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Inside Eleven Madison Park’s Vegan Shift: What Staff Are Really Saying
When I first heard about Eleven Madison Park’s bold move to go fully vegan, I was intrigued. Like many food lovers, I admired the restaurant’s innovation and commitment to sustainability. But recently, conversations with insiders have painted a very different picture — one I think we need to talk about.
Former staff members have started to speak out, revealing that the transition wasn’t as glamorous as it seemed from the outside. Several described a chaotic environment, with many long-time team members either leaving or being let go. One ex-employee even described the current crew as a “skeletal staff” — a far cry from the bustling, award-winning team that once defined the place.
I can’t help but reflect on how big shifts like this can deeply impact the people behind the scenes. It’s easy to celebrate innovation on the surface, but what about the toll it takes on the workforce? Some staff felt the new vegan menu was more about PR than passion — that it catered to headlines rather than the heart of hospitality.
What really struck me was how disillusioned some team members felt. They once believed in the restaurant’s vision, only to watch it become, in their words, “soulless.” It’s a reminder that success in the culinary world isn’t just about trends or aesthetics — it’s about people.
As someone who cares about both great food and fair work culture, I wanted to share this with you. Change is necessary, yes. But when it’s done without transparency or empathy, it can leave a bitter aftertaste — no matter how plant-based the menu might be.
Let me know your thoughts. Have we gone too far chasing green trends at the cost of the people who bring them to life?
