Like many trained chefs, David Wodrich had often thought about opening his own restaurant. He and his wife, Lisa, own a spice company, Third Coast Spices, and wanted to create a restaurant that integrated their product.

"We started that company because so many times a restaurant would want spices of an extraordinary quality," Lisa Wodrich said. "These spices are such a great product that it gave us all kinds of menu ideas."

The cafe features many organic and local products and the restaurant's mission of offering fresh, healthy, affordable fare. The menu has favorites such as waffles and buttermilk pancakes, as well as more exotic choices such as a vegan breakfast burrito and gianduja stuffed French toast. For lunch, there is an assortment of sandwiches on artisan breads from a Chicago bakery and fresh salads with housemade dressings.

"The objective is to offer as many trans-fat-free, all-natural, no MSG (monosodium glutamate), locally produced, organic, minimally processed, fair trade products as possible, while appealing to the average consumer," Woodrich said.

The cafe also is family friendly, with step stools in the bathrooms for kids, coloring books and kid sized portions and healthy choices.

The owners also hope to keep their restaurant's carbon footprint to a minimum with a giant recycling trash bin, automatic light switches in the restrooms, hands-free faucets, low energy lightbulbs and environmentally friendly carry-out packages.

"Most people are becoming more aware and are starting to take small steps to make life better on planet Earth," Wodrich said. "We're doing as many things as possible as we can as individuals and wanted to bring that into the restaurant."

The restaurant does not yet serve dinner, partially because they do not have a liquor license. It's also a way to start on a smaller scale.

"Our concept is 'fast casual,' which means counter service, such as a corner bakery," Wodrich said. "If we would add dinner, that means longer hours, more staff, more expenses. This is a good first step."

They had spent a long time looking for a good location, and the former Schoop's met their needs.

"Because this place had already been a restaurant, it was simplified. There wasn't a lot of build-out," Wodrich said. "Both of us have been in the restaurant for more than 20 years each. The community has been very positive, business is brisk and we couldn't ask for a better opening month."

Third Coast Spice Cafe

Address: 761 Indian Boundary Road, Suite 6, Chesterton

Phone: (219) 926-5858

Owners: David and Lisa Wodrich

Number of employees: 15

When opened: July 19

Web site: www.thirdcoastspice.com

Type of business: ‘Green' restaurant serving breakfast and lunch