New restaurant hoping to mirror Urbana’s growth

Downtown spot opening this month to feature health food.

Downtown Nutrition, a new health food restaurant, is opening in Urbana later this month. CONTRIBUTED

By Brooke Spurlock- Staff Writer
Springfield News-Sun

A health food restaurant is coming to Urbana.

Downtown Nutrition, at 221 N. Main St., is scheduled to open later this month.

Owners Mike and Sammie Ropp said it was time to move back home to be with family.

The city is a big part of the couple’s story, Sammie Ropp said.

“I grew up in a tiny town outside of Springfield called South Charleston and he grew up in a tiny town outside Urbana called West Liberty, so this was kind of the middle ground,” she said.

Downtown Nutrition will offer energizing teas, healthy meal shakes, donut holes and more.

“We have a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, and the best-tasting shakes and energizing teas around,” Sammie said.

The shop will be open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce will host the ribbon cutting for the restaurant’s grand opening on the projected opening date, Jan. 25.

“Here at the Chamber, we feel Downtown Nutrition is a great addition to our community because we have nothing like it,” said Chamber Coordinator Rachel Casey. “It’s new and fresh, and a great way to start a new year with healthy options.”

The Ropps are excited to open and serve the community and encourage potential customers to check the shop’s Facebook page for updates.

“We are here to show people the good in the world and that what they do matters. We are on the same mission to grow and support this amazing community,” 

​Sammie Ropp said. “This community is looking to grow and make their city better and we want to be a part of that.”

Contact this reporter at 937-328- 0356 or email brooke.spurlock@cmg.com.