Evolving a non-vegan café to fully vegan

above: photo credit – High Note Café

In the vibrant downtown area of Boise, Idaho, United States, a significant and heartfelt transformation took place at a local café called High Note, thanks to its owner, Maria Bahruth. The café, known for its diverse menu and warm atmosphere, shifted to become a fully vegan establishment in 2019—a change inspired by Bahruth’s powerful response to the animal-rights documentary Dominion.

The pivotal moment occurred when Bahruth watched Dominion 5 years ago and was deeply moved by the film’s graphic portrayal of the animal agriculture industry. Overwhelmed by the ethical and environmental issues presented, she resolved to transform her restaurant’s menu to align with her newfound values. Her decision, though daunting, was publicly announced in a heartfelt Facebook post, where she pledged to make the High Note Café a completely vegan establishment.

above: photo credit – High Note Café

Bahruth’s decision came at a time when High Note already included vegan options, but only made up about a third of the menu. The transition to a fully vegan menu was a bold and risky move, especially in a market where such changes can be challenging. However, the community’s response was overwhelmingly positive. Support from patrons and the broader Boise community bolstered Bahruth’s confidence in the shift.

“The positive reaction from the community has been incredibly encouraging,” Bahruth noted at the time. “It’s hard to predict the future, as the food industry is inherently risky, but knowing that the staff, even those who were not previously vegan, love the new menu gives me hope.” Her commitment to veganism echoes a broader trend towards plant-based eating and sustainability, aligning with the growing awareness of the impact of animal agriculture.

In her reflections, Bahruth emphasized the importance of education and awareness. She hopes that documentaries like Dominion and Cowspiracy will inspire more people to reconsider their dietary choices. “The animal agriculture industry is damaging on multiple fronts—it’s unhealthy, unsustainable, and humanity will need to adapt to a plant-based diet to ensure long-term survival,” she stated. “If more people understood these facts, they might make different choices for their families and the planet.”

Maria Bahruth’s courageous decision serves as a powerful example for other cafés and restaurants considering a similar shift. If a small, locally cherished establishment like High Note Café can successfully transition to a fully vegan menu and is still going strong after 5 years, so can others. The growing trend towards ethical and sustainable dining presents a unique opportunity for businesses to align with consumer values and make a positive impact on the world.

This story exemplifies how personal convictions can drive meaningful change in business practices. High Note Café stands as an inspiring example of how aligning a business with ethical values can not only resonate with a community but also contribute to a larger movement towards sustainability and compassion. Maria Bahruth’s story is a testament to the fact that transformative change is possible and her café is a valuable model for other businesses to consider making a similar commitment to a plant-based future.