Vegan restaurant shuts down then reopens, no longer exclusively catering to vegans.
Stuttgart Vegan Shop Transforms into Bagelhouse, Sparks Debate Among Regulars
In a surprising turn of events, Jones Donuts, a popular vegan bakery in Stuttgart, has closed its doors and reopened under a new concept as Bagelhouse. The decision, announced by owner Jonathan Mageot, has sparked mixed reactions from the shop's frequent patrons.
Once a haven for vegans and vegetarians, Jones Donuts offered an array of delightful vegan donuts and pastries. However, under its new identity as Bagelhouse, customers can expect a change in the menu, with offerings such as bagel sandwiches and pancakes taking center stage.
Mageot, a trained baker, explains that staffing issues led to the closure of one branch and the reopening of another with the new concept. The decision came after three years of operation under the vegan label, a transition that some customers on social media view as a "real step backwards."
While the new shop might no longer cater exclusively to vegans, it aims to continue offering options suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Mageot's goal is to reach a broader audience with the new business concept, with the success of his venture yet to be determined.
In recent years, vegan-centric businesses have been popping up across the country, with varying degrees of success. Factors such as high costs, supply chain issues, marketing challenges, and limited target audiences can contribute to failure in this niche market. The closing and reopening of Jones Donuts as Bagelhouse mirrors this trend, with the decision reflecting a strategic move to attract a more diverse customer base.
While specific details about the transformation are still emerging, it appears that in closed-door discussions and private communications, Mageot has not ruled out the possibility of eventually reintroducing vegan options in a limited capacity, though this remains to be seen.
As Stuttgart residents adapt to the changes at Bagelhouse, only time will tell if Mageot's new approach will hit the mark with customers or if vegans might find themselves missing their beloved Jones Donuts.
In the ongoing discussion about Bagelhouse, some customers express concern that the transformation from Jones Donuts represents a departure from vegan and vegetarian-friendly food-and-drink options. Mageot's goal to attract a broader range of customers extends beyond vegans and vegetarians, delving into other lifestyle domains such as home-and-garden enthusiasts and those interested in cooking diversified recipes. Despite the change, Mageot has hinted at the possibility of reintroducing vegan options in a limited capacity, maintaining a mix of both food-and-drink and cooking styles at Bagelhouse.
