Today we’d like to introduce you to Brad & Melanie Lemont
Hi Brad & Melanie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
We are Brad and Melanie and we own Plant Based Coneys!
Restaurants have always been our thing; from social and culinary exploration to ambiance and architecture, my wife and I love everything about dining out. In 2019, we decided to follow a plant based/vegan diet. We considered that dining out might be a bit different with our new diet. But we found that aside from the standard salad or bean burger, there seemed to be very few options at restaurants that were both vegan AND delicious. Suddenly our dining experience left a lot to be desired.
I (Brad) have been a chef and in the restaurant industry for over 20 years. In 2020, like many people at that time, we suddenly had a lot of time on our hands. I began experimenting with plant based products and veganizing our favorite comfort foods at home while my wife Melanie obtained a degree in small business.
We began 2024 armed with our our entrepreneurship, our new recipes and our love of delicious vegan food. We considered opening a mobile food unit or hosting pop-ups. But then we fell in love with a brick and mortar building and the amazing community in Depot Town, Ypsilanti. We decided to go all-in and pour everything we had into Plant Based Coneys. In June 2024 we opened our doors at 42 E. Cross St in Ypsilanti!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting a business is rarely a smooth journey. Shortly before we opened our doors, we were discouraged by some hostility on social media. We realized it was generally due to misinformation and unfamiliarity with plant based and vegan food. But with the love and support of our family and friends (and each other) we persisted. We knew Plant Based Coneys could be something special and we believed in it wholeheartedly.
Fortunately, as soon as we opened, the love that poured in proved all of the doubters wrong. We are now part of an overwhelmingly supportive community of other business owners and organizations. Our customers bring joy into our restaurant every day. We have even had several die-hard meat eaters try our food and say that it is just too delicious to worry about the fact that it’s made from plants.
We have definitely experienced some growing pains (with probably more to come), but we are very excited and hopeful to see what 2025 brings!
We’ve been impressed with Plant Based Coneys, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our Concept:
1. Plant Based Coneys is a 100% vegan coney island diner.
2. It’s All Compostable! We have sourced 100% compostable dining ware (bowls, cups, cutlery, etc.). We collect all of the dining and food waste in-house and each week the composting service hauls it to their composting facility in Wixom, MI. The facility processes it into compost and topsoil that is used by residents, gardeners and landscapers.
3. We have a catering menu of items that are available to pickup for off-site events.
Our Space:
1. We are located at 42. E. Cross St., Ypsilanti, MI in Depot Town.
2. We have 2 dining rooms that are great for small gatherings or events.
3. We have a dog-friendly outdoor seating area on our back deck.
Our Food:
1. All of our menu items can be made gluten free.
2. Our fried foods (Fries, Tots, Breaded protein) are fried in our commercial air fryers. They take a little longer than traditional liquid fryers but we believe the health benefit exceeds the wait (plus we keep our air fryers gluten free).
3. Our desserts are made in house with gluten free ingredients.
Our Beverages:
1. We have 6 Northwoods sodas on draft as well as several other bottled sodas and hop waters available.
2. Any of our sodas can be made into a float.
3. We have rotating/seasonal beverages like hot chocolate (with marshmallows!) in the winter and fruit blended lemonades in the warmer months.
How do you think about happiness?
A few of the things that make us happy to own and operate Plant Based Coneys:
1. Knowing that our customers genuinely appreciate a vegan option. They show their appreciation and support every day with their patronage, social support and kind words.
2. Having the opportunity to forge relationships with community residents, other local business owners and getting to know our regulars.
3. Being part of the City of Ypsilanti and Depot Town community events like the upcoming Sammie Slam, Cruise Nights, Ypsi Pride and others.
4. Giving back to positive-impact organizations by hosting dine-to-donate events like the Barn Sanctuary fundraiser.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plantbasedconey/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plantbasedconeys/
