Project Pollo Net Worth 2025: The rise of plant-based dining has reshaped the fast-food industry, and Project Pollo, a San Antonio-based vegan fast-food chain, made waves with its bold mission to offer sustainable, affordable, and delicious plant-based alternatives. Founded by Lucas Bradbury in 2020, Project Pollo captured attention for its rapid expansion and innovative approach to vegan “chicken” sandwiches, burgers, and shakes. By 2025, the company’s trajectory has been a rollercoaster of ambition, growth, and challenges. Let’s dive into Project Pollo’s net worth in 2025, its journey from a food truck to a multi-location chain, and what the future might hold for this plant-based pioneer.
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The Rise of Project Pollo: From Food Truck to Fast-Food Empire
Project Pollo began as a humble food truck parked outside a brewery in San Antonio during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lucas Bradbury, a former Pizza Hut delivery driver turned vegetarian entrepreneur, saw an opportunity to make plant-based food accessible to everyone. His vision wasn’t about preaching veganism but offering tasty, sustainable alternatives that could rival traditional fast food. The concept took off, and within two years, Project Pollo expanded to 12 brick-and-mortar locations across Texas, with plans to hit 100 locations by 2025.
Key milestones in Project Pollo’s early growth:
- Started in 2020: Launched as a food truck serving vegan chicken sandwiches made from soy-based proteins.
- Rapid Expansion: Grew to 12 locations in Texas by 2022, capitalizing on low-cost leases during the pandemic.
- Media Buzz: Featured in QSR Magazine, San Antonio Express-News, and Dallas News for its innovative approach.
- Community Focus: Introduced a “pay what you can” menu option to make plant-based food accessible to all.
This meteoric rise caught the eye of Shark Tank producers, leading to a pivotal moment in the company’s journey.
The Shark Tank Spotlight: A Bold Pitch and No Deal
In May 2022, Lucas Bradbury appeared on Shark Tank Season 13, Episode 24, pitching Project Pollo to investors like Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, and guest shark Kevin Hart. Bradbury asked for $2.5 million in exchange for 5% equity, valuing the company at an ambitious $50 million. He defended the valuation by highlighting $10 million in lifetime sales and plans to open 18 new locations in the following year. The sharks loved the food—Kevin O’Leary called it the best meatless chicken he’d ever tasted—but they balked at the valuation and the rapid pace of expansion.
Why the sharks passed:
- High Valuation: The $50 million valuation was one of the highest in Shark Tank history, deemed too steep by investors.
- Aggressive Growth: Concerns about scaling too quickly, with fears of operational and financial strain.
- Brand Confusion: Barbara Corcoran worried the name “Project Pollo” misled customers into expecting real chicken.
Despite leaving without a deal, the Shark Tank appearance gave Project Pollo a publicity boost, helping it expand to 21 locations by late 2022, including new markets in Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada.
Net Worth in 2025: What’s the Current Picture?
As of 2025, Project Pollo’s net worth is a topic of debate due to conflicting reports and the company’s dramatic shift in operations. Before its acquisition in April 2023, estimates pegged Project Pollo’s value at around $50 million, driven by its rapid growth and $10 million in annual revenue. However, the acquisition by Detroit-based Savvy Sliders, which focused on acquiring Project Pollo’s infrastructure and real estate rather than its vegan concept, changed the landscape. Most locations closed, leaving only one store open in Austin’s Rosewood neighborhood.
Current net worth insights:
- Pre-Acquisition Value: Estimated at $50 million in 2023, based on revenue and expansion plans.
- Post-Acquisition Reality: By late 2024, reports suggested the company’s net worth dropped to $0 as most locations shuttered.
- 2025 Projections: Some sources speculate a potential rebound to $100 million if franchising or an IPO materializes, though this seems optimistic given the closures.
- Remaining Presence: The single Austin location and potential virtual kitchen operations keep the brand alive, but its valuation is uncertain.
The acquisition marked a bittersweet end to Project Pollo’s vegan mission, with Bradbury himself noting it was a “win” for the team but a setback for the brand’s original vision.
Challenges and Controversies: What Went Wrong?
Project Pollo’s rapid expansion brought challenges that ultimately led to its downsizing. Scaling from a food truck to 21 locations in two years strained operations, with issues like poor site selection, inadequate systems, and high inflation costs. Bradbury admitted to the San Antonio Express-News that the company “fell short in 1,000 different areas” and struggled to understand its customer base.
Additionally, the launch of Side Chicks, a concept serving real chicken alongside vegan options, alienated parts of the vegan community. Social media posts on platforms like Reddit expressed disappointment, with some accusing Bradbury of “selling out.” Employees also reported poor treatment, further tarnishing the brand’s reputation.
Key challenges:
- Overexpansion: Opening locations too quickly without proper infrastructure.
- Brand Dilution: The Side Chicks concept confused and upset loyal vegan customers.
- Operational Struggles: High costs and mismanagement led to financial strain.
- Community Backlash: Negative employee experiences and customer reactions hurt the brand’s image.
These missteps culminated in the acquisition, which prioritized real estate over the vegan mission.
The Future of Project Pollo: A New Chapter?
Despite the setbacks, Lucas Bradbury remains active in the restaurant industry. In February 2025, he launched Evo, a fast-casual restaurant focusing on fresh ingredients, including some plant-based options like vegan pepperoni pizza. Project Pollo’s single remaining location in Austin continues to serve vegan food, though its name may change. Bradbury has also hinted at exploring virtual kitchens and partnerships, suggesting the brand could pivot to delivery-focused models.
What’s next for Project Pollo:
- Franchising Plans: Pre-acquisition plans to franchise in cities like New York and Philadelphia may resurface if the brand rebounds.
- Sustainability Focus: Any revival would likely emphasize eco-friendly practices, aligning with growing consumer demand.
- Market Trends: The plant-based food market is projected to reach $74.2 billion by 2027, offering opportunities for a reimagined Project Pollo.
- Bradbury’s Vision: His new ventures, like Evo, indicate a shift toward broader fast-casual concepts while retaining some plant-based roots.
While Project Pollo’s net worth in 2025 is uncertain—ranging from $0 to speculative highs of $100 million—its story reflects the challenges and potential of the plant-based fast-food industry. Bradbury’s ambition and the brand’s early success show that vegan dining can compete with traditional fast food, but sustainable growth requires careful planning. As the vegan movement grows, Project Pollo’s legacy may inspire future entrepreneurs, even if its own journey has hit a roadblock. For now, the lone Austin location and Bradbury’s new ventures keep the dream alive, proving that innovation in food is always worth a bite.