Downtown gets another 'healthy' eatery

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - New restaurants in downtown Lafayette gives people wanting natural, locally grown food another option for dining out. Copper Dog and Peaceful Greens are restaurants that offer fresh, natural foods. They say they are the only ones like it in Lafayette.

Peaceful Greens opened at 219 Main Street in downtown Lafayette in January and owner Tina Janssen said it's the only restaurant in town with all fresh, clean, locally grown foods.

Copper Dog just opened Friday, July 23 at 660 Main Street in Lafayette and offers fresh, natural foods. These restaurants are four and a half blocks away from each other, which raises the question, can Lafayette sustain two natural food restaurants that close to each other? Both owners said, you bet.

"There are many businesses that offer the same thing," Copper Dog Owner Stephen Siwinski said. "Not the natural, fresh foods such as Peaceful Greens and ourselves but, competition is good. The area is large. We feel there is enough patronage for everyone."

Janssen said the reason both restaurants will prosper so close to each other is because they are the only two alike in the area. She said people that have the taste for clean, fresh foods don't have many options when it comes to eating out.

"We are the only ones. There isn't anything like that," Janssen said.

The restaurants aren't exactly the same. Peaceful Greens caters to vegans and vegetarians while Copper Dog does serve meat, but doesn't use fillers like water or salt. Copper Dog is also a dog friendly cafe, with treats for man's best friend.

Many people said organic and clean eating is gaining popularity in downtown Lafayette, which may be why the Copper Dog opened not too long ago.

"Obviously, there is sort of a big trend towards it," explained Duane Schew who eats organic foods. "We haven't been in Lafayette a long time, but I feel as long as the city can sort of catch on that. If the city supports it, it would be great. Know what you are eating is important to us rather than it being a mystery."

"It is a trend that is increasing rapidly. Also, the area is in need of something like this, to make people healthier and different eating habits," Siwinksi said.

Janssen believes more people are turning their taste buds to natural foods because of diseases, food allergies and to help area farmers.

"Really supporting the locals," she said. "Understanding we can get our food here, especially during seasons from our local farmers and local producers."