A vegetarian fast-food chain with 13 existing restaurants scattered across the Boston Metro area is planning a significant expansion, according to The Boston Globe.
Emerging from Subchapter 5 of Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week, Clover Food Lab has announced plans to open 47 new outlets over the next five years. Initially, they’ll focus on expanding within Greater Boston before branching out across New England, with an emphasis on smaller outlets in urban areas and near college campuses.
Having filed for bankruptcy last November, Clover Food Lab has utilized this period for restructuring. As part of the process, they’ve closed two branches located in Boston’s Copley Square and Somerville’s Assembly Row, along with a Dedham warehouse. The chain offers a diverse menu featuring simple and quick vegan and vegetarian options, including soups, sandwiches, bowls, platters, and snacks.
Founded by MIT alum and environmentalist Ayr Muir, Clover Food Lab began serving snacks out of a food truck in 2008. Muir was inspired to launch the eatery after learning that the meat industry was ranked the third-largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in 2007.
Before the bankruptcy filing, Muir shifted from CEO to a shareholder and board member. Julia Wrin Piper, a molecular and evolutionary biologist and former COO of Aeronaut Brewing Company, now holds the position of CEO at Clover.
Stay tuned for updates on specific locations and opening dates as Clover Food Lab releases more information.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Clover Food Lab operates 11 restaurants. The company actually has 13 existing outlets. Furthermore, Clover is emerging from Subchapter 5 of Chapter 11 bankruptcy, a distinct process from traditional Chapter 11. The article has been revised to accurately reflect these details.
