In the heart of Los Angeles, where dreams are made and broken in equal measure, one restaurant has emerged not just as a dining destination, but as a movement—a revolution in the making. Mr. Charlie’s isn’t just another vegan spot; it’s a manifestation of compassion, healing, and the power of second chances. This is a brand reshaping the narrative surrounding plant-based food, people, and the planet, one burger at a time.
The Journey of Taylor McKinnon and Aaron Haxton
At the helm of this vision are co-founders Taylor McKinnon and Aaron Haxton, a duo whose shared dream has taken on life-changing dimensions. McKinnon, a man whose personal story from homelessness and addiction to entrepreneurial success is as raw and transformative as the food he serves, joins Haxton—a world-renowned photographer and business partner—who brought his unique perspective and creativity to the project. Their collaboration is about more than just business; it’s a partnership rooted in the desire to create a space where compassion, growth, and opportunity are at the forefront.
McKinnon’s journey isn’t just about him overcoming adversity—it’s about the people he and Haxton have uplifted along the way, the lives they’ve changed, and the culture of redemption they’ve built within their business.
Eleven years ago, McKinnon was homeless, struggling with addiction, and staring at rock bottom. “I didn’t know where I was going or who I was anymore,” he reflects, his voice carrying the weight of those years. But through the Dream Center, a rehabilitation program, McKinnon found his way out. “It wasn’t just about saving myself—it was about helping others,” he says. That moment sparked his drive to create a space for others to rebuild their lives.
The Birth of Mr. Charlie’s
Thus, Mr. Charlie's was born—not just a plant-based fast food joint, but a sanctuary for healing. "This wasn’t just about making food," McKinnon explains. “It was about creating a space where people could heal, grow, and feel like they had a second chance.”
The vision took shape when McKinnon partnered with Haxton, who shared his passion for social impact. Together, they envisioned not just a restaurant, but a community. “We wanted to create a family,” McKinnon says, “where kindness and second chances were as important as the food.”
The Heart of Redemption
That ethos is felt in every corner of Mr. Charlie’s. The restaurant isn’t just offering plant-based burgers—it’s offering redemption. “Everyone who works here has gone through some kind of rehabilitation,” McKinnon adds proudly. For him, it’s not just about offering jobs—it’s about creating opportunities for people to reclaim their lives.
Andrew’s journey at Mr. Charlie’s exemplifies the transformative power of redemption and compassion. Starting as a line cook fresh out of jail, he was driven by a profound desire to rebuild his life, reunite with his children, and support his family. Three years later, Andrew stands as the LA store manager, leading and inspiring others with his story of change.
“Andrew’s story shows we’re more than our past mistakes,” Taylor said. “At Mr.Charlie’s, we channel that energy into meaningful change. This all thrives because of the unwavering support from our customers, team, and brand sponsors. Together, we’ve transformed an idea into a movement.
Mike Tyson: A Champion of Redemption
Mr. Charlie's is entering a powerful new chapter with the involvement of legendary boxer Mike Tyson. Tyson is not just an endorsement—he is a partner and investor in the business, bringing his own story of redemption and transformation into the mix.
For McKinnon, Tyson’s partnership represents everything the brand stands for: second chances and the possibility of radical change. “Mike Tyson is the perfect embodiment of what we stand for—second chances,” McKinnon says. “He understands what it means to fall, to struggle, and to rise again. His journey has been an inspiration for us all.”
Tyson’s commitment to personal growth and healing aligns perfectly with Mr. Charlie’s mission. His partnership brings not just celebrity power but real-world credibility to the brand. “Mike has become an integral part of our story. His support has been amazing, and it means a lot to have him alongside us in this movement,” McKinnon shares.
Tyson’s involvement is more than financial—it’s personal. The former heavyweight champion, who has been open about his struggles with addiction, incarceration, and self-discovery, finds a deep connection with the ethos of Mr. Charlie’s. Tyson’s backing is a testament to the brand's authenticity and its commitment to transforming lives. Together, McKinnon, Haxton, and Tyson are building something much bigger than just a fast-food chain. They're creating a sanctuary where healing and opportunity meet.
As Mr. Charlie’s grows, Adam Wilks, Co-Founder and CEO of Carma HoldCo, plays a crucial role in the brand’s expansion. Known for his work with Tyson2.0 and Ric Flair Drip, Wilks is reshaping the wellness-driven brand landscape, and now, he’s helping elevate Mr. Charlie’s to new heights.
“I’m excited to be part of something that’s more than just a business—it’s an opportunity to change the way people think about food, health, and the planet,” says Wilks. His extensive background in the QSR space, including past ventures with Pinkberry and Yogen Fruz, makes him uniquely suited to help Mr. Charlie’s expand beyond its Los Angeles base.
Wilks is a big fan of the food itself. “Mike Tyson is a huge fan of the product,” Wilks says. “He’s cautious about what he eats, and he loves the fact that it’s healthy without compromising on taste. I took my kids there, and they didn’t even believe it was vegan—they loved it!”
Ric Flair’s involvement in Mr. Charlie’s adds another level of star power to the brand. “Ric brings a larger-than-life persona that resonates with our audience,” Wilks explains. “His legacy in the sports and entertainment world is massive, and having him on board with the brand is a perfect fit for reaching new customers who connect with his iconic status.”
"We're offering plant based, zero trans fat, low-cholesterol options for people who want something better
for their bodies," he says.
The Environmental Impact: A Mission to Heal the Planet
Mr. Charlie’s story isn’t just one of personal transformation; it’s also about sustainability. Every plant-based meal served reduces environmental harm. Since opening, Mr. Charlie’s has saved millions of gallons of water, hundreds of thousands of square feet of forest, and prevented the suffering of tens of thousands of animals. For McKinnon, this is just the beginning. "It’s about disrupting the system," he insists. “Plant-based food is a solution to global challenges, and we’re proving it can be affordable, delicious, and effective.”
Celebrity Endorsements and Growing Recognition
The movement hasn’t gone unnoticed. In addition to Tyson, Mr. Charlie’s has attracted the attention of other public figures who resonate with the brand’s message of redemption and healing. As the restaurant grows in popularity, McKinnon and his team continue to focus on their core mission: creating a safe, inclusive space for healing, both for their employees and the planet.
The Expansion of a Plant-Based Empire
As Mr. Charlie’s expands, it’s more than just about opening new locations. It’s about changing the culture surrounding food, compassion, and community. "We're not just making burgers," McKinnon asserts. "We're making a statement."
This statement is embodied in new menu items like the Mr. Fluffy, a McFlurry-style dessert made from Cassava that has redefined vegan indulgence. “It’s the best vegan product I’ve ever had,” McKinnon says with pride. This innovation speaks to a deeper goal: to show the world that plant-based options can be just as indulgent as traditional fast food, if not more so.
The Movement: Building a Community Beyond Food
Mr. Charlie's is growing fast, with plans to expand both nationally and internationally. The goal is clear—to become the largest plant-based fast food chain in the world. But for McKinnon and Haxton, it’s not just about scale; it’s about impact. “The real win isn’t in sales—it’s in the lives we’re changing and the community we’re building.”
As McKinnon continues to build Mr. Charlie’s, he never forgets his own journey of healing. It was during his battle with addiction that Matthew Barnett, founder of the Dream Center, gave him $1,000 and told him, “God’s saying you’re going to come back one day and do something.” This pivotal moment set McKinnon on a path of self-discovery, leading him to plant medicine, which played a role in his transformation. It’s this experience that fuels the mission of Mr. Charlie’s—healing through food and connection. "11 years later, I did come back—and now we’re working with people who have gone through the same program I did,” McKinnon adds, emphasizing the role of second chances in both his own life and the culture they’re building at Mr. Charlie’s.
The True Measure of Success
With every new location, Mr. Charlie’s not only serves plant-based burgers but builds a brand that stands for compassion and opportunity. McKinnon and Haxton’s goal is simple but profound: “When we all heal and come together, we can create something great.”
In the end, Mr. Charlie’s is more than a restaurant—it’s a living, breathing testament to the power of second chances, the potential for human growth, and a movement that proves the impossible can be achieved. Through their plant-based menu and heart-centered mission, they are rewriting the script for what fast food can be. And with Tyson by their side, this plant-based empire is just getting started.
Franchise InquiriesFor those interested in joining the movement, Mr. Charlie’s has been granted their FDD (Franchise Packet) to sell in select states, with many more to come. For franchise inquiries, please reach out to Franchise@mrcharlies.co.
For more informations visit www.mrcharlies.co.
