Clover Food Lab, a popular Boston-area vegetarian restaurant chain, warns it may close by May 2026 if a buyer is not found. The company recently filed a WARN notice due to financial uncertainties, stemming from its 2023 bankruptcy caused by COVID-19 impacts. Despite plans to expand and serve locally sourced plant-based food, shifting consumer preferences are threatening its future.

Market trends indicate a growing demand for protein-rich foods, especially meat and dairy, which are perceived as more satisfying and offering clearer value propositions. The USDA's relaxed guidelines on red meat and full-fat dairy, along with increasing per capita meat consumption, reflect a nationwide pivot away from plant-based diets. Experts suggest that these changing preferences, coupled with declining restaurant sales, are key factors putting Clover’s future at risk.