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A Los Angeles restaurant which started out as vegan but started serving meat last year is closing after 14 years in business.
The last day of business for Sage Regenerative Kitchen & Brewery in Echo Park was Sunday, according to reports an Instagram post.
“We all dedicated our passion to changing the concept to regenerative agriculture, but despite our efforts, we find ourselves in the same situation today,” reads @thekindsage’s post.
The post has more than 1,200 comments, with many expressing strong opinions.
Mollie Engelhart, chef and owner of the now-closed Sage Regenerative Kitchen & Brewery. (Mollie Engelhart/Fox News)
“Still the best buffalo cauliflower in the game!” posted a social media user.
“I want to cry!” said one person. “Sage has always been my favorite restaurant.”
Inside Sage Regenerative Kitchen & Brewery, a former plant-based restaurant in Los Angeles, California. (Mollie Engelhart/Fox News)
Owner Molle Engelhart spoke to Fox News Digital last year when the former became vegan the controversial decision add meat and dairy to the menu, a move that sparked outrage and confusion.
The menu change has added animal products like beef, bison, cheese and eggs.
“I still won’t use processed food, and I still won’t use chemicals, so I’m staying pretty true to my beliefs and identity,” she said. “I’m just doing it from a different angle, which annoys people.”
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The protests outside Sage were so bad that on Father’s Day 2024 the restaurant had to close. (Mollie Engelhart/Fox News)
A series of protests followed, according to FOX 11 Los Angeles, including one on Father’s Day 2024 that forced Sage to close early after protesters stormed the restaurant.
Some Instagram users still unhappy with Sage’s move didn’t show solidarity with her closure, with one even calling it a “victory for the animals.”
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Engelhart and her husband, Eloas Sosa, are chefs and co-owners of Sage.
The two sold their home “in hopes of giving Sage a new lease on life,” the business’ Instagram post says.
Fox News’ Kendall Tietz and Nik Lanum contributed to this report.
