Lewis Hamilton is not just an F1 Champion, but he also champions efforts toward a more sustainable future. The Brit is well-known for his efforts through the Hamilton Commission to promote diversity in motorsport. But now, Hamilton has taken on yet another challenge. The seven-time World Champion has long advocated for veganism. He switched to an all-vegan diet in 2017, and has since won 4 world titles! One thing is for sure, Lewis Hamilton knows his food!
America’s Favorite Video Today
This is why, in 2019, the Brit decided to venture into the world of vegan fast food. He has invested in a mouth-watering chain that promises to leave you questioning your taste buds. Along with Leonardo Di Caprio and others, Hamilton aims to take Neat Burger global. But does he own the chain?
Lewis Hamilton aims to wow tastebuds
The brand was founded by Tomasso Chiabara, Zack Bishti, Stasi Nychas, and The Cream Group. It first set up shop in the United Kingdom, with its main location in Central London. As people began experiencing their mind-bending faux meat, new outlets began to pop up. They further expanded to 10 outlets in the United Kingdom. In April, it opened its first US location in NYC, and has since raised $18 million to ramp up expansion to other major cities!
While Lewis Hamilton does not exactly ‘own’ the chain. He certainly has a substantial stake in the company and has been an active investor since the very beginning. Meaning he is very much involved in its growth. And the chain’s main goal is to show consumers that a vegan-based diet can indeed taste excellent. They were even serving at the 2022 Abu Dhabi GP!
Their menu is curated according to the region. As for America, customers will find all-time classics but with a vegan twist! They have everything from Patty Melts to Buffalo Chicken Tenders, made with their faux meat. As quoted by VegNews, Co-Founder Zack Bishti shared, “We’re at the heart of the growth in plant-based diets and our proximity to the customer’s voice sets us apart,” he added, “In response to the growing demand for cleaner ingredients, we’ve incorporated healthier options into the New York menu while continuing to serve our growing community food that’s as sustainable as it is delicious.” We’re pretty sure Hamilton can get behind that idealogy!
Other than Hamilton, the talented actor Leonardo Di Caprio is an active investor. They have recently been joined by other stars like Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, and Portuguese model Sara Sampaio, after the last round of funding. With a star-studded investor board, the fast-food chain is looking to open 1000 restaurants. They aim to expand further in the US and open up new outlets in the Middle East and Italy.
Hamilton’s pursuit reaches global heights
The Dubai branch of Neat Burger opened its doors in November last year. With a “No compromise on taste” approach, the chain offered the first 500 customers free meals! Speaking about their target customer, co-founder Stasi Nychas shared, as quoted by TheNationalNews, “Our target is people who want to eat less meat, maybe once or twice a week. And how do we convert meat-eaters? It all comes down to taste,” He added, “We want our customers to have that nostalgic feeling they get when eating from the popular [fast food] brands.”
With a primary focus on satisfying the customer’s tastebuds, the chain has opened its 10th location. It has eight outlets in the UK and 1 in the United States in Nolita, with prospects for further expansion. Lewis Hamilton expressed his support for the expansion, adding “I’m proud of the boundaries we have been able to push in this space and the plans for expansion are really exciting,”
The chain is gaining popularity not just for its lip-smacking vegan options, but because it takes sustainability very seriously. Their packaging is biodegradable and compostable, making them truly planet-friendly, unlike meat alternatives. We wouldn’t expect less from a chain backed by Lewis Hamilton. The Brit’s campaign for sustainability and diversity keeps reaching new milestones. With the chain’s current progress in the UK, US, and Middle East, it’s only a matter of time before the vegan chain reaches widespread success!
