Book Plant Ivy
IVY’S STORY
Better food for a healthier world.
Ivy’s original dream was postponed, but it was never lost. Everything she experienced helped shape a new dream: a plant-based food truck that could support her independence, help others, and make a positive environmental impact.
Compassion from the beginning
Ivy grew up wanting to make the world better and dreamed of opening her own coffee shop. Her mother, Melinda, a wildlife rehabilitator, helped teach her compassion for animals, people, and the planet.
The day everything changed
At sixteen, while working at a Subway in San Luis Obispo, Ivy collapsed from cardiac arrest. She woke after a ten-day coma and began a long recovery that some doctors believed would prevent her from reaching her goals.
Eighteen years of determination
With support from family, friends, and the Central Coast community, Ivy finished high school, attended Cuesta College, and continued through eighteen years of physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
A healthier planet
Her father, Frank, built a fueling station for Ivy’s first car so it could run on used vegetable oil. That same environmental purpose would later become part of Plant Ivy’s foundation.
Helping others
Ivy volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and held onto the belief that work could support both her independence and her community.
FOLLOW IVY’S JOURNEY
Plant Ivy grew from recovery, compassion, and possibility.
Read the original ongoing story of Ivy’s recovery, milestones, and the community that supported her journey.
Read Ivy’s BlogABOUT PLANT IVY
Plant-forward comfort food with a purpose.
Plant Ivy brought the Impossible™ Burger to the Central Coast and grew from a pop-up into a food truck and catering business. We use locally grown and organic produce whenever practical, make our own sauces, and build familiar food around satisfying plant-based ingredients.
“This is the only place we eat on campus—because you have veggies, and you cook them so well!”
- 2018 · Brought the Impossible™ Burger to the Central Coast
- 2018 · Established the Plant Ivy pop-up and Templeton food booth
- 2019 · The Plant Ivy food truck was built
- 2019 · Awarded Best Veggie Slider at Cheeseburger in Paradise
- Today · Serving Cal Poly and catering events across the Central Coast
PRESS & COMMUNITY
Plant Ivy in the news.
Selected coverage from Plant Ivy’s journey on California’s Central Coast.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Plant Ivy FAQ
The essentials about our burgers, dietary choices, catering, and food-truck locations.
Are your burgers made from beef?
No. Plant Ivy burgers use Impossible™ patties made entirely from plants, including soy and potato proteins and heme.
Are the burgers vegan?
They can be made completely vegan. Choose vegan cheese and sauces when ordering, and tell us about your dietary needs.
What is an Impossible™ Burger?
It is a plant-based patty created for people who enjoy the flavor and satisfaction of a traditional burger without using beef.
Do you offer gluten-free food?
Confirmed gluten-free choices are marked on the menu. Please speak with us about allergies or cross-contact before ordering.
Does Plant Ivy cater private events?
Yes. Plant Ivy caters weddings, celebrations, campus events, workplace gatherings, and custom occasions throughout the Central Coast.
Where can I find the food truck?
Regular Cal Poly service is at Mott Gym for lunch Monday through Thursday and the Performing Arts Center for dinner Monday through Wednesday. Check the Calendar for closures and event dates.
PLANT IVY GALLERY
From Templeton to today.
Plant Ivy’s original house and food-truck photographs together with current Cal Poly service and Central Coast community events.
