American.” The restaurant seats 35 and aims to attract both vegan and non-vegan diners.
Jamie Caldwell, executive chef at Willow since its 2021 debut, confirmed her departure on social media. Caldwell cited creative differences with ownership as the main reason for leaving. Willow, known for its vegan takes on comfort dishes, has not yet named a successor.
The Chelsea neighborhood now features at least nine dedicated vegan establishments, according to a June 2024 Eater NYC tally. The openings and staff changes suggest that competition and turnover in the city’s vegan sector remain active.
<h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
<h2>What new vegan restaurants opened in Chelsea this week?</h2>
<p>Sprout opened at 177 Seventh Avenue on June 10, 2024, offering fast-casual vegan meals. Verde opened at 231 Eighth Avenue on June 12, focusing on Italian American vegan fare. Both add to Chelsea’s growing roster of plant-based dining options.</p>
<h2>Which chef left Willow, and why?</h2>
<p>Jamie Caldwell, Willow’s executive chef since its 2021 launch, departed on June 11, 2024. Caldwell cited creative differences with the restaurant’s ownership. Willow has not yet announced who will replace her in the kitchen.</p>
<h2>How many vegan restaurants are currently in Chelsea?</h2>
<p>According to Eater NYC’s June 2024 report, Chelsea is home to at least nine dedicated vegan restaurants. The number includes recent additions Sprout and Verde. The neighborhood remains a center for plant-based dining in Manhattan.</p>