Sit-Down Vegan Restaurant Signs Lease With 3CDC at Court Street Plaza

Almost V’Gan Lounge to Open Later This Year

CINCINNATI (August 28, 2023) – Local entrepreneurs and co-owners, Jarvis Shaw and Sean Reed have signed a lease to open Almost V’Gan Lounge – an eatery for health-conscious consumers looking for more variety when dining out – at Court Street Plaza. Located at 34 E Court Street, the 2,200-square-foot space is in Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC)’s Court Street Condos project.

After experimenting with the vegan lifestyle himself, Shaw quickly discovered the lack of options for individuals with alternative diets. He loved dining out but was less than impressed with menu offerings for those who don’t eat meat.

“My own personal experience led me to want to own a place where people could socialize and enjoy food that suited all lifestyles and diets,” Shaw said. “Everywhere I went, the only thing I could eat was salad – and it got old fast. At Almost V’Gan Lounge, you won’t have to worry about that. Everything will have a vegan pairing. So, for every item that contains meat, there will be a similar meatless option.”

The space will have a relaxed, calm environment, with both deep and warm colors, low lighting, tile, and wood accents throughout. Additionally, it will be divided into two separate areas – a restaurant with bottle service on one side of the space, complemented by an upscale bar & lounge on the other. It will also feature an outdoor dining area.

Almost V’Gan Lounge will offer a full bar and bar menu with a variety of items like smoked pot roast or smoked jackfruit tacos, grilled watermelon & feta salad, grilled salmon, or grilled tofu sliders and more, sourcing fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. Patrons will also be able to order specialty non-alcoholic vegan beverages like passion fruit & hibiscus lemonade and blackberry mint iced tea, among others. Chef Camerron Dangerfield, a well-known culinary artist who has been featured on Food Network and MasterChef, is serving as the culinary partner for Almost V’Gan Lounge and helped build out the menu.

“I love that Almost V’Gan Lounge has curated their menu in a way that caters to people who enjoy a variety of types of cuisines,” said Lindzie Gunnels, Commercial Leasing Manager with 3CDC. “Whether your diet includes meat or not, you can come here knowing you’ll be able to find something to eat that isn’t boring or plain – something you can’t find elsewhere. As we continue to add new food and beverage options to the mix on Court Street, we’re looking to meet the needs of a diverse range of individuals, and we feel like AV Lounge really complements the other establishments in the area.”

Per Shaw and Reed, above all else, Almost V’Gan Lounge will strive to be a place where everyone feels welcome, with a focus on delivering a 5-star experience to patrons by way of an impeccable menu, great drinks, pleasant staff and great customer service.

Almost V’Gan Lounge is working with City Studios and TriVersity Construction on the design and buildout of the space, which is on track to be completed in early 2024. Upon opening, Almost V’Gan Lounge will join a burgeoning culinary district on Court Street Plaza that includes Pilar, Mid-City Restaurant, Pata Roja Taqueria, Court Street Kitchen, Avril Bleh’s, and more.

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