After beloved Bushwick “vegan junk food” mainstay Champs Diner shut down after 12 years back in January, we were psyched when head chef Ro Seaward reopened 197 Meserole St as Ro’s Diner, with a similar menu. Sadly, Ro’s Diner has announced that it, too, will be shutting down, with Sunday, October 6 as their final day open.
In a post on Instagram, they write, “That was a hell of a ride! Our last day of service will be Sunday October 6th. Although we couldn’t make it as a vegan restaurant in 2024 (we weren’t the only ones) we will shortly rebrand this account to Ro for her catering and private events. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who pulled up whether it was at 10am or 2am, starving or peckish, hardcore vegan or not, y’all were truly awesome. Peace out!!!”
Another long-running NYC vegan restaurant, Organic Grill, shut down in July, and Blossom shut down in August. Modern Love revealed they’ve been “struggling to keep the doors open” last month, and Peacefood also launched a GoFundMe to stay open.