# Saucy Vegan BBQ Sandwiches Ike’s Love & Sandwiches Has a New 'Mitch the Rock Richmond' Sandwich By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2024-08-08 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mitch-the-rock-richmond References: [qsrmagazine](https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/ikes-love-sandwiches-partners-with-former-nba-star-mitch-richmond-to-create-new-vegan-bbq-sandwich/) & [ocfoodies](https://ocfoodies.com/restaurant-news/f/ike%E2%80%99s-love-sandwiches-introduces-the-mitch-the-rock-richmond)  [Ike’s Love & Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bad-santa) has teamed up with former [NBA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/signature-rice-bowls) star Mitch Richmond to create the new “Mitch The Rock Richmond" vegan BBQ sandwich. Though short on meat, the new “Mitch The Rock Richmond" vegan BBQ sandwich is certainly not short on flavors. The savory new sandwich consists of savory vegan meatballs, earthy mushrooms, rich marinara sauce, tangy BBQ sauce, and creamy avocado, all served on Ike’s iconic Dutch Crunch bread. As Ike Shehadeh, founder of Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, explains, "Mitch and I just met recently, but I had his jersey as a kid, and I’ve been a fan since high school... Together, we’ve created a sandwich that’s not just good, it’s MVP-worthy." The new "Mitch The Rock Richmond" vegan BBQ sandwich is available now from participating Ike’s Love & Sandwiches locations. Image Credit: Ike’s Love & Sandwiches ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 18% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 26% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Celebrity-endorsed Vegan Products:** Partnering with well-known celebrities like Mitch Richmond brings mainstream attention to vegan food options, increasing their appeal to a broader audience. - **Gourmet Vegan Sandwiches:** Offering elaborate vegan sandwiches with rich flavors can attract food enthusiasts who are looking for high-quality plant-based dining experiences. - **Hybrid Cuisine Creations:** Combining traditional BBQ flavors with vegan ingredients creates innovative dishes that cater to diverse dietary preferences. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Plant-based Food Industry:** Developing sophisticated plant-based meat alternatives that mimic the flavors and textures of traditional BBQ meats taps into growing consumer demand for vegan options. - **Fast Casual Dining:** Introducing unique vegan menu items in the fast casual restaurant sector can differentiate brands and attract health-conscious customers. - **Celebrity Branding:** Utilizing celebrity endorsements for product launches within the food industry can boost marketing efforts and drive product visibility. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Extra Cheesy Steak Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/j-mac.md) - [Holiday-Inspired Sandwich Lineups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bad-santa.md) - [Spicy Plant-Based Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-bbq-vegan-chicken-sandwich.md) - [Munchies-Curing Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thc-sandwich.md) - [Pro Wrestler-Crafted Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/litacanrana-sandwich.md) - [Plant-Based BBQ Rib Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-ribby-sandwich.md) - [Plant-Based Rib Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-veggrib.md) - [Chunky Vegan-Friendly Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-cannonballs-sandwich.md) - [Seasonal Spring Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/patrick-sandwich.md)