The 'OG' of Phoenix vegan restaurants is closed after more than a decade

Pomegranate Café, one of the first vegan and vegetarian restaurants in metro Phoenix is closing. The owners announced the restaurant’s intent to close in an Instagram post on Nov. 14.

“We want to express a heartfelt thank you to the extraordinary team members who have served our mission with joy and love. We will miss the beautiful community that has come through our doors for over 12 years and supported a dream that surpassed all expectations.”

Marlene and Cassie Tolman, a mother-and-daughter team, opened the original restaurant in 2010, on the corner of Chandler Boulevard and 40th Street in Ahwatukee. In 2018, the duo opened a second location on Seventh Street and Missouri Avenue, which closed after only seven months.

A new Phoenix cheese shop: Specializes in American artisan cheese  

They served vegan, vegetarian and raw food at the restaurants.

Comments from vegan restaurateurs and customers flooded Pomegranate Café’s social media on Monday.

gojiberryphx wrote: “We want to thank you for serving some of the best vegan, sustainable, healthy, raw, food in the valley! Honestly, the vegan scene will never be the same without you.”

thecoronadophx commented: “You all were OG’s in the AZ vegan scene and paved the way for many others, including us. Thank you for all the hard [work] and delicious food. Always here for you if there’s anything you need 🖤”

The owners added “We will serve what we can through this Thursday,” Nov. 17.

Another closing:After 14 years, this historic Gilbert coffee house is closing

Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @banooshahr on Twitter.