Some say it's all in a name. That's certainly the case for a new venture between an herbal tea start-up and a popular entertainment venue on Lansing's East Side.
Beginning in late May,
HerBlends of Plenty will begin running the kitchen at the
Avenue Café at 2021 E. Michigan Ave. Branded Abundance at the Avenue Café, the new culinary operation will offer farm-to-table dining through a community-supported kitchen. Co-founders Kirk Green and Patti Akley also plan to expand The Avenue's hours to accommodate a teahouse with a breakfast and lunch menu.
"We love this location and are invested in the East Side through our urban farms," says Green who cultivates herbs in the Urbandale neighborhood. "There's lots of potential to support farm-to-table fare, and there's a need for a tea house in Greater Lansing, too."
Green says The Avenue will continue to offer craft beers and host shows in the evening. The only difference will be the availability of food prepared by HerBlends of Plenty Executive Chef Jason Jones from locally-source ingredients.
Green and Akley are working to partner with local producers fresh produce, eggs and humanely-raised meats. The two plan to meet with farmers in advance of their growing and production seasons to establish baselines for supplying goods.
"It's part of the community supported kitchen model that we haven't seen a lot in this area," says Green. "Our goal is to keep costs low and provide meals at a more affordable rate."
The community kitchen allows customers to buy shares at the beginning of the summer and receive a set number of seasonal meals per week. Members can opt for dine-in or takeout. Non-members can purchase meals, too, but at a slightly higher rate. A mini-farmers market outside The Avenue is also being planned.
HerBlends of Plenty recently launched a crowd funding campaign through
Indiegogo that will run through April 29. The goal is to facilitate pre-orders and to raise fund to help the transition to The Avenue.
Abundance at The Avenue Café will occupy about 1,000 square feet of the 7,000-square foot facility, and will be run by six staff from HerBlends of Plenty.
"We may redesign things a little up front to make things more restaurant friendly," says Akley. "Our hope is to make for a more mixed clientele while retaining the space as amazing venue for musicians."
Sources: Kirk Green and Patti Akley, Co-founders, HerBlends of Plenty and Abundance at the Avenue Cafe
Writer: Ann Kammerer, News Editor
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