✨ The Hangry SaVEG Approved List: What It Really Means When We Approve a Restaurant

The Hangry SaVEG
7 days ago
3 min read

The Hangry SaVEG Approved List: What It Really Means When We Approve a Restaurant

A warm, inviting restaurant storefront on a cozy street, with large windows glowing from warm interior lighting. A clean glass door displays subtle inclusivity stickers such as a pride flag, accessibility icons, and a “Come In, We’re Open” sign. The sidewalk is tidy with a couple of small plants by the door. Restaurant has a friendly, approachable atmosphere, modern-but-cozy style, neutral tones, soft lighting, and an overall welcoming vibe. Wide shot showing the entire storefront and part of the street.

The Hangry SaVEG stamp isn’t something we hand out like free ketchup packets. When we approve a restaurant, it means something. It means we’ve walked in, sat down, asked the questions, inspected the menu, and evaluated the staff’s understanding of what vegan actually means — beyond “just salad, right?”

Our approval is about trust, consistency, and making sure vegan, vegetarian, and plant-based diners can eat without playing a stressful round of Guess That Ingredient.

Here’s what it really means when a restaurant earns the Hangry SaVEG stamp.

💚 1. They Care About Inclusivity — For Real

Inclusivity isn’t a buzzword for us; it’s the foundation of everything we do. A restaurant with our approval shows they’ve made a conscious effort to create a space where everyone feels welcome — vegans, vegetarians, dairy-free, egg-free, plant-curious, and your “I swear I’m only here for fries” friends.

Inclusivity means:

Clear labeling on the menu
Staff that won’t blink or panic when you ask, “Is this vegan?”
A dining experience you don’t have to second-guess

If people can walk in and feel seen, heard, and fed — we’re interested.

📖 2. Their Menu is Transparent (Finally.)

One of the biggest stressors for plant-based diners is the mystery. Is the soup made with chicken stock? Is the bun dairy-free? Is that aioli real mayo or the vegan kind?

A smiling diner seated in a warm, modern restaurant, browsing a menu with clear icons and easy-to-read labels. Soft, cozy lighting. The diner feels relaxed and confident. Background slightly blurred to keep focus on the person and the menu. Welcoming, inclusive, friendly dining environment.

A Hangry SaVEG approved restaurant has menu clarity. That means:

A clear legend (like a “V” or symbol) explained on the menu
Consistent labeling — not “vegan” on one page and “plant-friendly?” on another
No hidden ingredients or surprise dairy bombs

We help restaurants refine their menu so it speaks clearly and confidently to plant-based customers — without overwhelming the staff or kitchen workflow.

🎓 3. Their Staff Actually Gets It

Staff training is one of the biggest factors in whether or not a restaurant gets approved. Because

nothing destroys confidence faster than:“Uhh… I think it’s vegan?”or worse — “It should be fine.”

(Ha. No.)

Our team trains staff to understand the differences between:

Vegan
Vegetarian
Plant-based
Dairy-free
Egg-free

We help them talk about their menu with confidence, not confusion. When staff understand what they’re serving, guests feel safer and more welcome.

🍳 4. Their Kitchen Practices Respect Vegan Diners

A bright, friendly restaurant kitchen where a small team of chefs and servers are learning together. One chef demonstrates a plant-based dish while others take notes or watch attentively. Diverse staff. The space feels clean, professional, and collaborative. Fresh vegetables and herbs on the counter. Warm, natural lighting and a positive, inclusive vibe.

Cross-contamination is real — and while it can’t always be 100% avoided in mixed kitchens, it can be managed responsibly.

Restaurants on our list have shown they’re willing to:

Use clean pans, surfaces, and utensils
Store vegan ingredients separately
Avoid unnecessary contamination (like buttering the grill and wiping it afterward… just no)
Communicate honestly about what they can and cannot guarantee

We’re not here to shame kitchens — we’re here to help them be better, cleaner, and more mindful.

🛒 5. They Source Ingredients With Intention

A clean overhead shot of a kitchen prep table covered with colorful vegan ingredients: fresh vegetables, herbs, chickpeas, tofu, spices, grains, and olive oil. Everything arranged aesthetically. Wooden or stone countertop. Bright, natural light highlights the colors of the food. Vibrant and inviting food photography style.

Some restaurants need help finding reliable vegan-friendly suppliers.

We step in, help their buyers connect with trusted vendors, and streamline their ingredient sourcing so they can offer consistent, high-quality vegan dishes without blowing the budget.

If they’re on our Approved List, they’ve committed to sticking with properly vetted ingredients — no surprise non-vegan cheese sneaking back in.

🌟 6. They Earned a Spot — They Didn’t Buy It

Let’s just say it: Our approval cannot be purchased.

Restaurants must meet our standards for clarity, safety, inclusivity, and consistency. We guide them, support them, and help them grow — but they must put in the work.

When a restaurant gets our stamp, vegan diners can trust: “These people get it. I’m safe here.”

💬 Want Your Restaurant on the Hangry SaVEG Approved List?

If you’re a restaurant owner looking to join our network of trusted, vegan-friendly spaces, we’d love to help.

We offer:

Menu reviews
Menu redesign
Staff training
Kitchen audits
Ingredient sourcing support
Full vegan/vegetarian/plant-based strategy planning

✨ And yes — the 1st consultation is free.

Let’s work together to make dining better, kinder, and a whole lot more delicious for everyone.

Ready to get approved?

Book your free consultation today and let’s make your restaurant a place plant-based diners rave about.