The Planning Board recommended approval for a special exception allowing Breathing Vegan to operate a dine‑in, plant‑based restaurant at 7187 Taft Street.

Donna Webster, co‑owner and founder of Breathing Vegan, described the business’s roots as a food truck and the menu of plant‑based entrees and cold‑pressed juices. "We are 100% plant based," Webster said, recounting that a plant‑based regimen had been important in her personal health recovery and inspired the brick‑and‑mortar expansion.

Staff reported the former Subway location will provide indoor seating for 48 patrons, employ approximately four staff members, and operate Tuesday–Friday 11 a.m.–9 p.m. and Saturday 12 p.m.–10 p.m., with Sundays and Mondays closed. The petitioner said she aims to open in December and will continue to deploy a food truck for events during the food‑truck season.

Board members asked about restaurant experience and logistics; Webster said she previously worked in restaurants and has operated the food truck for two years. The board moved to approve case Z31E191125 with petitioner‑and‑site conditions; the motion passed on recorded affirmative votes. Staff said they would try to place the matter on the upcoming Town Council agenda quickly.

The board’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Town Council for final action.