Evanston Vegan Restaurant Closing After Just 6 Months

EVANSTON, IL — Just over six months after opening in downtown Evanston, 17 Plant Based has permanently closed, according to LM Restaurant Group.

The vegan restaurant opened to the public Jan. 16 at the Hilton Orrington. It was led by chef and LM Restaurant Group co-founder Stephan Outrequin. Although the restaurant's website says it plans to reopen in September, Vice President of Marketing at LM Gabi Dorsch confirmed in an email to Patch that the closure is permanent.

"I know, it was short- lived, but we do believe in vegan food," Dorsch said in a statement to Patch. "That’s why we decided to add a few fan-favorite vegan items to the menu of our sister restaurant Evanston Corner Bistro, which is located within the Hilton Orrington, the same building as 17 Plant Based was located."

In a separate announcement, the company said the concept and menu are moving to Evanston Corner Bistro, also inside the Hilton Orrington Hotel. The statement said 17 Plant Based had been an "intimate, chef-facing vegan concept" and that the move takes effect immediately.

The company said demand outgrew the restaurant's 17-seat setup.

"17 Plant Based succeeded faster than we ever imagined, and 17 seats simply couldn't keep up with the demand," said Gabi Dorsch, VP of Sales & Marketing of LM Restaurant Group. "This isn't us stepping back from plant-based dining — it's us leaning in. By weaving our vegan-inspired dishes into the main menu at Evanston Corner Bistro, we can welcome far more guests and, just as importantly, seat everyone together. A vegan, a vegetarian, and a steak lover can finally share one table and one great meal — no separate room required."

Beginning now, diners will find an expanded selection of vegan-inspired dishes on the menu at Evanston Corner Bistro, according to the company.

Evanston Corner Bistro remains open inside the Hilton Orrington Hotel and serves lunch and dinner. Reservations and menu information are available at evanstoncornerbistro.com.