The Planet Vegan Burgers team poses for a 2020 Business Journal file photo.

Fresno’s own Planet Vegan Burgers received some love from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) recently, recognized as one of 58 “Must-Try Black-Owned Vegan Spots” in the U.S.

Launched as a food truck in 2019 by partners Robert January, Joe Ellis and Mike McElroy, Planet Vegan Burgers opened its permanent home at the GB3-anchored Park Place shopping center at Palm and Nees avenues in 2024. The team overcame the explosion of their truck in 2022, though Ellis suffered burn injuries.

“This journey has been built on faith, resilience, community, and purpose,” Planet Vegan Burgers wrote in an Instagram post. “Thank you to everyone who has supported, believed in, and grown with us. This acknowledgment belongs to all of us.”

PETA recognized the eateries as part of Black History Month celebrations. There were a dozen restaurants listed in California, with Planet Vegan the only one representing the Central Valley.

“From coast to coast, these Black-owned vegan restaurants honor cultural food traditions while making sure no animals were harmed,” according to a PETA Instagram post announcing the businesses.

Planet Vegan is located at 7845 N. Palm Ave., Ste. 108, and is open 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays, noon to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays.