The Orchid Vegan Celebrates 5 Years in Business

York’s premier vegan restaurant The Orchid Vegan celebrates five years in business with a fundraising dinner for the Lord Mayor’s charities.

The restaurant’s owner, Jean Zhuang, says, “I had always wanted to show the people of York, and the many tourist visitors, what Chinese vegan cooking tastes like.  It might have been a bit of a risk launching in August of 2020 when the global pandemic was raging, and shortly afterwards the restaurant had to switch fully into a takeaway service, but our customers responded well and saw us through those difficult times.  I think we all helped each other in those times.”

Mr Yanjun Fu, Head Chef and business partner, added, “While the takeaway side took off and kept us going, it was a relief to be able to re-open the restaurant for customers to dine in person in May 2021, to be able to try out new dishes and to get an immediate response to see they are liking them.”

At the same time The Orchid Vegan announced a partnership to support the RSPCA animal home on Landing Lane in York.  Animal welfare and halting cruelty to animals has always been a key tenet for the business.  

Now, The Orchid Vegan celebrates five years of operation on George Hudson Street – a location which has become a favoured destination in York for international cuisine.

The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Martin Rowley, has been the latest customer to The Orchid Vegan, together with his Lady Mayoress, and the Sheriff of York and his consort, to enjoy a set-meal for fifty people all making a contribution to The Lord Mayor’s chosen charities.

The Lord Mayor, Martin Rowley, says, “I am delighted that The Orchid Vegan has assisted in my fundraising for three local charities: York Against Cancer, The Royal British Legion, and Family Matters York.

I am aware that the restaurant has become a mainstay for civic fundraising over the last five years.  My sincere congratulations to Will and Jean Zhuang and all their staff for making the business such a success and their contribution to the city of York.”