Plant-based eatery options start to wither

Vegans and vegetarians got a double dose of bad news recently, as two Davis restaurants, Musette and Burger Patch, announced their closures.

Burger Patch, at 500 First St. in Davis Commons, closed on March 31. Musette, inside University Mall, is looking to close on or before Friday, April 21, depending on stock.

Many smaller, local businesses that survived the pandemic are feeling especially squeezed these days. COVID relief funding and sometimes the generosity of landlords helped many stay open. But we are seeing the effects as leases come up for renewal – often at significant increases. Our local favorites have a hard time competing with national chains for valuable space.

It’s a theme throughout today’s column and will be in the immediate future.

Musette owners Cynthia and Mic Raub of Davis opened Pannier at the start of the pandemic, with weekly menus – cooked in the Davis Odd Fellows kitchen – for pickup or delivery. They soon outgrew the cloud kitchen, and reimagined the concept into a grain- bowl menu that featured local, flavorful and nutrient-rich items. It’s not all vegetarian; chicken and pork are available.

Musette opened in September 2021 at 825 Russell Blvd., Suite 27, in University Mall. It filled the space last occupied by Ramen Hook. Its interior location didn’t bring a lot of foot traffic, but word traveled fast, and it quickly developed a following. It is my favorite place for a to-go meal in Davis. It meets all the cravings for healthy, chewy, crunchy, sweet, briny, savory – you get the picture. I am bummed.

The couple released the following statement: “More than disappointment or sadness, we feel relief and peace. Throughout the pandemic, we were able to pivot and reconceptualize to meet each moment. We were led by our values each step of the way, operating on a desire to serve and support our community. We are proud of our work and our impact.”

They continued, “Progress is moving forward on the University Mall redevelopment project and we can no longer hold our breath in anticipation of when the developer will issue a 30-day notice to vacate. The waiting has been agonizing and it has been long overdue that we take control of our situation. We have always done things our way, and this situation is no different.”

The Davis Planning Commission on March 8 approved plans for the redo of University Mall, which will be called The Davis Collection. It will be singlestory, with only retail and restaurant spaces. Earlier proposals included housing. An attempt by City Councilman Bapu Vaitla to appeal the Planning Commission’s decision was denied at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

Brixmor has not released names of prospective tenants, but said at that meeting, “We probably have three of the anchors that are fairly well-committed and four of the 15 shop spaces that are fairly wellcommitted,” leaving room for some local businesses.

But the owners of Musette said they will not return. “We cannot viably compete with the capital of national chains at an increase of 400% our current rent.” The Raubs said they do not have another site in mind that makes sense for their family.

They plan to sell food at the Davis Farmers Market’s Picnic in the Park (May 17 through Sept. 13) and Davisphere (five Thursdays between Aug. 31 and Oct. 26) this year. Hopefully, they find an affordable permanent spot, too.

With the announcement, Musette said it’s shifting to online-only orders at https://www.toasttab.com/ musette. They expect above-average business straining their even smaller team, so opted not to take in-person orders.

After three years, Burger Patch, the vegan/vegetarian restaurant in Davis Commons, has closed. It made the announcement in an email to customers on March 31.

“The last few years have led to dramatic changes in the dining industry in both customer habits and costs,” it said. “These have forced us to adapt our business model into the future, which has led us to close this location, as well as our East Sacramento store. We will be consolidating our resources to launch several new exciting programs at our flagship Midtown, Sacramento location.” That eatery is at 2301 K St., Suite 101, in Sacramento.

A fictitious business name has been filed in Yolo County for the new burger restaurant coming to 330 G St. in Davis. Phil Perry, managing member of Stack’d & Brew’d LLC filed the paperwork in early March for Outpost Burger at 330 G St.

Perry is CEO of Eats Partners, which owns The Burger Saloon in Woodland. Stack’d & Brew’d was the name of a sandwich