Ambitious Vegan Mini-Chain Unveils its First Chicago Outpost on the Way to World Domination | Eater Chicago

"I watched Spirit Elephant, an upscale spot that opened in 2020, navigate pandemic‑induced indoor dining shutdowns and use lessons from to‑go operations to reach a broader swath of diners; it served as the inspiration and origin for the counter‑service Elephant + Vine and, according to owner CD Young, remains less accessible to many in the northern suburbs—part of the reason they’re launching smaller, nimbler outposts as they pursue national and eventual international growth." - Naomi Waxman