Darren Preston, the visionary behind the popular East Bay vegan burger joint Malibu’s Burgers, began his plant-based journey more than a decade ago while living and working in Marin. Last weekend, things came full circle when he opened a second location of his Oakland establishment in San Rafael, serving up vegan versions of beloved fast-food classics.

While many beef burger alternatives focus on wholesome flavors and creative flair, Preston’s aim is to capture the indulgent nostalgia of a traditional cheeseburger: a juicy patty crisped at the edges, melted cheese, tangy sauces soaking into a soft bun and the bright crunch of lettuce and pickles. His mission is to craft a vegan burger so tempting that even die-hard meat lovers can’t resist.

Starting with an Impossible brand plant-based burger patty, Preston seasons it with flavors from his childhood.

“My mom is Puerto Rican, and my father is Black American, so there was always a lot of flavor combinations,” said Preston, acknowledging his mother, Lourdes “Lulu” Marquez-Nau, as a major influence.

(Marquez-Nau is renowned for her vegan takes on authentic Puerto Rican dishes at Casa Borinqueña at Saluhall, a food hall in San Francisco.)

Signature offerings include the Malibu Burger, Preston’s take on an In-N-Out favorite, featuring Follow Your Heart American dairy-free cheese, lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions and “mamma’s spread” on a brioche bun.

The Tasha Grande, named after Preston’s wife, is inspired by his all-time favorite Big Mac and comes with shredded lettuce, diced onions, pickles and “Tasha sauce” on a sesame seed bun.

For those who crave something extra, the Hella Hella Fries loaded with Follow Your Heart American cheese, caramelized onions and mamma’s spread are a nod to In-N-Out’s secret menu item Animal-Style Fries. Bottom Fries take it up a notch with an added protein and two sauces.

At this early stage, the menu is still being polished. Currently, sodas are the sole drink option while the team awaits approval for a beer and wine license. Milkshake flavors, such as Cap’n Crunch, the only vegan cereal due to its lack of vitamin D, ube, banana and cookies and cream will be launching soon.

Occupying the space that housed Caribbean Spices for five years, the San Rafael location features the burger joint’s signature black-and-white color scheme, with plans to add greenery and artwork over time.

“Once we passed inspection, we moved quickly,” Preston said. “We’d been stagnant for a year, so we’re building it out as we go.”

Preston’s decision to adopt a vegan diet was sparked by his commitment to animal welfare. While living in Mill Valley and working for Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael in 2012, conversations with a hunting-enthusiast colleague motivated the shift.

The concept for Malibu’s Burgers took shape in 2019 after Preston and his close friend and now-business partner Austin Brown visited Monty’s Good Burger, a small plant-based chain in Los Angeles. After a 30-minute wait for their meals, Preston was inspired and determined to create something better.

In January 2020, he began serving burgers from a food truck by Oakland’s Lake Merritt. Thanks to rave reviews and long lines, he launched a GoFundMe that raised enough funds in less than three weeks to open a permanent location on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland later that year.

Following the end of his lease in late 2023, he briefly ran a takeout-only spot in Uptown Oakland before unveiling the new storefront on 23rd Street last month and the San Rafael location.

“Our goal is to make vegan alternatives accessible to everyone,” Preston wrote on the GoFundMe page. “Veganism represents kindness, love and health — it should not be reserved for only those who can afford it.”

Malibu’s Burgers is open from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays at 819 Fourth St. in San Rafael. Preston plans to extend to seven days a week soon. For more information or to place an order, visit malibusburgers.com.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Preston said. “As someone who loves and has lived in Marin, I’m excited to share what Oakland has to offer.”

Marinitas returns

San Anselmo’s Marinitas resumed service on Jan. 2 under new ownership following a brief pause in operations.

Local businessman Serafin Miranda stepped in after learning of the impending Dec. 31 closure. In a last-minute deal, he reached an agreement with the landlord to take over the restaurant, retaining the staff and keeping the original menu while reintroducing lunch service, which had been paused during the pandemic.

Miranda, who moved to San Rafael from Peru at age 16, also owns West Brooklyn Pizza Co. in San Rafael and China Express in Novato.

Marinitas is now open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 218 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in San Anselmo. Find more information at marinitas.com.

Leanne Battelle is a freelance food writer and restaurant columnist. Email her at ij.lbattelle@gmail.com with comments and find more local food news at therealdealmarin.com.