A small startup restaurant in Vermillion is changing the perceptions of the fast food industry.
Bowl Thyme, located in front of the South Shore Plaza in Vermillion, is putting its own spin on the fast-food industry with its hearty, healthy bowls built for on the go.
Joe Jesko, co-owner and operator of Bowl Thyme, opened the establishment on Christmas Eve, with his longtime friend Jeremy Crawford, co-owner and food creator.
“We have been friends since sixth grade,” said Jesko, noting that they always had planned to someday operate a business together.
While initially looking into starting a lawn care service in high school, Crawford said he helped change the narrative with his 15 years of cooking experience.
Before Bowl Thyme came to be, Jesko and Crawford first started with a food truck in Vermilion and quickly moved into the Pavilion Grill and Tavern, which is in an 1,100-square foot building serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it has a full service bar.
“We wanted to put a healthy spin on fast food,” Jesko said.
The bowls in question consist of four main bases of rice, potato, pasta and salad with build-your-own options from there.
The fluidity of the menu even gives customers the chance for gluten-free and vegan options, something that Jesko said is not often found in the fast-food industry.
“I grew up here in Vermilion and always wanted to give back to the community,” Crawford said.
Starting the business from scratch in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic did not come without its troubles.
Crawford and Jesko said they ran into some supply chain issues in February which forced them to temporarily raise prices and limit hours.
“I know people were angry, and I feel for them,” Jesko said. “We want to put our customers first, but also keep competitive wages for employees, and so it can be difficult when the price of chicken quadruples in a year.”
But Crawford and Jesko didn’t let that stop them.
After a brief closure, the restaurant is back up and running at full capacity with an expanded menu which now includes an option for youngsters and “bites” or snacks for the less hungry.
“I know that even though our difficulties, we made it out with a 4.7-star rating on Google and our customers return,” Jesko said. “That’s all that matters.”
Bowl Thyme
4855 Liberty Ave., Vermilion
440-960-0093
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
