Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has announced an ownership stake in Plant Forward, a chain of plant-based restaurants founded by chef Matthew Kenney. The partnership marks Ramsay's first major investment in the plant-based food sector.
"The future of food is about balance, and I have been impressed by Matthew's ability to create plant-based cuisine that is genuinely delicious," Ramsay said in a statement. "This is not about replacing meat; it is about expanding the options available to consumers."
The first Plant Forward locations are expected to open in Los Angeles, New York, and London later this year, with expansion planned to 50 locations by 2028. Ramsay will serve as executive chef and will develop new menu items for the chain.
"Gordon's involvement brings an unprecedented level of culinary expertise to the plant-based space," said Kenney, who has been a pioneer in raw and plant-based cuisine for over two decades. "Together, we will demonstrate that sustainable dining can be truly extraordinary."
The announcement has drawn attention from investors who see Ramsay's involvement as a signal that plant-based dining is entering the mainstream. "When a chef of Gordon's caliber invests in a sector, the market takes notice," said restaurant industry analyst Will Leung.