In the heart of Compton, California, there’s a small corner restaurant making a big difference. At Sunny Express Gourmet Fast Food, we’ve proven that fast food can be flavorful, affordable, and 100% plant-based.
What began as an experiment during Veganuary—the global movement that challenges people to go vegan for a month—has transformed into a permanent commitment. From our very first plant-based menu trial to becoming a fully vegan destination, our journey has been guided by passion, community, and purpose.
This is the story of how Sunny Express went from Veganuary to fully vegan, and why our mission is about more than food—it’s about creating a healthier, kinder, and more sustainable future.
What Veganuary Sparked
A Personal Challenge That Changed Everything
In 2020, one of our founders took on the Veganuary challenge, cutting back on meat for the first month of the year. The experience opened their eyes to the difficulties of eating vegan outside the home: limited options, high costs, and a lack of family-friendly plant-based dining.
Turning Insight Into Action
That month planted the seed for a bigger mission: to make vegan meals accessible and affordable for everyone. We asked ourselves, Why should plant-based dining feel exclusive? The answer was clear—it shouldn’t. And so, Sunny Express began reimagining our menu.
Our Roots in Compton
Before our vegan journey began, Sunny Express opened its doors in October 2019, offering a unique Mexican and Chinese fast food with a Santa Monica twist.
With over 25 years of combined hospitality experience, our team of four founders wanted to bring quality, flavor, and freshness to the Compton community. The location at S Acacia Avenue and W Compton Boulevard became more than a restaurant—it became a gathering place.
Redefining Fast Food the Vegan Way
Gourmet Without the Wait
We believe vegan dining shouldn’t mean sacrificing convenience. Our mission has always been to serve gourmet-style food at fast food speed, bringing bold, comforting flavors to every table.
Flavor Without Compromise
From crispy tacos to juicy burgers, our recipes are designed to satisfy even the most skeptical meat-eaters. By using fresh ingredients, innovative plant-based proteins, and house-made sauces, we ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
Accessible to All
Affordability is a core part of our mission. Eating plant-based food shouldn’t be a luxury, so we’ve kept our menu approachable for families, students, and anyone curious about vegan food.
The Turning Point – From Transition to Transformation
The pandemic in 2020 forced many restaurants to scale back or close. For us, it became a time of reflection and reinvention.
- 2021: The majority of our meat-based dishes had been successfully reimagined into plant-based versions.
- 2022: Sunny Express completed the transition and became a fully vegan fast food restaurant.
This bold step wasn’t just about food—it was about staying true to our values of sustainability, health, and community.
Behind the Kitchen – Our Vegan Transformation Journey
Ingredient Sourcing
We built relationships with ethical, local suppliers to ensure our menu remained fresh, sustainable, and community-driven.
Staff Training
Our chefs and team members learned new plant-based cooking techniques, from mastering vegan proteins to balancing flavors with spices and herbs.
Continuous Testing
Every recipe went through rounds of testing and refinement. The goal was simple: create vegan meals that could stand proudly alongside traditional fast food in taste, texture, and satisfaction.
Challenges We Overcame
- Stereotypes About Vegan Food: Many believed vegan dishes were bland or unsatisfying. We took that as a challenge to prove otherwise.
- Supply Chain Adjustments: Finding consistent plant-based ingredients during pandemic disruptions required creativity and persistence.
- Educating Customers: For guests new to veganism, we created a welcoming space to ask questions and explore flavors without judgment.
Community, Sustainability, and Impact
Community Roots
Compton is at the heart of our story. Locals embraced Sunny Express not just as a place to eat, but as a movement toward healthier living.
Environmental Change
By removing animal products from our menu, we significantly reduced our carbon footprint, conserving resources and aligning with global sustainability goals.
Inspiring Others
We’re proud that our journey has encouraged more people in our community to try plant-based meals—proving that change starts with one bite at a time.
What’s Next for Sunny Express Gourmet Fast Food
- Menu Innovation: Expect bold, creative new dishes that blend international flavors with vegan twists.
- Expansion: Our goal is to bring Sunny Express to more neighborhoods across California.
- Community Engagement: We’ll continue hosting local events, supporting initiatives, and educating people about the benefits of vegan eating.
The future of fast food is here, and it’s plant-based.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A founder’s Veganuary experience in 2020 revealed how limited and costly vegan dining could be for families. That inspired our mission to make vegan food affordable, flavorful, and accessible.
Yes. Since 2022, every item at Sunny Express Gourmet Fast Food is fully vegan—from tacos and burgers to sides and sauces.
Our meals are crafted to rival traditional flavors. Many first-time guests are surprised at how satisfying plant-based versions can be.
Absolutely. We keep our prices competitive so families, students, and individuals can enjoy plant-based meals without financial strain.
Yes. Choosing plant-based meals lowers carbon emissions, conserves water, and reduces reliance on animal agriculture—making each meal better for the planet.
From Veganuary to Fully Vegan
From a Veganuary challenge in 2020 to a complete transformation by 2022, the journey of Sunny Express Gourmet Fast Food shows how purpose and passion can reshape fast food.
Today, we are proud to be Compton’s destination for 100% plant-based comfort food, serving meals that are bold in flavor, kind to animals, and good for the planet.
Whether you’re vegan, curious, or just hungry, we invite you to experience the story firsthand—one delicious bite at a time.
Ready to Taste the Future of Sunny Express?
If you’re looking for flavorful, satisfying, and 100% plant-based meals, Sunny Express Gourmet Fast Food is here for you. We proudly transitioned from Veganuary to fully vegan, offering gourmet fast food that’s quick, affordable, and delicious.
Our passionate team ensures every meal is crafted with care, flavor, and sustainability in mind. Visit our website to explore our full vegan menu and discover why our community trusts us to redefine fast food.
We’re more than just a restaurant—we’re part of a growing movement for better food and a better planet. Whether you’re new to vegan dining or a long-time supporter, Sunny Express has something special for you. Stop by in Compton, California, and taste the future of fast food today.