"Anthem Vegan, a farmer’s market vendor since 2013 which also operated a pop-up out of a North Park parking lot, will open its first sit-down eatery this Saturday, February 3 on El Cajon Boulevard. The 100% plant-based restaurant takes over the space left vacant by Lil B’s; the nearly 4,000-square-feet building, built in the 1960s, has been refreshed and remodeled thanks in part to a successful Kickstarter campaign. Dedicated parking spaces will make picking up food to-go, ordered via an app, an easy transaction. Owner Patrick Murray says the larger kitchen facility has allowed him to re-add popular items from Anthem’s inception to the restaurant’s menu of vegan comfort food, co-developed with head chef Troy Oftedal. Known for its sandwiches, wraps, Mexican dishes and breakfasts featuring plant-based meat alternatives, Anthem Vegan will be expanding with more upscale dinner options, appetizers, salads and brunch plates. Beer and wine service will eventually be added. Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., the eatery will also feature a deli and market, which will offer vegan pantry staples and a number of items straight off the menu to take home. Murray tells Eater that he plans to develop a line of house sauces, as well as housemade plant-based meats and cheeses." - Candice Woo
