DiCaprio-Backed Neat Burger Opens First Permanent US Location in New York City – vegconomist

Neat Burger, the plant-based burger chain backed by Leonardo DiCaprio and Lewis Hamilton, is expanding to the US.

The chain will open its first permanent US location in the neighbourhood of Nolita, New York City, after previously opening a popup location in Manhattan last year. The menu will feature a selection of burgers, such as the Crispy Chick’n and Original Cheez, along with sides like tater tots and buffalo nuggets.

Neat Burger first launched in the UK in 2019. Two years later, the chain secured $7 million, taking its total valuation to $70 million. Following the raise, Neat announced plans to triple in size and expand internationally, including to the US.

The chain now has eight locations in London, and opened one in Dubai last October. It is also said to be planning a location in Italy.

New appointments

To help propel its US expansion, Neat Burger has hired Vincent Herbert, previously head of Le Pain Quotidien, as US CEO. Meanwhile, former Sweetgreen chairman Jeffrey S. Fried and former Joe & The Juice COO Henrik Fjordbak have joined Neat’s advisory board.

Last year, actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio became a strategic investor in the chain as it announced a US-focused Series B round. Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton is also an investor, and helped to found Neat Burger in 2019.

“We are on a mission to fundamentally change how the world consumes protein and are excited to announce these new appointments whose expertise will make a real impact,” said Zack Bishti, co-founder and CEO of Neat Burger.