Berry's new venture is focusing on giving high school students the support and resources they need to keep their entrepreneurial spirit here in Champaign County. Robin Henry of Junior Achievement has been working alongside Berry to establish the Entrepreneur Club of Champaign County. At the first meeting of new members, Henry said, "We are so excited to be a part of this project. It has been a need in our community for quite some time, and seeing that need being filled is extremely rewarding." The new club's first meeting included a field trip to the newly renovated offices of Berry Digital Solutions, where members enjoyed coffee from The Spotted Owl Coffee Bar while brainstorming ideas on whiteboards throughout the space. Club members completed activities supplied by the local Junior Achievement chapter with a focus on entrepreneurship. The group ended their trip enjoying pizza from the rooftop at Urbana Brewing Company where they heard the story of how the new downtown business became a reality after years of planning.
 Future meetings of the Entrepreneur Club of Champaign County hope to include more community support and stories from fellow entrepreneurs. Berry hopes the organization will grow and brainstorm future ideas to make money to support club initiatives and fund future business ideas.
"Ryan's energy around this project is what is going to keep the students engaged," said Patrick Johnson, Triad High School's Director of Academic Programs. "I didn't know what to expect at our first meeting, but I think everyone there agreed that it exceeded all of our expectations." The new club hopes to meet once per month going forward. There are even plans for summer meetings, as well as appearances at future local events.
The more places you try, the more chances you have to win and you may find this a very affordable way to enjoy Champaign County’s dining scene. Participating locations include: Abuela’s Kitchen, Hemisphere Coffee Roasters, Little Birds Cafe, Simple Coffee Co, Terre Haute Mall, Dragonfly Vineyard & Wine Cellar, Teabaggers, The Depot Coffee House, Urbana Brewing Company, Peppercorn’s Diner, MIXX 165, Mumford’s Potato Chips & Deli, Cafe Paradiso, Wing Bar, Mixins & Fixins, Studebaker’s Country Restaurant, and Let’s Eat Cake. For more information and a list of offerings go to https://www.visitchampaignohio.com/restaurant-week-2023. 
I'm also a huge fan of our Burger of The Month Program, I regularly eat the crazy, flavor-packed burgers the chefs put together. If you didn't own a restaurant what would you do?: The Food Industry runs in my blood, my parents have owned and operated grocery stores my entire life, so I grew up with food being part of our everyday conversations; it's difficult to imagine being in another field. I love being involved in the community and also enjoy live entertainment, so I'd have to say either public service or concert promotion. Do you have a secret menu?: I wouldn't necessarily say it is a secret item (we like to share our creations with the world), but our "Pickle Juice" chicken wings started out as a staff member's creation and our regulars fell in love with it. Though the name is deceiving, there is no pickles or pickle juice used in the sauce, it was named after the staff member who created them; our buddy Dylan Booth was referred to as Mr. Pickles by the team and regularly mixed our Strawberry Jalapeno BBQ sauce with Cajun Dry Rub to create a delicious, sweet and spicy sauce that thousands of people have tried over the years. The "Pickle Juice" wings were so popular as an off-menu item that we added them to the core menu so new diners would be made aware of them. How did you decide on your menu?: Our menu is a combination of dishes that we enjoy personally and the rest is built off the input of our team and customers. Our kitchen is a collaborative environment, so our chefs have free reign to explore different dishes and flavors, most of the specials and limited time features are items that the team developed. What's your why?: I've been a foodie for a long time, when I travel I look for independently owned establishments that offer quality food and some of the best meals have come from small gastropubs, so I wanted to bring that model to our community. I also enjoy the opportunities that are presented by being in a smaller community, getting to know customers and organizations on personal level is very rewarding. Every month we partner with a different organization to help raise funds for various causes, we are proud that our "Good Eats!" program has raised roughly $40,000 since it's inception; our customers have really bought into the mission and love to see their money going to work locally for school programs, non-profit causes and other community based needs. If you are interested in sponsoring a Restaurant of the Month, click here to learn more!
NEWS FLASH!!: Yes, they have Gift Boxes! Stop by their retail store to select from our ready-to-go gift boxes - or, you can order online. They can also help you create your own gift boxes in their store. Curbside pickup is available - simply call Freshwater Farms at 937-652-3701. To date, their best selling gift boxes are the Freshwater Farms “Dinners for One”, “Dinners for Two”, “Our Smoked Trout Assortment”, “Tools for the Grill Master”, and “The Complete Champaign Breakfast” as well as the“Best of Both Worlds Charcuterie Board”. We also have “Happiness is a Good Dog” that includes Smoked Trout Treats and Tennis Balls - great for that special canine friend who deserves the very best. They can make it so they can sniff out their own package. 
I was initially confused because I thought they were weird mashed potatoes. When I realized that it was something completely different, I wanted to eat Yuca every night! Lizi- Latin Fest We also love our empanadas. They are not sweet and do not use flour. They are unique and delicious! If you didn't own a restaurant, what would you do? We were both working for a logistics company for Honda. We would be doing that now if we didn't open the restaurant. Secret Menu? Cachapa, Loaded Nachos, Pork Tostadas How did you decide on your menu? Family Recipes What's your why? Before we met, I (Matt) gained a passion for watching cooking shows and cooked for everyone around me. Once I met Lizi, we cooked together all the time! Now we are living our dream, owning our own restaurant and sharing our delicious food with Champaign County! If you are interested in sponsoring a Restaurant of the Month, click here to learn more! 
Seeing the opportunity to move to a brick-and-mortar location, Dine and Dash invested in an abandoned building on the North end of Urbana. Lincoln & Main opened in 2017 and they haven’t looked back since. The menu is always changing with tasty options along with those staples that made them famous. With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, take a break and enjoy a meal at Lincoln & Main.
Not only is the grocery located there, but also the post office and bank. They have an outstanding menu that changes weekly, along with deli and staple items. Check out their weekly menu on their Facebook page. 
Dees Brews Coffee- located at 1300 US Hwy 68 in Urbana, Dees Brews is a convenient spot for those headed to work or school. They offer a large selection of coffees, hot or cold. They have a convenient drive through so you don’t even have to get out of your car! Their hours are 6am -2:30pm Monday-Friday and 7am-2:30pm on Saturdays. Simple Comforts Coffee Shop- located at 1 S. Main St. in Mechanicsburg, Simple Comorts Coffee Shop offers Hemisphere coffee, lattes, and the most amazing Chai along with baked goods. They are open Tuesday-Friday 7:00am-4:30pm and Saturday 8am-2pm The Spotted Owl Coffee Bar- located at 113 N. Main Street on the square in Urbana, The Spotted Owl Coffee Bar has added evening hours from 5pm-10pm. Along with amazing coffee, they also serve spirits and light snacks as well in the evening. With so many options, there is something for everyone now in our community!
We happily welcome Dunkin Donuts and we are thankful that they have chosen Champaign County as their new location. |
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