About Us

  In recent years, the trend toward veganism and flexitarianism has been on the rise. One survey found that between the years of 2004 and 2019, the number of vegans in the United States rose by 300 percent and accounted for three percent of the overall population. Similarly, those who consider themselves meat eaters dropped by 14 percent over the two years between 2019 and 2021, and over 70 percent of Americans have tried at least one of the many plant-based meat alternatives available today.  

Since 2018, Virginia Beach’s Honest Pastures has offered 100 percent plant-based meats. Owner B. Dacia Thorson models her new deli that opened in November of 2021 after popular sandwich shops, such as Subway, and offers sandwiches, burgers, salads, soups, desserts, side dishes and weekly specials. 

After going vegan over 15 years ago, Thorson began making plant-based meats at home. Today, she ships Honest Pastures bulk and wholesale products to cafes and restaurants nationwide. 

 “Our philosophy is to offer products that are good for the environment, the humans and animals,” said Thorson. “Our deli products replicate animal meat, but have zero cholesterol, are low in fat and sodium and are entirely made of plants. We are a minimal waste company with a hyper focus on our current and future generations.”  

 Honest Pastures participates in many expos and “vegfests,” and samplers of its products are often skeptical that they aren’t tasting meat. “They ask if the cows are grass-fed and free-range because the meats are so tender, flavorful and juicy,” laughed Thorson. She owns the word “beaf,” a mix between the words beef and leaf, to signify her plant-based meats. Thorson playfully answers, “Our plant-based ‘beaf’ is grass-fed,” and then proudly explains that her products are entirely made of plants, herbs and seasonings. She added, “I enjoy seeing people try my food and then have a look of shock on their face when they taste just how good plant-based food can be. It is so rewarding.”  

Thorson securely believes that her customers don’t have to eat a plant-based diet or be a vegan to try her products. “You just have to want to try some really amazing food that is good for you, the earth and the animals, even if it is just one day a week,” she said. 

   Thorson is a native to Hampton Roads and has three boys, 33, 31 and 28 years old. She works with Food Not Bombs to feed the homeless and is fittingly passionate about working with animal rescue. Indeed, her home is full of furry companions. “I refer to them as our ‘fur kids,’ and I have four rescue dogs, Houston Grace, Winston James, Penny Rose and Just Leonard, and three rescue ‘ninja cats,’ named Steve Wilson, Meow Meow and Kat-ar-a.”  

Thorson’s biggest inspiration is the opportunity Honest Pastures provides to change the lives of both people and animals through readily available compassionate food choices. 

“Every purchase from our deli pays forward to help animals and humans locally and nationwide,” she said. “The dollars spent with us fund compassion, and we need a lot more of it in this world.” .