Project Pollo Net Worth in 2025: Project Pollo, the trailblazing vegan fast-food chain, captured hearts and taste buds with its plant-based “chicken” sandwiches and ambitious growth plans. Founded by Lucas Bradbury, this San Antonio-based company aimed to redefine fast food with sustainable, affordable, and delicious options. But what’s the story behind Project Pollo’s net worth in 2025, and where does the company stand today? Let’s dive into the journey of this vegan empire, its rise, challenges, and what’s next.
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The Rise of Project Pollo: From Food Truck to Fame
Project Pollo started in 2020 as a humble food truck parked outside a San Antonio brewery 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 just about veganism—it was about sustainability and affordability. By 2022, the chain had grown to 12 brick-and-mortar locations across Texas, with plans to hit 100 by 2025.
- Rapid Expansion: Within two years, Project Pollo opened 12 stores, capitalizing on low-cost leases during the pandemic.
- Shark Tank Spotlight: In 2022, Bradbury pitched on Shark Tank Season 13, asking for $2.5 million for 5% equity, valuing the company at $50 million.
- Consumer Appeal: With a 4.5-star Yelp rating from 165 reviews, customers loved the vegan chicken sandwiches, wraps, and milkshakes.
Despite not securing a deal on Shark Tank due to concerns over the high valuation and rapid growth, the exposure fueled Project Pollo’s popularity. By late 2022, the chain had expanded to 21 locations, including Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada, with annual revenue estimated at $10 million.
The $50 Million Valuation: Hype or Reality?
When Lucas Bradbury stepped onto the Shark Tank stage, he boldly valued Project Pollo at $50 million. This figure raised eyebrows among investors like Kevin O’Leary, who called it one of the highest valuations in the show’s history. While the Sharks loved the food—O’Leary even dubbed it the “best fake chicken” he’d ever tasted—they hesitated, citing the risks of scaling too quickly. So, was the $50 million valuation justified?
- Revenue Growth: Project Pollo reported $10 million in lifetime sales by 2022, with projections of $6–7 million annually.
- Market Positioning: The chain tapped into the growing plant-based food market, projected to reach $74.2 billion globally by 2027.
- Brand Recognition: Features in QSR Magazine, San Antonio Express-News, and Nation Restaurant News boosted its credibility.
However, some sources suggest the $50 million figure was more aspirational than grounded, reflecting Bradbury’s confidence rather than hard financials. By 2023, challenges emerged that would test this valuation.
The Acquisition Setback: A Shift in Direction
In April 2023, Project Pollo faced a major turning point when it was acquired by Savvy Sliders, a Detroit-based burger chain. The acquisition led to the closure of nearly all Project Pollo locations, with only one store in Austin’s Rosewood neighborhood remaining. Savvy Sliders took over the infrastructure and real estate but shifted away from the vegan focus, prompting backlash from loyal customers.
- Closures: Locations in San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and beyond closed by April 2023, with the Huebner Road store shutting first.
- Customer Reaction: Fans expressed disappointment on social media, mourning the loss of vegan options and criticizing the shift to non-vegan offerings.
- New Ventures: Bradbury launched Side Chicks, a concept blending vegan and real chicken, which also closed after the acquisition.
The acquisition marked the end of Project Pollo’s aggressive expansion dreams. As of 2025, the company’s net worth is a far cry from the $50 million once claimed, with some sources estimating it at $0 due to the closures.
Current Status: What’s Left of Project Pollo?
As of 2025, Project Pollo’s footprint is minimal, with only the Austin location at 1401 Rosewood Avenue still operating. This store continues to serve vegan dishes, though its name may change. Bradbury has shifted gears, focusing on new ventures like Evo, a fast-casual restaurant launched in February 2025, which offers a mix of plant-based and non-vegan items. The estimated net worth of Project Pollo in 2025 varies widely across sources:
- Pessimistic View: Some reports, like Shark Tank Blog, claim a net worth of $0 due to the closures.
- Optimistic Estimates: Others, like networthandbio.com, still peg it at $50 million, possibly reflecting brand value or past appraisals.
- Realistic Outlook: The true value likely lies closer to $0, given the lack of active locations and revenue streams.
Bradbury’s focus on sustainability and community persists, with the remaining store emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients and eco-friendly practices.
The Future of Project Pollo: A New Chapter?
Despite the setbacks, Lucas Bradbury’s entrepreneurial spirit remains strong. His new venture, Evo, and his roles at Houston Street Hospitality and Sprouted Venture show he’s not done with the food industry. The plant-based market continues to grow, and Project Pollo’s story offers lessons for future entrepreneurs:
- Sustainability Focus: The brand’s commitment to compostable packaging and repurposed spaces set a standard for eco-conscious dining.
- Lessons Learned: Bradbury admitted to mistakes in rapid expansion, poor site selection, and team development, which could guide future ventures.
- Market Potential: With veganism on the rise, a reimagined Project Pollo could still find a niche if revived strategically.
While Project Pollo’s net worth in 2025 may not match its $50 million peak, its impact on the vegan fast-food scene is undeniable. Bradbury’s journey—from a food truck to a national stage—shows the power of bold ideas, even if they don’t always stick the landing. As he continues to innovate, the legacy of Project Pollo lives on in the push for sustainable, accessible dining.
Sources: Looper, Dallas News, Mashed, Shark Tank Blog, networthandbio.com