A vegan restaurateur has decided to start serving some meat dishes in his restaurant to stay afloat.
Nomas Gastrobar, which is owned by Adonis Norouznia, is based in Macclesfield, Cheshire.
Adonis Norouznia, Fey and family took to Facebook to share the news. They told their customers: "This has been a moment of deep reflection and decision-making for us, and we trust that you will understand the heartfelt reasons behind our upcoming changes to our beloved vegan cafe and restaurant.
"The challenges we've faced in recent times have been heartfelt and profound. The limitations of our vegan menu, at times, meant we welcomed only a small number of customers, making it increasingly difficult for our business to thrive financially."
They added the restaurant will make changes to cater for the "diverse tastes" of customers.
Despite their decision to incorporate meat into the menu, the restauranteurs claimed their "commitment to the vegan community remains unwavering" with a number of vegan dishes still available.
The new move should mean more customers, as meat-eaters and plant-based eaters will now be able to dine at the same place, but the decision has been met with mixed reactions.
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A vegan restaurant in Cheshire has decided to start selling meat dishes
Instagram / Nomas Gastrobar
One patron offered their unwavering support to the restaurant. She said: "This must have been such a difficult decision for you to make, and I really feel for you.
"I love your restaurant and will continue to come and order your wonderful vegan food. Sending love."
Another said: "Such a tough time for independent hospitality at the moment so can understand your rationale behind this. We'll continue to support you and enjoy your delicious food!"
Other patrons were less willing to accept the news. One said: "I must admit Nomas Gastrobar, I am bitterly disappointed in this decision.
"You are hands down my favourite place to eat. Being vegan and that one of my favourite food groups is Greek and cake, it hits the spot. Will I continue to come? I don’t know.
"There is a purely vegan cafe like yours ( but not Greek) in Buxton. Maybe you should join forces with them!"
Another added: "You were on my list of places to visit, but no point now. Sad times."
A third said: "So you were against murdering animals, and now you're pro murdering animals."
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The restaurant will still be 'majority' vegan
Instagram / Nomas Gastrobar
In another post, the restaurateurs explained that this move was a last resort and they have "explored so many avenues", including keeping drink prices the same since 2021, running deals and introducing new products.
Despite the addition of some meat products, the restaurant will still serve a "majority" of vegan food.
Responding to comments they received upon sharing the news, they said: "We’ve found it pretty astonishing some of the nastiness in the comments. We have made this choice out of a place of survival for our family-run business and seeing people who are meant to ‘love all beings’ being awful to each other has really been upsetting.
"We’re living in a climate where well-established plant-based businesses are closing. We moved to this county six years ago and this business is our only source of income, we need to make it work and therefore have to try whatever we can."
Customers who have thoughts or questions on the matter were urged to get in touch with the restaurant.