Hangry Planet, billed as America’s first all-vegan gas station convenience store, has sold for $12 million in a deal that signals changing consumer preferences in the convenience retail sector. The San Bruno, California-based business, which opened in 2022 in partnership with Shell Oil, proved that plant-based offerings could thrive in an unexpected format.
Founder Bobak Bakhtiari told the New York Post he was inspired to open the plant-based convenience store after learning about conditions in the dairy industry. The store sells eggless breakfast sandwiches with Beyond Meat products, veggie burgers, and vegan hot chocolate.
For Miami’s food and beverage entrepreneurs, the sale price and concept offer a compelling case study. South Florida has become one of the nation’s leading markets for plant-based dining, with Miami routinely ranking among the top US cities for vegan and vegetarian restaurant options.
When the store first went all-vegan, Bakhtiari said sales took a 20% hit. Eventually, however, sales increased by around 30% as the concept attracted customers from a wide geographic area. Frequent customer Tyler MacNiven of Sunnyvale told CBS that his family visits the gas station at least twice a month, despite living 20 minutes away and driving only electric cars.
‘A gas station convenience store that is entirely plant based, you just don’t ever hear that marriage happening, and you might not expect that,’ MacNiven said.
The $12 million sale price far exceeded what Bakhtiari anticipated, demonstrating that investors see value in innovative retail food concepts. The store also features a virtual reality car wash and a roof decorated with large sculptures, making it a destination attraction.
The deal comes as convenience store operators nationally are experimenting with healthier and more diverse food options. In Miami, several gas station operators have begun adding fresh food and specialty items to their offerings, though none have gone fully plant-based.
Industry watchers say the Hangry Planet model could be replicated in health-conscious markets like Miami, where demand for plant-based convenience food continues to grow.
