Evolution Diet licensed for new St. Paul storefront

Overview

Updated Sep 23

Evolution Diet, the St. Paul plant-based pet food maker selling by phone and online since 1989, has a retail food handler license on record for a new storefront at 531 Phalen Blvd. The license appeared on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's public list on September 23, 2026.

The company advertises 15% off dry food and 10% off canned food for in-person pickup at the new location. The license is one approval, not confirmation the store is open.

Why it matters

A 35-year-old vegan pet food brand is testing whether a physical storefront can grow its niche Twin Cities following.

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Key Indicators

35+

Years in business

Company founded in 1989, selling across the US and Canada since 1993.

15%

In-store dry food discount

Offered at the new Phalen Blvd location for in-person pickup.

Voices

Curated perspectives — historical figures and your fellow readers.

People Involved

Dr. Eric V.

Founder, Evolution Diet and Evolution Health Sciences

Operating two Minnesota-authorized healthcare practices and the Evolution Diet pet food line

Organizations Involved

Evolution Diet Inc

Pet food company

Expanding to physical retail at 531 Phalen Blvd, St. Paul

Plant-based, organic, non-GMO pet food maker claiming university-verified longevity benefits for cats and dogs.

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

State agency

Issued food handler retail license to Evolution Diet

State agency that licenses and regulates food handlers, including retail pet food operations.

Timeline

January 1989 September 2026

3 events Latest: September 23rd, 2026 · 2 months ago

September 2026
Food handler retail license on record for 531 Phalen Blvd
Latest Licensing

Minnesota Department of Agriculture lists Evolution Diet Inc with a FOOD HANDLER RETAIL license for the new St. Paul storefront address.
September 23rd, 2026
January 1993
Company begins selling across US and Canada
Expansion

Evolution Diet products become available nationwide and in Canada via phone and online orders.
January 1st, 1993
January 1989
Evolution Diet founded in St. Paul
Founding

Dr. Eric V. starts the plant-based pet food company in St. Paul, Minnesota.
January 1st, 1989

Scenarios

Evolution Diet opens Phalen Blvd storefront

Likely Resolves by Mar 23, 2027

Discussed by: Company marketing materials and local business observers

The company has the license and is advertising in-store discounts, suggesting the storefront will open. If it opens, it becomes Evolution Diet's first dedicated retail location in St. Paul, giving local customers a pickup point and the company a physical presence.

Storefront opening stalls after license

Possible Resolves by Mar 23, 2027

Discussed by: Cautious observers noting the license is only one approval

The company obtained the license but delays or abandons the physical storefront. This could happen if the company decides the retail location isn't viable, faces other regulatory hurdles, or shifts focus back to online and phone sales.

Store opens and becomes regional hub

Unlikely Resolves by Sep 23, 2027

Discussed by: Company's expansion history and marketing claims

The store opens and becomes a primary pickup and sales location, supporting the company's broader distribution across the Twin Cities. The company may expand hours, add staff, or open additional locations if the store proves successful.

Historical Context

2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

May 2013

Warby Parker's DTC-to-retail pivot (2013)

Warby Parker, the online eyewear brand founded in 2010, opened its first physical showroom in New York. The company had built its brand selling glasses online at $95 a pair, bypassing traditional retail.

Then

The showroom proved popular, and Warby Parker expanded to dozens of locations nationwide.

Now

The pivot showed that direct-to-consumer brands could benefit from physical retail, and Warby Parker became a public company in 2021.

Why this matters now

Evolution Diet is following a similar pattern, moving from phone and online sales to a physical storefront to reach local customers and build brand trust.

2010-2020

Rise of plant-based pet food (2010s)

Brands like V-Dog (founded 2009) and Wild Earth (founded 2018) grew the vegan pet food market, attracting pet owners seeking plant-based options for ethical or health reasons.

Then

The niche expanded from a handful of specialty brands to a recognized segment of the pet food industry.

Now

Plant-based pet food became a legitimate category, with major retailers stocking vegan options and more research into its health effects.

Why this matters now

Evolution Diet is an early player in this niche, having sold plant-based pet food since 1989. Its storefront expansion reflects the category's broader growth.