Rebel Cheese, an acclaimed vegan cheese maker based in Austin, Texas, has announced the closure of its bistro located at 2200 Aldrich St., Suite 120. The announcement came via a newsletter on December 16, 2023, revealing that the bistro will officially close its doors on December 24.
While this marks the end of the bistro, Rebel Cheese reassured customers that it is not the end of the brand. The company has established a robust distribution network that extends beyond its physical location. The newsletter hinted at an incoming business that will take over the space, emphasizing that the new tenant will also be entirely plant-based and “shares the same heart that we do.” However, specific details regarding the new business have yet to be disclosed, and current records from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation do not reflect any new permits associated with the address.
In its final days, the bistro is offering a 20 percent discount on grocery items and wine until 15:00 on the closing date. Gift cards will remain valid for use in Rebel Cheese’s online store, with customers encouraged to activate them by contacting the company directly.
Rebel Cheese has experienced significant growth since its inception in 2019. The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic just months after opening forced the company to pivot towards online sales and wholesale distribution. Today, it operates from a 9,000-square-foot factory and supplies its products to hundreds of locations across the United States and Canada.
A major boost to the brand’s visibility came from its appearance on the television show Shark Tank in 2023, where investors Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner acquired a 10 percent stake in the company for $750,000. This exposure has significantly contributed to its growing customer base.
While the bistro will close, customers can still enjoy Rebel Cheese products at its remaining location in Manhattan, New York. The company remains optimistic about the future, focusing on e-commerce and wholesale operations, as well as the continuation of its New York shop.
“We’ve been so fortunate to have seen such growth and the loyalty of team members and customers alike,” the newsletter stated, expressing gratitude for the support received. The Rebel Cheese team is excited for what lies ahead as they enter 2024 with renewed focus and ambition.
