‘Vegan McDonald’s’ Mr. Charlie’s is coming to Arizona with 18 new locations
The plant-based fast food chain, backed by Mike Tyson and Future, is making its Southwest debut as part of a multimillion-dollar expansion, with plans for a national rollout already underway.
Credit: Mr. Charlie’s Told Me So
Plant-based fast food chain Mr. Charlie’s Told Me So (TMS) is set to open 18 new locations across Arizona as part of a multimillion-dollar development expansion agreement, bringing the brand to the Southwest for the first time.
The chain, dubbed as a ‘vegan McDonald’s’ and backed by the likes of Mike Tyson and Future, will open its first Arizona location in 2025 in Scottsdale, with additional cities to be announced. These stores will join other Mr. Charlie’s locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sydney, and Australia.
"We always believed we’d get here—we just knew it would take a village,” said Taylor McKinnon, cofounder of Mr. Charlie’s TMS. “This isn’t a surprise, it’s a milestone."
The 100% plant-based menu offers fast-food favorites like the “Not a Cheeseburger” containing a plant based burger patty, pickles, diced onion, ketchup and mustard, and the Mr Frowny Meal featuring the choice of a burger, with four “Not Chicken Nuggets”, “Frowny Fries” and a drink. Mr Charlie’s TMS menu also features breakfast options, like its “Mr Muffin” containing plant based egg, vegan cheese, vegan mayo on a vegan muffin, and a dairy-free ice-cream called “Mr.FluffHead”.
"Bringing Mr. Charlie's to Arizona is more than a business move—it's a mission," said Patrick Lam, President of Capital Markets at Access Capital Group, the partner in the development agreement. "We're not just opening 18 stores; we're planting the seeds of something bigger.
“These restaurants will be hubs of community, second chances, and delicious food," Lam continued. “As an Arizonan, I'm proud to help redefine what fast food looks like in the state—and to do it with a brand that stands for something real."
"Expanding into Arizona is personal for me, and taking this life-changing leap alongside Patrick makes it all the more meaningful,” McKinnon said, commenting on the collaboration. “It’s not just about new stores, it’s about the people we meet, the lives we touch, and the kind of future we get to help build together. I’m just really grateful to be here for it."
The Arizona expansion is likely to be just the beginning of a national roll out of Mr. Charlie TMS branches. To handle this growth expansion strategy, Adam Wilks has been brought on as President. Wilks introduced Lam to Mr. Charlie’s TMS and has a history of successful resume where he TYSON 2.0, Wooooo! Energy, and Evol by Future into 19 countries alongside Mike Tyson, Ric Flair, and Future.
Credit: Mr. Charlie’s Told Me So
"Joining Mr. Charlie's at this transformative moment is incredibly exciting," said Wilks. “With our Arizona expansion and ambitious growth plans, we're poised to revolutionize the fast-food landscape by combining delicious plant-based options with meaningful social impact.”
Mr. Charlie’s TMS is now licensed to franchise in 38 states and territories (pending final approval of its disclosure document in California and New York), offering franchise opportunities in select U.S. states.
The expansion comes at a time when U.S. sales of plant-based products are dipping - in 2024 sales of plant-based proteins fell by 5% (although, despite this setback, global sales of plant-based proteins were up 5%).
McKinnon thinks the decline is related to consumer desire for better quality and value, mirroring recent findings of a recent report that plant-based products can compete with meat if their taste is improved. “The category grew too fast, and many products didn’t meet consumer expectations,” McKinnon told Green Queen.
“At Mr Charlie’s, we focus on taste, experience, and familiarity, not just on being ‘plant-based’. We offer indulgent, comforting food that just happens to be vegan. That positioning resonates beyond diet choices and speaks to a broader cultural movement around conscious consumption.”
“Many vegan concepts failed by targeting too narrow an audience or failing to differentiate themselves. Mr Charlie’s has always positioned itself as a lifestyle brand, not just a vegan food spot.
“Our confidence is rooted in real consumer engagement and data, our foot traffic, return customers, and online buzz prove that our model connects. Expansion isn’t a risk, it’s a response to demand.”
Want to get started on your plant-based journey? Take Species Unite’s free Plant-Power Challenge for 30 days to discover everything you need to know. Sign up here.
We Have A Favor To Ask…
Species Unite amplifies well-researched solutions to some of the most abusive animal industries operating today.
At this crucial moment, with worldwide momentum for change building, it’s vital we share these animal-free solutions with the world - and we need your help.
We’re a nonprofit, and so to keep sharing these solutions, we’re relying on you - with your support, we can continue our essential work in growing a powerful community of animal advocates this year.
