Mr. Charlie’s, a plant-based quick-service restaurant (QSR) renowned for its innovative vegan offerings, is set to celebrate its third anniversary at its flagship location on La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles on Friday, February 14 with a first-ever fast food launch.
To commemorate this milestone, the restaurant is introducing “Mr. Fluff-Head,” a plant-based vanilla ice cream crafted from potatoes and topped with Mike Tyson’s signature “Mike’s Bites” chocolate ear in honor of the boxing legend and the chain’s latest investor. This launch positions Mr. Charlie’s as the first fast-food chain to offer ice cream made from potatoes.
‘The perfect way to celebrate’
The anniversary event will feature a meet-and-greet with Tyson himself, exclusive Tyson x Mr. Charlie’s merchandise, and complimentary ice cream with any purchase during the launch window from 12:00 to 2:00 pm. Mike Tyson, co-founder and chief brand officer of Tyson 2.0 and founder of Carma HoldCo., expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration.
Design by Richard Bowie | Photos by Carma HoldCo. and Mr. Charlie’s.
“Mr. Charlie’s is all about flipping the script—whether it’s on fast food, second chances or what people expect from plant-based eating,” he said in a statement. “I’ve been passionate about plant-based living for years, and bringing ‘Mike’s Bites’ to this launch is the perfect way to celebrate a brand that’s all about doing things differently.” Tyson has been following a plant-forward diet for more than a decade.
Taylor McKinnon, co-founder of Mr. Charlie’s, emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation: “When we started Mr. Charlie’s, we set out to shake things up, and this launch is no different. Mr. Fluff-Head is the kind of innovative product we stand for: big on flavor, better for you, and made with real ingredients.”
This anniversary celebration follows Carma HoldCo.’s strategic investment in Mr. Charlie’s, aiming to expand the brand’s presence in the plant-based food sector while maintaining its disruptive and culture-driven approach. The company is now offering franchise opportunities in select US states, inviting potential franchisees to join the plant-based revolution.
Mr. Charlie’s
Adam Wilks, CEO of Carma HoldCo., highlighted the broader vision behind the launch: “Mr. Charlie’s isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a movement. This launch embodies everything we believe in: creativity, community, and the power of plant-based food to change the way people eat.”
Ears have been a recurring theme for Tyson. On June 28, 1997, one of the most infamous moments in sports history unfolded at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas when Tyson bit off a piece of Evander Holyfield’s ear during their heavyweight boxing rematch. Last summer, Tyson launched ear-shaped cannabis gummies.
Potato ice cream
Potato milk is an emerging plant-based dairy alternative that utilizes the versatility and sustainability of potatoes. The production process involves boiling potatoes and blending them with water, rapeseed oil, and other ingredients to achieve a creamy consistency. This method results in a thick, smooth beverage that can be consumed on its own or used in various culinary applications.
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Swedish brand DUG has pioneered potato milk, offering potato-based milk in Original, Barista, and Unsweetened varieties. DUG’s products are available in retailers across the UK, including Waitrose & Partners, Holland & Barrett, and Whole Foods Market, as well as in Switzerland’s largest grocery chain, Migros. Recently, DUG expanded its market presence by securing a listing at 150 Carrefour hypermarkets across Spain.
A future for vegan fast-food
As other celebrity-backed, plant-forward restaurant chains have closed, including Kevin Hart’s Hart House and Woody Harrelson-backed Sage Regenerative Kitchen (which recently added meat to its menu), Mr. Charlie’s is poised for growth. Often dubbed the ”vegan McDonald’s,” the Tyson-backed chain has been at the forefront of attracting vegans and flexitarians, offering plant-based versions of fast-food classics. With locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sydney, Australia, the brand has gained popularity for its unique menu items and commitment to providing employment opportunities for individuals seeking second chances.
Mr. Charlie’s
The introduction of Mr. Fluff-Head further cements Mr. Charlie’s reputation for culinary innovation. Priced at $7.77, this dairy-free dessert is made from potatoes and is free from artificial GMOs, stabilizers, or preservatives. Topped with strawberry drizzle and “Mike’s Bites” chocolate ear, it offers a nod to Mike Tyson’s legacy while aligning with the restaurant’s mission to offer indulgent yet sustainable food options.
Tyson, through his holding company Carma HoldCo., made a strategic investment in Mr. Charlie’s last October. Not only does the chain offer healthier alternatives to fast food, but it offers second chances to individuals overcoming hardships through employment opportunities. Tyson’s investment aims to accelerate Mr. Charlie’s expansion plans, offering franchise opportunities to those interested in joining the growing plant-based movement.
Mr. Charlie’s
“Mr. Charlie’s is a natural choice for Carma HoldCo, as we diversify into the food industry,” Tyson said at the time. “I very much believe in the healthy benefits of a vegan diet and was a strict vegan for many years.” He added, “I’m proud to align myself with partners bringing healthy alternatives that taste good to the fast-food space. Mr. Charlie’s mission to help and hire those from the homeless community is something that I am truly passionate about, and I look forward to helping many people and communities with the expansion of Mr. Charlie’s across the globe.”
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