Crushed Red is giving diners another health-conscious option: vegan, gluten-free pizza crust made in an unexpected, sustainable way.
“The veggie crust incorporates our innovative, sustainable approach to healthy fast-casual dining,” says Mike Marino, Crushed Red’s director of supply chain. The crust is made from scratch and composed of repurposed vegetables from the fast-casual pizza chain’s salad prep.
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The parts of veggies that are usually discarded—broccoli stems, cucumber peels, tomato top, and more—are processed along with black beans, corn flower, and agave. The end result: “a veggie crust like no other,” says Crushed Red co-founder Powell Kalish. Using the entire vegetable furthers the company’s commitment to producing little to no waste while maintaining sustainable operations, as outlined by the Green Dining Alliance.
The crust is already on the menu at the Creve Coeur location, and it will be available at all restaurants beginning tomorrow, February 11. The chain is also debuting the “BrocStar” Urban Crafted pizza to highlight the new veggie crust. The rectangular pie (pictured above) includes Crushed Red hummus ranch sauce, broccoli, cheddar cheese, and goat cheese.
The crust and BrocStar pizza will also be on the menu on February 23 for Crushed Red’s seven-year anniversary, when guests can enjoy $1 pies.
