Poor Man Vegan started as a small catering company in 2019 before finally opening its doors in Jersey City in May 2021.

“It’s been a long road, and I never thought we would actually get here,” says Mary Stokes, who owns Poor Man Vegan with her husband and fellow Jersey City native, Christopher. “We wanted people to see that vegan food can be tasty, filling and budget friendly. We offer dishes that are familiar and comforting for those exploring the vegan lifestyle. My main goal is to keep animals off people’s plates, even for one meal.”

Christopher is the self-taught chef behind all the dishes, like empanadas, mac and cheese, greens, and meatballs in gravy. Mary, the manager, bakes the cupcakes. She’s been a vegan since 2012.

The name Poor Man Vegan started off as a joke, she says. “When we began dating, it was challenging for me to find things to eat at most restaurants. When vegan food was available, portions were smaller and prices were higher. Christopher often joked that I was the vegan making him a poor man.”

 

Location: 90 Monticello Ave., Jersey City, NJ. For more info, follow Poor Man Vegan on Facebook and on Instagram.