The nationally known advocacy group PETA is trying to convince the Valley to go vegan.

The group pulled its 'Hell on Wheels' truck into Trumbull County to spread awareness of how chickens are treated before making it to stores.

One of the businesses the group protested in front of is Buena Vista. Members of the community gathered in front of the restaurant to show their support for the restaurant and its owner.

“One by one you can see all the people that support them, they love Nicki,” said Eddie Russ of Warren.

'Hell on Wheels' is a truck highlighting the cruel conditions chickens face before making it to your dinner plate.

The truck has images of chickens crammed into crates and plays recordings of chickens during their stop. 

PETA lead tour administrator Marine Chambless said the message is important.

“We know that no matter how the chickens are raised, whether its on small family farms or factory farms, they all end up at the slaughterhouse,” said Chambless. “We know that most people are against animal cruelty, and nobody needs to eat meat, dairy, or eggs to be healthy. So, we’re giving out our free vegan starter kit so people can learn how easy it is to transition.”

The truck has been on the road for over two years as part of a campaign. Saturday afternoon, it arrived in Warren. 

PETA encouraged a vegan lifestyle by handing out vegan free starter kits and spreading awareness throughout the community.

Chambless confronted customers and Nick Frankos, owner of Buena Vista.

“If you can choose to eat something more compassionate to not cause cruelty, what's the justification for killing and eating chickens?” said Chambless.

While Frankos respects the group's beliefs, he feels selling chicken is an important part of his business.

“They have their beliefs just like we all have our beliefs and that's all fine. I don't want cruelty to animals, dogs, but like I said, like I told the young lady, this is my livelihood. I have to feed my family,” said Frankos.

Regulars at the restaurant showed their support for Frankos and his business.

“It's not like a chain that sells millions of pounds. So, I was a little upset, and I wanted to come down to support him,” said Russ.

“It's disingenuous, they have no standing. You can tell, this is the only person here from peta, and these are all the people that are out here to show their support for Buena Vista,” said Paul Yannucci, Warren.

When asked why PETA chose to protest in front of the Buena Vista, Chambless said it’s nothing personal.

“We choose restaurants, like local establishments, where we know the local patrons frequent, so that as many people as possible can come face to face with this truth,” said Chambless.

PETA drove the truck to 16 other businesses in the valley. That list is below:

  • Eastwood Mall
  • Domino's
  • Bob Evans
  • Primanti Bros.
  • Dave and Busters 
  • Wendy’s
  • Charly's
  • Applebee's
  • Buffalo Wild Wings 
  • Red Lobster 
  • Dairy Queen
  • Wing Stop 
  • Red Wing 
  • Burger King 
  • Arby’s 
  • Cafe 422