The Vegan Outlet Moves to Downtown Orlando!

What is The Vegan Outlet?

The Vegan Outlet (presented by the Orlando Bearded Vegan) has moved to Downtown Orlando! Located at Persimmon Hollow Brewing near Lake Eola, the Vegan Outlet is a monthly event offering 20+ plant-based vendors, live entertainment, and (beginning with the July 10th date) educational speakers and presentations. And the best part? Admission to the event is completely free! The Vegan Outlet occurs every second Saturday of the month from 11am-4pm. Follow the Orlando Bearded Vegan’s Facebook and Instagram for the most up to date information!

What is Persimmon Hollow Brewing?

The Vegan Outlet is now located in the heart of Downtown Orlando at Persimmon Hollow Brewing. This craft brewery features locally-sourced ingredients and a vegetarian/vegan-friendly menu! Creators, Andy and Robbie, visualized a safe, accepting gathering place for community members to socialize, create relationships, and enjoy quality food and beverages. Besides their impressive menu selection, Persimmon Hollow offers multiple events including trivia nights, drag bingo, and weekly group runs through the city.

In addition to their community-based mindset, Persimmon Hollow is dedicated to being an inclusive and safe place for all their guests. To encourage this security, brewery staff have placed the below signage on the back of the Women’s restroom door (It might also be in the men’s room. I wasn’t able to confirm.). Bravo, Persimmon Hollow, for such a creative method of protecting your customers!

A Quick Note: The Vegan Outlet is presented as a true collaboration between Persimmon Hollow and the Orlando Bearded Vegan. As such, you can move freely between the Festival area, outdoor patio, and indoor dining area. Utilize any available table to enjoy food or drink from either a festival vendor or the brewery menu.

When is the Vegan Outlet?

The Vegan Outlet occurs every second Saturday of the month from 11am-4pm. Check the event’s Facebook page for an up to date schedule!

Vegan Outlet Vendors

The Vegan Outlet hosts a diverse assortment of plant-based vendors. While the actual selection will change from month to month, you’re likely to find a variety of vegan foods, desserts, and household items available. Here are a few examples of the vendors you might find during a visit to the Vegan Outlet:

Burgers and Booch

Specializing in veggie burgers made from Joe’s Oat Patty Mix, Burgers and Booch is a vegan food truck offering a variety of plant-based comfort food and kombucha. In addition to their signature burgers, the menu features items such as po-boys, “fish” sandwiches, Wangz (vegan chicken wings), and Philly Cheezestake.

During my visit, I ordered the “Shrymp” Po-Boy with tarter sauce and assorted greens. I have no idea what these vegan shrimp were actually made of, but they were IMPRESSIVE! Not only did they resemble actual shrimp in shape and coloring, but the texture and taste were also spot on. I look forward to trying their buffalo wangz on a future visit!

As a food truck, Burgers and Booch’s schedule will shift depending on the current opportunities. Follow their Instagram and Facebook profiles for updates and information!

Sweet Fleet

The vegan answer to the traditional ice cream truck, Sweet Fleet offers a variety of plant-based desserts including ice cream sandwiches, specialty popsicles, and gelato bars. Treats are specifically carried from a handpicked selection of trusted brands, such as Goodpop in Austin, TX (known for organic and locally-sourced ingredients); Chloe’s from NYC (clean treats available with oat milk); and Valsoia in Northern Italy (authentic, dairy-free gelato).

I tried the Cold Brew Latte Bar from Goodpop. It was delicious! It had a noticeable coffee flavor that was softened and sweetened by a coconut cream. It definitely satisfied my craving for a cold treat (and apparently it was only 80 calories)!

**I should note that the Cold Brew Latte bar featured as much caffeine as a full cup of coffee. For me, this was a perk (no pun intended) of the product, but I understand that not everyone feels that way. If you wish to avoid a caffeinated dessert, order an alternative choice.

A Chat with Jeremy Santos, the Orlando Bearded Vegan

You can find Sweet Fleet at various events throughout the Orlando area, or you can book them for a private party. Follow their Instagram and Facebook accounts, or visit their website for more information!

Two Cool Amigas

As friends, roommates, and business partners; these ladies make a great team! Come check out their selection of “homes for your plants” as well as earrings, candle holders, and much more. As talented artists, these women are creating some truly beautiful and unique pieces that need to be seen!

Two Cool Amigas’ products are currently available at various festivals and markets in the Orlando area. You can keep up with their event schedule and see more of their work on Facebook and Instagram!

Canvas & Brushes

As a new mom, Poonam Suryavanshi founded Canvas & Brushes as a way to continue her artistic pursuits while balancing family responsibilities. Available services include beautiful henna tattoos (An added bonus: she will teach you how to better take care of and preserve your design!), canvas parties (for both adults and children), and face painting. If you’re still social distancing, Poonam can host a canvas party over Zoom to keep everyone safe and healthy.

Canvas & Brushes provides both private and publicly available canvas parties. You’ll need a minimum of five people to book a private session. If you prefer to try one of the open parties first, you can purchase a ticket on their website.

To read more about their story, see their full menu of services, or view examples of past paintings; visit their website. You can follow Canvas & Brushes on Instagram and Facebook.

House of Mofos

Serving vegan-friendly Puerto-Rican cuisine, House of Mofos offers items such as beefless empanada and loaded tostones (including a vegan cheese sauce and “sausage”). While I didn’t try this vendor myself, a friend of mine was very impressed with her tostone lunch!

House of Mofos delivers! Put in a delivery request on their website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook to find their next event.

Visiting The Vegan Outlet

When and Where?

The Vegan Outlet takes place from 11am-4pm on the second Saturday of each month. You can find the event in a large outdoor space next to Persimmon Hollow Brewing at 227 N. Eola Drive in Orlando.

Parking

As any local knows, parking gets a little complicated when you’re in Downtown Orlando. But don’t worry! There are plenty of free and flat rate parking opportunities available nearby.

Street Parking

Persimmon Hollow Brewery is located at the corner of N Eola Drive and W Robinson Street. Along Eola, you can find plenty of street parking available at no cost. While these spots will fill up quickly, it’s worth driving along this street to see if you can locate an empty space.

Pro-Tip: Arrive at the very beginning of the event for the best chance at nabbing a nearby spot. Due to vendor vehicles and set up time, a few of the parking spaces right next to the entrance are often blocked until just before 11am.

You can also find free street parking in the residential areas behind the businesses on the opposite side of Robinson Street, specifically along Cathcart Avenue.

Flat Rate Parking

While there are several flat rate parking lots available in the nearby area, perhaps the most convenient is the Day Building (605 E. Robinson Street). Located diagonally across the road from Persimmon Hollow, prices for this parking area generally range from $5-$10. Depending on the length of your intended visit, this may be a savings compared with some of the time-based pricing in area parking garages. And don’t worry! The Day Building parking does take credit cards, so you don’t need to carry cash.

Hourly Parking

Of course if you cannot find street parking and/or anticipate a very short visit, you might consider the nearby hourly parking garages. Perhaps the most convenient is the Thorton Park Central Garage located at 120 N Eola Drive. It’s just a short walk from the Festival, and it’s likely to have available parking during your visit. Be careful when choosing this option however, visits lasting two hours or more can get quite expensive.

Important Things To Know

• While eating or drinking at the event, you can use any available table in the Festival area, on Persimmon Hollow’s outdoor patio, or even inside the brewery (whether your refreshments come from the Vegan Outlet or the restaurant).
• The event takes place outdoors on an unpaved, grassy area. You may want to wear closed-toed shoes.
• Arrive early for the best available parking spaces.
• Beginning in July, The Vegan Outlet will offer educational speakers and sessions to complement a well-balanced vegan lifestyle.