Champs Vegan Diner Set To Close
By Ian MacAllen on Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 at 4:57 pm

Champs Diner, a vegan restaurant known for recreating famous meat-filled junk foods with vegan alternatives, is set to close at the end of the week.
The announcement was made on Instagram that the location would close. The post says fans should come celebrate on Sunday, January 29.
The Champs location is themed like a 1950s diner with vinyl booths and checked-tile floor. The kitchen served dishes like cheesesteak made with plant-based meat alternatives like seitan.
The menu included breakfast dishes like eggs Benedict, chicken and waffles, and burritos, all made from plant-based ingredients, as well as diner favorites like Rueben sandwiches, gyros, chicken parm, and burgers.
The diner’s original location was a few blocks north at 176 Anslie Street. Neighbors at that location had complained the business was a nuisance from noise and crowds.
In October of 2013, Champs Junior opened in Greenpoint. That tiny shop located at 620 Manhattan Avenue has since become vegan pizzeria, Screamer’s Pizza. Screamer’s also has a location in Crown Heights.
In 2014, the restaurant moved to 197 Meserole Street. Neighbors at the new location also complained of noise and from delivery trucks left idling and blocking traffic on the street. The roof of pandemic dining shed was frequently struck by passing trucks.
The restaurant on Anslie Street was replaced with Haymakers Corner Store, a vegan grocery, in 2015. The store sold staples and ingredients, as well as snacks and organic produce. That shop has closed as well.
In 2018, the same team launched Heartbreakers in Bushwick featuring all-plant based ingredients.
No reason was given as to why the East Williamsburg diner closed, but the area has grown increasingly popular as a night spot destination in since the hot vax summer.
Area vegans can still find doughnuts at Dun-Well around the corner on Montrose Ave.
Champs Diner
197 Meserole Street
Website
Instagram