Beyond partners with Hard Rock Cafe for new plant-based options

Hard Rock Cafe just got a major plant-based upgrade.

Beyond Meat has officially partnered with Hard Rock Cafe to bring its newest version of the Beyond Burger to diners across North America. The partnership gives guests the option to swap out any beef burger on the menu for Beyond’s latest plant-based patty. It’s a move that puts plant-based eating right alongside Hard Rock’s iconic burgers, instead of on a separate vegan section.

According to Beyond Meat’s announcement, the new Beyond Burger (the fourth generation of the company’s flagship product) is a four-ounce patty that delivers 20 grams of protein with no cholesterol or GMOs. It’s made with avocado oil, which helps create a better sear and juicier texture while lowering saturated fat.

Eric Martino, Hard Rock’s President of Cafes & Retail, said the partnership gives guests more flexibility while keeping the brand’s burger legacy alive. 

“We’re happy to make our menu even more versatile for plant-based and health-conscious consumers by giving them the choice to swap any of our patties with the delicious, protein-packed Beyond Burger,” he says.

Beyond Meat’s mainstream journey

Founded in 2009 by Ethan Brown, Beyond Meat started with a simple mission: to make meat directly from plants. The company wanted to create products that taste and cook like animal meat. However, it offers a lighter environmental footprint and no harm to animals.

Beyond first made headlines in 2016 when it launched the original Beyond Burger in grocery stores. Notably, they were placed in the meat aisle instead of the vegetarian freezer section. It was one of the first plant-based burgers to directly compete with beef.

Since then, the brand has continuously evolved its recipes. The second-generation Beyond Burger debuted in 2019, followed by improved versions in 2021 and now 2025. The newest Beyond Burger marks another milestone for the company. It recently announced cleaner ingredients and better taste through reformulation with avocado oil.

Beyond in national chain restaurants

This isn’t Beyond Meat’s first time partnering with a major restaurant chain. The company’s strategy has long been to bring plant-based meat to mainstream dining through national partnerships. You can find Beyond products at chains like Uno Pizzeria, Alamo Drafthouse, TGI Fridays, Next Level Burger and more. 

The collaboration with Hard Rock Cafe, though, stands out. Hard Rock built its global reputation on classic American fare, especially burgers. Offering the Beyond Burger as a one-to-one swap for beef signals how far plant-based dining has come.

The growth of the plant-based burger

The Beyond–Hard Rock partnership lands at a time when plant-based burgers are becoming one of the most accessible entry points for people curious about reducing their meat intake. Burgers are familiar, crave-worthy, and easy to swap without feeling like you’re missing out. Which is exactly why restaurants are expanding these options.

Research shows the plant-based market was worth $9.57 billion in 2024 and is on track to reach $21.81 billion by 2030. Burgers make up the largest share of that growth. Analysts expecting the plant-based burger market alone to exceed $30 billion by 2035. While retail sales have seen some fluctuations, foodservice continues to grow.

How to make Hard Rock’s Beyond burger vegan

You can now order any of their signature burgers with the Beyond Burger patty instead of beef. To make it vegan, ask for no cheese or mayo. Also, check with your server to confirm the bun is dairy-free.

You can also make other dishes on the menu vegan, including salads, bowls, and more. Just ask your server for details.

Ready to order?

You can learn more about the partnership on Beyond Meat’s website. Check your local Hard Rock Cafe menu to see if the Beyond Burger is available.