The fast-food scene in Melbourne is about to get an ethical makeover with the opening of a new Mr Charlie’s pop-up at CoConspirators Brewpub in Brunswick. The subversive vegan fast-food chain has already made waves in Sydney since opening in November 2023, and now it’s taking the show on the road. The two-month residency at CoConspirators will give Melburnians a taste of Mr Charlie’s fast food with a conscience.

Touted as the “vegan McDonald’s,” Mr Charlie’s first launched in Los Angeles in 2022 and quickly expanded to San Francisco and Sydney. Now as it tests the waters in Brunswick (of course it had to be Brunswick), the chain seems set to capture the growing demand for sustainable, cruelty-free food options. 

What was originally meant to be a straightforward expansion has turned into a challenging journey for Mr Charlie’s, after a nasty crash destroyed its first food trailer and its replacement was then stolen just as they reached Melbourne. “This is the third time we have tried to make it down to Melbourne, but as they say, third time lucky! It’s been a rocky road, but we’re thrilled to finally be bringing our food to Melbourne, the foodie capital of Australia,” said Lisa Chikarovski, owner of Mr Charlie’s Australia. 

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So what makes Mr Charlie’s so special? The answer lies in its approach to plant-based cuisine. The menu is everything you expect at a classic fast-food joint, revamped to be entirely vegan. From the “Not a Cheeseburger” to the “Not a Hamburger,” a cute version of the Happy Meal – that would be the Frowny Meal – and the slightly litigious-sounding “Big Chuck”, Mr Charlie’s offers dishes that prove being vegan doesn’t mean grazing on lettuce all day.

The success of Mr Charlie’s highlights the increasing awareness among consumers about the environmental and social impacts of the fast-food industry. As people become more conscious of the food they consume, many are seeking alternatives that align with their values, particularly in terms of health, animal welfare, sustainability, and social responsibility.

But Mr Charlie’s aims to do more than just offer a plant-based menu. The company is also committed to social justice by employing and empowering marginalised groups, including people from disadvantaged communities and those with lived experience of homelessness. This dedication to creating positive social change sets Mr Charlie’s apart from traditional fast food chains, which often face criticism for their labour practices.

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Mr Charlie’s isn’t the first plant-based fast-food chain to hit Melbourne. Australian burger-slingers Lord of the Fries was founded in the city back in 2004 on the premise of freshly-made chips, veggie burgers that actually taste good, and socially responsible practices. Now they have restaurants in almost every Aussie state and across the ditch in New Zealand.

Does McDonald’s have any vegan options?

McDonald’s in Australia doesn’t have any certified vegan or vegetarian options available, due to the risk of cross-contamination – either in-store or during transport. That’s not to say that some items aren’t accidentally vegan. But we reckon if you’re worried about that, just stick with Mr Charlie’s.

Mr Charlie’s pop-up at CoConspirators Brewpub kicks off from December 4 until February 2. For more details head to the website here. 

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