Forced to relocate due to redevelopment in their current area, the two restaurants will soon share a new space, bringing their unique vegan offerings to a historic stretch of El Cajon Boulevard already known for its vegan dining legacy. The partnership between Donna Jean and Evolution Fast Foods reflects a long-standing relationship between the two restaurants, which have operated side by side on 5th Avenue for years. In a heartfelt statement, Donna Jean ownership shared the challenges that led to the relocation:
"A few months ago, we received notice from our landlords that we are being forced out of our location due to redevelopment… hello to another high-rise in Bankers Hill. After a lot of heartache, we received a tip about a space potentially opening up in North Park next year. We will be taking over The Village restaurant off El Cajon with our sister restaurant, Evolution. We have sealed the deal and we are ready to move forward in a new space starting in early 2025."
The 4,000-square-foot standalone building, home to The Village Vegan Restaurant since 2020 and previously Anthem Vegan, will soon host both Donna Jean and Evolution Fast Foods. Each restaurant will occupy a distinct portion of the space, serving their individual menus while creating a shared plant-based ethos.
Founded in 2017, Donna Jean has become a staple of San Diego's dining scene, offering fresh, handmade pastas, pizzas, and a curated selection of California wines, kombucha, and beer. Chef and co-owner Roy Elam established Donna Jean in honor of his mother, who passed away from breast cancer, with the goal of raising awareness about the benefits of plant-based diets for health. Donna Jean expanded its reach in 2022 with a second location in Los Angeles.
Evolution Fast Foods, founded by Mitch Wallis in 2004, is a trailblazer in the vegan fast-food space. Starting as Kung Food and later rebranding, Evolution became the world’s first vegan drive-thru. Known for its plant-based take on fast-food classics like burgers, sandwiches, wraps, fries, and shakes, Evolution uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients to craft its menu.
The upcoming move of Donna Jean and Evolution Fast Food to North Park wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of The Village restaurant. The Village, a longtime vegan staple in the space, is planning to relocate to Los Angeles County, where it is building a one-of-a-kind "vegan village" concept. This new endeavor will feature 8-10 small vegan businesses sharing a communal space with common seating areas and facilities.
Although The Village wasn't planning to move until summer 2025, Donna Jean and Evolution reached out urgently after learning they were being evicted due to redevelopment plans for their current Bankers Hill location. In response, The Village graciously offered to expedite its move, sacrificing 6-7 months of its lease to allow the two restaurants to take over the space after it vacates on February 1, 20225. In the meantime, Evolution will share The Village's kitchen temporarily to continue operations and avoid permanent closure.
When Donna Jean and Evolution move into their new location at 2611 El Cajon Boulevard in early 2025, they will bring together their unique culinary visions under one roof. The partnership will maintain their distinct identities while creating a shared space for San Diego's vegan community. Donna Jean is also hosting a fundraiser dinner on December 16 and donation campaign to help offset relocation costs as it prepares to transition into the North Park location.
"We are envisioning something spectacular with lots of space for both concepts to co-exist, but it’s going to be a lot of work to get us there," Donna Jean shared.
The new space on El Cajon Boulevard comes with a history of vegan restaurants, from Anthem Vegan to The Village, and will continue to serve as a hub for plant-based dining in San Diego. Evolution Fast Foods will close on 5th Avenue on Sunday, November 24, while Donna Jean will remain open through the end of the year before making the move to 2611 El Cajon Boulevard in North Park in March 2025.
The new space on El Cajon Boulevard comes with a history of vegan restaurants, from Anthem Vegan to The Village, and will continue to serve as a hub for plant-based dining in San Diego. Evolution Fast Foods will close on 5th Avenue on Sunday, November 24, while Donna Jean will remain open through the end of the year before making the move to 2611 El Cajon Boulevard in North Park in March 2025.
Originally published on November 22, 2024.
