It’s the end of an era: Fancy Plants Cafe in Chicago is closing, as owner and chef Kevin Schuder sets out to start a new chapter in Los Angeles.
Schuder opened Fancy Plants Cafe in Chicago’s East Lakeview neighborhood back in January 2019, and since then, the spot has earned a loyal following. People love its hearty breakfast sandwiches, daily quiches, wraps, soups, and creative dairy-free lattes (like Maple Citrus Crème Brûlée and Lavender Vanilla).
But in a post on social media, Schuder revealed that he will be closing the cafe before relocating to Los Angeles in November 2026.
“For the past year or two, I’ve been traveling to work as a private chef, and opportunities are opening that I simply can’t pass up,” he explained before adding that he is “exploring some ways to ‘pass the torch’” for the cafe. Schuder highlighted the work his staff does—from creating bakery specials and developing new drinks to everyday operations that keep the café a warm and welcoming place for staff and customers alike. This juxtaposed with the legal, administrative role he’d found himself in after the years. “I’m eager to be more of a chef, less of a business person. I enjoy business now, but I would much rather focus on being a vegan chef, and blowing that spark into a flame.”
Speaking to VegNews, Schuder said: “Los Angeles is such an amazing city for vegans; it’s both sophisticated and fun, and the chefs I’ve met are very collaborative and supportive. I love the produce and the culture of LA, and I love how much LA loves an experience.” He added: “It just feels like a good time for me to say yes.”
Fans were sad to hear the news, but ultimately understanding and hopeful for the future of Fancy Plants.
“What a huge loss for Chicago and huge gain for LA,” commented one Instagram user. “Congratulations on your new opportunities—you will be missed!”
Another added: “So happy for you! So happy that Chicago had the privilege of your brilliance. Fancy Plants shall be so grandly missed!”
As for that “passing of the torch,” Schuder confirmed that together with the Fancy Plants team, he’s “looking for a way for a vegan café to continue in this space.” He added: “It used to be Kitchen 17, then Fancy Plants Cafe, and perhaps it’ll change hands to another vegan operator.”
Fancy Plants Cafe
Fancy Plants joins a growing list of Chicago vegan closures
While Fancy Plants Cafe is closing to allow for Schuder’s new chapter, its departure marks another loss for Chicago’s vegan restaurant scene.
The city has faced multiple plant-based restaurant closures in recent years, including Chicago Pizza, Liberation Kitchen, and Bloom Plant Based Kitchen.
When we spoke to Nemanja Golubovic, founder of the vegan Chicago eatery Kale My Name, about the closures, he explained that Chicago can be a tough city for restaurants.
“Winters are long, foot traffic is seasonal, and people do not typically travel across the city just for food unless it feels truly special,” he explained. “Unlike cities where vegan dining is more centralized, Chicago requires restaurants to give people a reason to make the trip.”
Fancy Plants Cafe
Despite those challenges, Schuder’s departure is bittersweet. The chef also expressed his love for the Windy City and hinted that he would probably be back in the future—albeit temporarily.
“Chicago is such a sturdy, practical city, full of so many amazing people,” he told VegNews. “My parents live in Wisconsin, and I’ll be coming back to see friends, loved ones, and do some pop-up dinners, just like I do in San Francisco. Fancy Plants Cafe is such a cute, improbable, oddball café. I think it’s the first vegan coffee shop in the Midwest. I’m super proud of the staff, and I have a feeling the spirit of the place will live on.”
At the time of writing, it’s not too late for one last visit to Fancy Plants. The restaurant is still open and accepting reservations for a little while longer.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
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