Viva Vegan is having to vacate its brick and mortar space at 4601 W. 12th St., Little Rock, where it has been operating for a year, according to a Facebook post: "We love our neighbors and are sad to say that we will be relocating to another spot in Little Rock. The person responsible for repairs on this building refuses to tend to issues that are health and safety hazards along with general negligence of the property. Our customers' health and safety are of the utmost importance to us. We are currently searching for a new space. ... During this time we will be doing pop-ups, events, and catering. We hope you'll continue to support us during this difficult time. We are working around the clock to get back to feeding y'all on a daily basis. P.S. Any leads for a new location or events we can pop up at would be greatly appreciated!" Contact them via the Facebook page, facebook.com/vivaveganfood.
And speaking of vegan restaurants, Phoebe Glass, who with Amir Salem has been operating Little Rock-based Shambala Vegan Mobile Kitchen, hopes to open this week Blue Sage Vegan Bistro in the former Mason's Deli space in the River Market's Ottenheimer Market Hall, 400 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock. But she's at the mercy of the delivery of an oven to replace one that was first lost in transit and, when it finally arrived last week, was "squished." Blue Sage will initially open for lunch, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and not long after will start serving breakfast, 7-10 a.m.; Shambala's Facebook page says they'll offer delivery services and will maintain the food truck for festivals and special occasions. For the moment, use the Shambala phone number: (501) 286-2684.
Meanwhile, a very-much-used cafeteria-style steam table and some equipment has been installed in the adjoining Market Hall space that previously housed Rivershore Eatery. We don't yet know what that portends, but we'll keep you posted.