Meet Jeremy Santos
A UCF Engineering student and avid outdoorsman, Jeremy Santos has lived in the Orlando area for most of his life. As a longtime Central Florida resident, Jeremy has watched this city grow from a town with minimal culture and dietary diversity to the foodie and artistic center that it is today. In fact, Jeremy has been an active part of this transformation – encouraging increased appreciation, admiration, and respect for vegan foods and plant-based lifestyles. Through social media influence and dynamic events, Jeremy has helped turn Orlando into one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the United States.
The Transformation
Jeremy wasn’t always a plant-based eater. After experiencing chronic pain and intense stomach issues, Jeremy’s doctor recommended a diet change. Since Jeremy wasn’t ready to give up dairy, he began following pescatarian food practices. He cut out all red meat and chicken but continued to eat seafood and animal products. As he adapted to a more meatless lifestyle and saw the drastic changes in both his body and mind, Jeremy continued to reduce his animal intake. One day, after taking stock of – not only his health – but his personal values and morals (such as environmental wellness), Jeremy decided to take the final leap into completely plant-based eating. While this decision has not been without its challenges, following a vegan diet has resulted in a variety of continued health benefits such as glowing skin, better digestion, and mental clarity.
Becoming the Orlando Bearded Vegan
As a new part of the plant-based, Central Floridian community, Jeremy noticed a gaping hole in social media representation. While the number of Orlando “foodie influencers” continued to rise, vegan restaurants and entree options held a very small piece of the focus. Realizing the potential positive impact on both local small businesses and the overall health of his future fan base, Jeremy created a food-based Instagram account – Orlando Bearded Vegan. At almost 6,000 followers, Jeremy continues to effect significant change by bringing attention to local, plant-based vendors and promoting healthful eating and environmentally-friendly choices.
While his journey started on Instagram, Jeremy’s impact has grown to include multiple social media and real life channels: including Facebook, in-person events, and maintaining various digital tools for health-conscious eaters.
Digital Tools for Success
For vegetarians and vegans, the invention of the smartphone has revolutionized their ability to find satisfying meals on-the-go. Jeremy takes an active role in maintaining and improving select applications and digital tools necessary to best utilize this awesome resource. As the official Orlando ambassador for Happy Cow, Jeremy regularly updates the app’s information pertaining to local dining establishments. By making sure that all restaurant entries are current, with plentiful pictures and helpful reviews, Jeremy helps visitors and locals make informed decisions about their consumption.
As a member of the Yelp Elite Squad (YES!), Jeremy is recognized for his helpful contributions to the site through thoughtful reviews, detailed photos, and dependable, honest feedback. By consistently contributing to both Happy Cow and Yelp, Jeremy is equipping others with the tools necessary to easily access and partake in local, plant-based foods.
Orlando Bearded Vegan Events
As part of the Orlando Bearded Vegan brand, Jeremy creates in-person events focused on promoting a vegan and plant-based lifestyle. These events often feature local vendors, live entertainment (including music, DJ’s and special speakers), and free admission. While you should visit his Facebook page for the full listing of event types and dates, two of these festivals reoccur periodically throughout each month.
If you prefer a daytime vibe, visit the monthly Vegan Outlet. Still located at Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co., this event features a wider variety of vendors (20+) along with live entertainment. The Vegan Outlet is family and pet-friendly, so bring the whole gang!
The Vegan Outlet takes place on the 2nd Saturday of every month from 11am-4pm.
Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co.
227 N Eola Dr
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 337-6011
Located at the Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co. near Lake Eola, this biweekly event features live music and 15+ plant-based vendors. Every vendor purchase will earn you $1 off draft beers and 10% off brewery meals, but no purchase is necessary to have some fun!
Enjoy the Thursday Night Plant-Based Market every 1st and 3rd Thursdays from 6:00-9:30pm.
Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co.
227 N Eola Dr
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 337-6011
Staying in Touch with the Orlando Bearded Vegan
There are multiple ways to stay in touch with Jeremy and to follow the Orlando Bearded Vegan’s food spotlights and events.
For foodie posts and pictures, like his page on Facebook, or follow his main Instagram account.
To stay updated on all the happenings, follow his event-based Instagram: Orlando Bearded Vegan Events.
If you would like to suggest an influential individual or nonprofit for our local profile series, please email krysti@orlandodecoded.com.
