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Soleil Café Shines on YSU Campus
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Andrea Verde's new restaurant bears the name of the sun. In a year, she's aiming for it to be powered by it, too.
Soleil Café opened for business Aug. 17 but celebrated Tuesday with a media event. Located in the rear of the Lincoln Avenue building occupied by Jimmy John's, near the Youngstown State University campus, the restaurant specializes in crepes and offers other bakery items as well.
"'Soleil' is sun and we are planning on, hopefully, by our one-year anniversary partially being solar powered," Verde, of Boardman, said.
Verde is familiar with the YSU market. She already owns and operates Coyoacan Mexican Grill, a nearby "create your own" restaurant where patrons use fresh ingredients to create their own dishes. She also has a bachelor's degree in nutrition from YSU.
Her new venture was inspired by visits to crepe restaurants when she is on vacation. There aren't any near here, she noted. "I really love crepes so I decided that I would bring that to Youngstown for the students and faculty," she said.
Crepes are quick, something students can grab and eat on the way to class, she explained, She also is positioning her product as an alternative to fast food fare and, with menu offerings $3 to $6 they are at a "great price" for students.
Soleil Café is open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday. Depending on demand, she may extend hours earlier or later. Down the road, she also said she is considering restaurants in area malls.
Copyright 2012 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.