A Harrisburg Vegan Eatery Says Goodbye After a Decade

A beloved vegan and vegetarian spot in Harrisburg is shutting down after 11 years. The Vegetable Hunter, situated on Restaurant Row, will close its doors this Saturday. The owners, Kristin Messner-Baker and John Baker, shared the news on Facebook, expressing gratitude for the memories made. The journey began in 2014 with Crave & Co. , a vegan-friendly cafe. Over time, it grew, adding a second floor and a boutique brewery in 2017. By 2019, the menu went fully vegan. The restaurant expanded to Carlisle in 2021 but closed that location in 2023. In 2024, they opened a spot in Hershey’s Fresh Market. The Vegetable Hunter gained fame, attracting celebrities like Kendrick Lamar and Carrie Underwood. Despite its success, the owners announced a new, not fully vegan restaurant will take its place. They ended their message with a heartfelt thank you and a call to stay kind, wild, and plant-powered. The closure raises questions about the challenges faced by vegan restaurants. While they cater to a growing market, maintaining profitability can be tough. The owners' decision to hand over the space to a new eatery suggests a strategic shift, perhaps to explore new ventures. The impact of The Vegetable Hunter on the local food scene is undeniable. It was more than just a restaurant; it was a community hub. The closure marks the end of an era, but the legacy of this vegan staple will live on in the memories of its patrons.