Lila Gongora
Staff Writer
Gorganson’s, a vegan restaurant in downtown Pomona, set out a few years ago to reimagine comfort food with plant-based versions of burgers, hot wings, tacos and more.
The restaurant opened during the summer of 2023 and since then its owner Mark Nava has encouraged customers to make small changes in their lives to support something bigger than themselves.
“Our daily choices impact the world at large,” Nava said. “I always tell people that while you are at Gorganson’s you are vegan now. I don’t believe that there is a perfect vegan out there, but it’s not about being perfect; just about giving it a shot.”
He serves a variety of plant-based burgers, cauliflower wings, fish tacos, salads, sandwiches and soups as well as an assortment of cookies and other desserts.
The prices are reasonable, with a variety of under $10 meals.
“We definitely care about quality and taste,” said Ayleth Carr, one of Gorganson’s employees. “It gives our customers something to look forward to.”
The fish tacos, which I got to try on a recent visit, consisted of two corn tortillas filled with soy protein fish pieces topped with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo and tartar sauce. The breading on the fish was crisp, the vegetables were fresh and the sauces added a mild kick to the meal.
The elote-inspired corn-on-the-cob was a perfect dairy-free treat for corn and cheese lovers; the difference between vegan and dairy cheese was almost unnoticeable.
The s’mores cookies will fulfill a sweet tooth with marshmallows on top of a chocolate chip cookie and a graham cracker baked onto the bottom.
“All the food is amazing, even the dessert options,” Harper Tarros, a La Verne resident who lunched there recently, said. “The cookies are always chewy and a great plant-based option for a sweet treat.”
Nava explained that these dishes are special to him, as he aims to recreate dishes that remind customers of their childhood. His son inspires him, and even served as inspiration for the restaurant’s name.
“A way to motivate myself into veganism was to greet him by saying, ‘My Gorgeous Vegan Son,’ which turned into ‘Gorganson’ that we still call him today,” Nava said.
Nava raises his 8-year-old son in Pomona, the same city he grew up in and finds it an honor to serve his community.
A long-time customer of Gorganson’s, Ashley Romero, described the dishes at Goganson’s as extremely flavorful, especially the Philly Cheesesteak. She has also attended a comedy night at the restaurant.
“It is more than just a restaurant as they build community and try to create a safe space,” Romero said.
The restaurant hosts comedy, magic, and live music nights. They have also partnered up with churches and non-profits like Gente Organizada, Lopez Farm, Pomona Pride and Western University.
These collaborations allow Gorganson’s to provide aid at events such as feeding the unhoused and giving free supplies while providing safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.
The restaurant itself has sleek white walls and wooden tiles with pieces painted by local artists that hang from the walls. Two corkboards also hang from one wall, displaying flyers for events at the restaurant or in the city of Pomona.
Nava attributes his business success in part to his upbringing and Mexican culture.
“‘No te rindas’ means don’t give up,” Nava said. “‘No te rindas’ doesn’t just mean don’t give up, but it stands as a way of meaning ‘you got this, keep going, and we’re here for you’.”
The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday and Sunday; and from 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. It’s located at 224 E. Second Street in Pomona.
Follow the restaurant on Instagram @gorgansons.
Bring this edition of the Campus Times to Gorganson’s for half off the Cali Burger.
Lila Gongora can be reached at lila.gongora@laverne.edu.
Lila Gongora is a sophomore communications major with a concentration in public relations. She is the LV Life editor for the Campus Times and previously served as a staff writer.
Jasmine Lyn is a sophomore photography major and photography editor for the Campus Times. She is also a staff photographer for La Verne Magazine and a former staff photographer for the Campus Times. Her work can also be found at Jazzylyn.com
