Main Squeeze Market, Columbia MO

When i moved to Columbia two years ago, Main Squeeze was the first stop on freshman move-in day. I was so happy to have a vegan shop within walking distance of my dorm! Leigh, the owner, has established such a warm environment that is one of the only places in Columbia serving vegetarian/vegan food in a restaurant atmosphere. Even though I was heartbroken to say goodbye to the made-to-order, restaurant version of Main Squeeze, the new shop has made up for it and Leigh’s welcoming and hilarious personality has kept the environment the same. I stopped in today for a vegan breakfast burrito from the hot bar and I was just ecstatic that i was able to get a hot vegan breakfast on the go. Thank you Leigh for keeping the vegans and vegetarians of Columbia fed and happy! No matter what changes are made to Main Squeeze i know that they are improving the community with their sustainable products, juices, smoothies and frozen meals. I can’t wait to see what you do next to make Como more sustainable.

Love this place. Quick, grab n go meals, mostly vegan, always delish. Best smoothies in town and I think the only made to order juices. The sustainability offerings are a cool addition (love my wool dryer balls!) and lots of great gift ideas for the eco conscious. Lovely owner who cares a lot for running a sustainable business.

I hate making this review, but I’m heartbroken. This was my absolute favorite place to eat in como for years. It was a beautifully unique, plant-based restaurant with a warm and inviting atmosphere. I loved the local art displayed, and the space itself was a work of art! The menu was expansive, and there was always something for everyone to enjoy. The staff were always smiling and engaging. It was the perfect place to treat yourself with a nutritious meal or have a bite with friends and loved ones. The energy was just great there. However, now I doubt I will ever come back. The menu is an embarrassingly small fraction of what they used to offer. All the uniqueness and community collaboration shown proudly in the space is gone and covered with a more “sterile” feeling remodel and paint job (no hate to the mural artist, it’s pretty and I know the work you put into it was a lot). All the colorful tables and chairs are stark white. The staff weren’t rude by any means, but definitely not the kind and bright faces I got used to seeing there. You definitely feel like a wallet with eyes. This place is no longer the friendly, relaxed restaurant I treasured as my favorite. It’s a watered down, sterilized wellness market with exorbitant prices, a hot case and some coolers. As if we didn’t have plenty of those around.

I did order food, as I had already paid for parking to do so. The burrito I got from the hot case was dry and not very flavorful. The salsa was pretty good. And I got a purple rain juice (my favorite juice EVER from them). The juice was just okay, but I wasn’t expecting a big ol’ seed to hit the back of my throat (I’m fine and I’m not upset about the seed. It happens when you buy fresh juice. Just aggravated my mood about everything further.)

I truly don’t know the motive behind this, but if it was supposed to be a business move for growth, it was done without much consideration. I’ll miss the old Main Squeeze

I love the owner and this was my go to for healthy choices when I lived in Columbia. The Cafe is more of a market now with tee shirts and lots of things to buy. I wish Leigh continued success

If you're looking for fresh VEGAN food, you have a better chance going to your local Walmart. The food here is stale. The atmosphere is superficial. I asked for a refund and was asked if I'd like some Elizabeth Warren cookies instead. Not only distasteful, but ALSO disrespectful because I voted for Pete Buttigieg. I'll take my queer money elsewhere.

Used to love this place with all my heart, but after the business remodel/reconfiguration, I have no desire to go back. They no longer have a real made-to-order menu. Just frozen food and juices. Very disappointed. They were a Columbia staple and always busy, not sure why taking the main part of their business model was necessary or a “good business” move in terms of monetary gains.

I love this place! I just wish they hadn’t gotten rid of half the old menu, I miss the Petrushka wrap: (

I used to go here all the time. It was so cute and they had so many vegan food options. They renovated the whole thing including their menu and now there is very limited food options and just not as cute as it was so I rarely ever go now.

SO fun to be back at a place that was so special to me in college. The owner is a gem, and cares deeply about her customers and her shop. Smoothies are 10/10. Such a great place! Can’t wait to be back soon!