Vegan McDonald’s Expands With 18 New Stores

Written by The VEGPRENEUR Team

Mr. Charlie’s Told Me So, the mission-driven plant-based fast food brand that’s captured hearts in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and even as far as Sydney, is heading to the desert.

The fast-food industry is getting a plant-based shake-up, and Mr. Charlie’s Told Me So is at the center of it. Known for its playful branding and purpose-driven approach, the viral vegan fast food chain is making its biggest move yet: a multimillion-dollar development deal to open 18 locations across Arizona, starting in Scottsdale in 2025.

For fans of the brand’s irreverent humor and iconic menu—featuring hits like the “Not a Cheeseburger” and the “Frowny Meal”—this expansion means easier access to what might be the most joyful fast food on the planet. But for Mr. Charlie’s, it’s about something much deeper than just selling burgers.

"We always believed we’d get here—we just knew it would take a village. This isn’t a surprise, it’s a milestone," said Taylor McKinnon, cofounder of Mr. Charlie’s TMS. "Expanding into Arizona is personal for me, and taking this life-changing leap alongside Patrick makes it all the more meaningful. It’s not just about new stores, it’s about the people we meet, the lives we touch, and the kind of future we get to help build together. I’m just really grateful to be here for it."

That someone is Patrick Lam, a seasoned executive and Arizona native who’s signed on as the Exclusive Area Developer for the state. Backed by his team at Access Capital Group, Lam is bringing Mr. Charlie’s to the Southwest with big vision and purpose. "We're not just opening 18 stores; we're planting the seeds of something bigger,” he said. “These restaurants will be hubs of community, second chances, and delicious food. As an Arizonan, I'm proud to help redefine what fast food looks like in the state—and to do it with a brand that stands for something real."

The Arizona launch is the latest chapter in Mr. Charlie’s rise from quirky concept to cultural force. With successful storefronts in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and even Sydney, Australia, the brand has proven there’s a real appetite for a fast food experience that’s equal parts fun, ethical, and craveable. Every location serves plant-based meals with a side of purpose—employing individuals from underserved communities and championing sustainability and kindness at every turn.

And with expansion on the menu, the company is also growing its leadership. Mr. Charlie’s has appointed Adam Wilksas its new President, a move that signals the brand’s ambitions to scale smartly and sustainably. A licensing and franchise veteran, Wilks has helped globalize brands like Pinkberry®, Cold Stone Creamery®, and, more recently, led Carma HoldCo, where he worked alongside icons like Mike Tyson and Future to take brands into 19 countries.

"Joining Mr. Charlie's at this transformative moment is incredibly exciting," said Adam Wilks, newly appointed President of Mr. Charlie's TMS. "The brand has already proven that purpose and profitability can go hand-in-hand in the QSR space. With our Arizona expansion and ambitious growth plans, we're poised to revolutionize the fast-food landscape by combining delicious plant-based options with meaningful social impact. I look forward to leveraging my experience to accelerate our national footprint while staying true to the mission that makes Mr. Charlie's so special."

According to CEO David Shneer, the Arizona deal is just the beginning. "Mr. Charlie's represents a seismic shift in the QSR sector, and Arizona is but the first of many significant development agreements that we’ll be announcing soon,” he said. “Our development philosophy is simple: the right concept, in the right locations, with the right operator. We know that with Patrick Lam in Arizona, we achieved our goal of having an outstanding operations partner."

Behind the scenes, Mr. Charlie’s is powered by a close-knit leadership team that includes McKinnon, cofounder Aaron Haxton, and Chairman David Subotic. Together, they’re building something that goes far beyond food. "David, an investor, partner, and mentor, has helped us evolve into a scalable brand," continued McKinnon. "He brought his team, network, and a powerful mindset: ‘Life should always feel great.’ That’s shaped how we lead, grow, and serve."