The Vegan Visionary: How Kae Hart is Redefining Plant-Based Dining
Kae Hart, the visionary co-owner of Moe Vegan, visited "The Day with Trae" last week to share his inspiring journey into the plant-based culinary world and the remarkable growth of his business. What began as a deeply personal transformation has blossomed into a thriving restaurant, offering delicious vegan comfort food and a testament to resilience.
Hart's journey into veganism was spurred by a profound personal tragedy: the passing of his brother at just 30 years old due to health complications. This heartbreaking event served as a catalyst, prompting Hart to dedicate his life to a plant-based diet. He revealed that Moe Vegan is more than just a restaurant; it's a living tribute to his brother, a way to "keep his name alive."
Despite having no formal culinary training, Hart has always possessed a natural talent for cooking. His approach to vegan cuisine saw him adapting his existing traditional cooking techniques and beloved seasonings with pure intuition. As he explained, "I just basically try to veganize everything." This birthed the distinctive "comfort food" style that Moe Vegan is celebrated for today.
The early days of Moe Vegan saw Hart operating a food truck, employing unconventional strategies to win over skeptical customers. He recounted giving away food or selling it at heavily discounted prices. "No one was… trying to be health conscious and stuff," Hart said, having to actively "convince the people that my food was really it." This bold strategy paid off, leading to a loyal customer base who started calling his food "vegan crack" because, as Hart explained, "we knew once we served it to them, they'll be back."
Moe Vegan has since transitioned from a beloved food truck to a permanent brick-and-mortar restaurant in Kent, Washington, located at 23325 Pacific Highway South. Hart candidly discussed the increased demands of managing a full-time staff, emphasizing his profound commitment to providing stable livelihoods for his employees. "No matter what, if it's slow, I'm cutting the check the same price every week," he affirmed.
Hart designed Moe Vegan's menu to be a "transition vegan restaurant,” recognizing that expecting customers to immediately embrace salads is unrealistic. His goal is to make plant-based eating accessible and appealing by veganizing familiar comfort foods. "My restaurant is kind of helping people transition and to get into that raw status," he stated. Offerings like their phenomenal burgers, tacos, and innovative vegan shrimp highlight his creativity and commitment to flavorful, satisfying plant-based options.
Hart encourages everyone to visit Moe Vegan, open from 11 AM to 8 PM Wednesday to Friday and 12 PM to 8 PM Saturday and Sunday. He passionately urges potential customers to take a chance on vegan food, emphasizing that community support is vital for the restaurant's continued success.
