Laid-Off Chefs of Planta Unite to Create Vegan Chef Service

For Erica Marie Denis and Gabriel Lopez, the news of Planta Queen's closure came as a shock — especially considering both worked at the Coconut Grove outpost as pastry and sushi chefs, respectively. "We received notice on July 30 that we were basically immediately terminated. Attached was a notice regarding the closure of the restaurant, and that was that," says Denis of the day she and her boyfriend found out the news.

Prior to working at Planta, Denis worked as an assistant manager at another now-shuttered vegan spot, MintyZ. It felt like déjà vu all over for Denis, who adds that Planta's ownership immediately kicked the entire laid-off workforce from its payroll system, so there’s no way of confirming if everyone's last paycheck was accurate.

Diners Went to Planta Queen Not Knowing It Would Be Their Last Time

"A lot of people went to Planta Queen not knowing that it would be the last time they would be eating there," she says. “Even we, as employees, there were people in the building working when we received notice.”

Denis calls the sudden closure disheartening. "This is a company that is presenting themselves to people as people who are looking after your health and best interest, when in reality it is the complete opposite," she adds. "When it came time to clean out the restaurant, they had executives walking through, and not a single person said, 'I'm sorry that you're going through this' or 'I'm sorry that we couldn't give you a better notice.'"

Regardless of how they feel about their previous employer, Denis and Lopez remain passionate about vegan food. Denis points to Vegan & Juice (10887 NW 17th St., Ste. 112, Doral), located near Dolphin Mall, as a local plant-based eatery that does it right. "They actually have a rotating menu — think about it like hot prepared foods. You can go there and kind of build your own plate," she explains.

They Have Formed Their Own Private Vegan Chef Service in Miami

As far as what's next for Denis and Lopez, the couple doesn't have the funds to start their own restaurant. Instead, they are working as private chefs for hire under the name 2TheRootss. "My boyfriend and I offer a private chef experience at clients’ homes. That's been our way of providing high-quality vegan food to people who are interested," Denis says.

As far as what the couple wants people to realize is that despite Planta's closure, there is still a bourgeoning vegan scene in South Florida. "We don't really have that many vegan restaurants in Miami," Denis says. "My boyfriend, Gabriel, and I are passionate vegans and know there is a demand for vegan food here in Miami."

2TheRootss Vegan Private Chefs. Book them at 2therootss.com or instagram.com/2therootss.