Say it ain’t so! Sacramento is losing a culinary icon. Burger Patch, our go-to for delicious plant-based burgers, is closing its doors for good after Labor Day weekend. From pop-ups to a beloved community hub, their journey was incredible. What’s your favorite Burger Patch memory or menu item you’ll miss most?
The Sacramento dining scene is set to lose a beloved establishment as Burger Patch, the renowned plant-based restaurant, prepares to close its final location after Labor Day, marking the end of an era for vegan culinary innovation in the region.
Owners Phil and Tina Horne shared a heartfelt message on their website, explaining that despite nearly a decade of serving almost a million meals, the numbers ultimately “couldn’t work to continue on.” This difficult decision underscores the inherent challenges faced by many local businesses, even those with a dedicated following.
The announcement has been met with a wave of bittersweet emotions from the community, with long-time patrons expressing significant loss. Customers, particularly those who rely on plant-based options, view Burger Patch’s closure as a major void in Sacramento’s vibrant vegan restaurant landscape.
The restaurant’s foundation was deeply personal, stemming from Phillip Horn’s kidney donation to his wife, Deana. This life-altering event solidified their commitment to a plant-based lifestyle, inspiring them to open Burger Patch and serve food that honored their mission for healthy eating and compassion.
From its humble beginnings as a Humboldt pop-up in 2017, Burger Patch quickly expanded, launching a kiosk inside the Golden 1 Center—a first for an NBA arena—before establishing its main brick-and-mortar location in Midtown Sacramento in 2019. The brand even saw growth during the pandemic, adding locations in Davis, East Sacramento, and Land Park, though these later closed.
Beyond its menu of plant-based burgers, sides, and shakes, Burger Patch fostered a strong sense of community. The Hornes’ farewell message emphasizes their role as a “first-mover in Sacramento’s plant-based dining scene” and expresses hope that others will “carry the legacy forward,” continuing to “feed kindness—one meal at a time.”
Customers have a final opportunity to savor their favorite meals, with Burger Patch remaining open through Labor Day weekend, concluding its operations on Monday, September 1st, at 9 p.m. The company is even offering “Eat Like It’s 2019” pricing for a nostalgic last bite.