Laura Ingraham, the prominent Fox News host known for her sharp conservative commentary on The Ingraham Angle, has reportedly made an unexpected move into the culinary world by investing in a vegan restaurant chain called “Green Angle.” This development has raised eyebrows, given Ingraham’s past skepticism about vegan diets expressed on her show. The revelation of her involvement in a plant-based dining venture has sparked curiosity and debate, prompting questions about her motivations, the business strategy behind “Green Angle,” and how this aligns with her public persona. This article explores the details of Ingraham’s investment, the concept of the “Green Angle” chain, and the broader implications of this surprising pivot.

The Unexpected Investment

Laura Ingraham, a household name in conservative media, has built a career on her forthright opinions, often critiquing progressive trends and lifestyles, including veganism. On several occasions, Ingraham has questioned the health benefits and cultural implications of plant-based diets, framing them as part of a broader liberal agenda. For instance, during discussions on The Ingraham Angle, she has suggested that veganism is sometimes overhyped as a solution to environmental or health issues, pointing to the challenges of maintaining a balanced diet without animal products. Her audience, largely composed of conservative viewers, has generally aligned with her skepticism toward what some perceive as trendy dietary fads.

Thus, the news that Ingraham has quietly invested in “Green Angle,” a vegan restaurant chain, comes as a shock to many. Sources close to the project claim that Ingraham’s involvement began in early 2024, with the host providing significant financial backing to launch the chain’s first locations in major U.S. cities. While Ingraham has not publicly confirmed her role, industry insiders suggest she owns a substantial stake in the venture, potentially as a silent partner. The decision to keep her involvement discreet may stem from the apparent contradiction between her public stance and this business move, which could risk alienating her core audience.

The “Green Angle” Concept

“Green Angle” is positioned as a modern, upscale vegan restaurant chain that aims to make plant-based dining accessible and appealing to a broad audience. Unlike many vegan eateries that cater primarily to niche health-conscious or environmentally driven consumers, “Green Angle” seeks to bridge the gap between mainstream dining and plant-based cuisine. The chain’s branding emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients, innovative recipes, and a welcoming atmosphere that avoids the stereotypical “preachy” tone often associated with vegan establishments.

The menu reportedly includes a variety of dishes designed to mimic traditional American comfort food, such as vegan burgers, plant-based “pulled pork” sandwiches, and dairy-free desserts. Early reports suggest that the chain has partnered with renowned chefs to create recipes that prioritize flavor and texture, aiming to convert even the most skeptical carnivores. The name “Green Angle” is a nod to Ingraham’s television show, The Ingraham Angle, though it also reflects the chain’s mission to offer a fresh perspective—or “angle”—on vegan dining.

The first “Green Angle” location is rumored to have opened in Washington, D.C., with plans for expansion to cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Austin. Each restaurant is designed with a modern aesthetic, featuring open kitchens, eco-friendly materials, and a focus on sustainability. The chain has also embraced technology, offering a mobile app for ordering and a loyalty program to attract repeat customers. Industry analysts estimate that the initial investment for the chain could exceed $10 million, with Ingraham’s contribution forming a significant portion of the funding.

Reconciling the Contradiction

The most pressing question surrounding Ingraham’s involvement is how it aligns with her public criticism of veganism. Some speculate that her investment is purely a business decision, driven by the growing popularity of plant-based diets. According to market research, the global vegan food market is projected to reach $36 billion by 2028, driven by increasing consumer interest in health, sustainability, and animal welfare. Ingraham, a savvy businesswoman with a history of strategic investments, may have recognized the financial potential in this booming sector, regardless of her personal views.

Others suggest that Ingraham’s move could reflect a subtle shift in her perspective. While she has questioned veganism in the past, her criticisms have often focused on the cultural and political baggage associated with the movement rather than the concept of plant-based eating itself. By investing in “Green Angle,” Ingraham may be attempting to redefine vegan dining in a way that appeals to a broader, less ideologically driven audience. The chain’s marketing avoids the moralizing tone of some vegan brands, instead emphasizing taste, affordability, and inclusivity—values that could resonate with her conservative base.

Still, the secrecy surrounding her involvement raises questions. Ingraham’s decision to remain a silent partner suggests she is aware of the potential backlash from her audience, many of whom may view veganism as antithetical to their values. On social media platforms like X, reactions to the news have been mixed, with some praising Ingraham for her business acumen and others accusing her of hypocrisy. One user posted, “Laura Ingraham investing in a vegan chain? Either she’s trolling or she’s chasing the money. Either way, it’s a bold move.” Another commented, “This feels like a betrayal of everything she’s said on air. How can she mock vegans one day and profit from them the next?”

The Broader Context

Ingraham’s venture into vegan dining comes at a time when plant-based diets are gaining traction across political and cultural divides. Once associated primarily with progressive, urban demographics, veganism is increasingly appealing to a wider audience, including health-conscious conservatives and environmentally minded moderates. Chains like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have normalized plant-based options in fast food, while restaurants like NoButcher and Chagaroot (both of which recently closed in Las Vegas, according to Eater Vegas) have shown the potential for vegan dining to thrive in mainstream markets.

Ingraham’s investment could also be seen as a response to the growing influence of health and wellness trends. As reported on Fox News’s Everyone Talks To Liz Claman, entrepreneurs like Nick Green are working to make healthy, affordable food more accessible to Americans, addressing the challenge of high costs for organic and non-GMO products. “Green Angle” appears to align with this mission, offering plant-based meals at competitive prices to appeal to budget-conscious consumers.

Moreover, Ingraham’s move could be an attempt to diversify her public image. As a polarizing figure in media, she has faced criticism for her controversial statements on issues ranging from immigration to social justice. By associating herself with a venture that promotes health and sustainability, she may be seeking to soften her image and appeal to a broader audience. However, this strategy carries risks, as it could alienate her core viewers who see veganism as a liberal cause.

Challenges and Opportunities

Launching a restaurant chain is no small feat, particularly in the competitive vegan market. “Green Angle” will face challenges such as supply chain issues, which have plagued other vegan businesses, as noted in VegNews about the struggles of vegan meal delivery companies during the pandemic. Additionally, the closure of vegan restaurants like NoButcher and Chagaroot in Las Vegas highlights the difficulty of sustaining plant-based eateries in a market dominated by traditional dining options.

However, “Green Angle” has several factors in its favor. Ingraham’s financial backing and media influence could provide the chain with significant visibility and resources. Her ability to promote the brand subtly through her platform—without explicitly linking it to her name—could drive customer interest. Furthermore, the chain’s focus on mainstream, comfort-food-inspired dishes could attract a wider audience than traditional vegan restaurants.

Conclusion

Laura Ingraham’s reported investment in “Green Angle” represents a fascinating and unexpected chapter in her career. Whether driven by financial opportunism, a shift in perspective, or a desire to diversify her brand, this move challenges the narrative surrounding her public persona. As “Green Angle” expands, it will be intriguing to see how Ingraham navigates the tension between her conservative audience and the progressive connotations of veganism. For now, the venture underscores the growing mainstream appeal of plant-based dining and the complex interplay between personal beliefs, public image, and business strategy. As the chain grows, it may just offer a fresh “angle” on veganism—one that even Ingraham’s critics and supporters can appreciate.