You may not be too familiar with A&R Creative Group, but you’re likely familiar with some of their concepts: The Crest Gastropub, Ethyl & Tank and The Market Italian Village. The company, led by brothers Ali, Abed and Ismail AlShahal has rapidly expanded its footprint, opening and renovating food-based businesses at an impressive clip. This Sunday, their first venture on the South Side of Columbus will launch as Alchemy Juice Bar and Cafe opens its doors inside the new Village Pointe building on Parsons Avenue.
The 2,000 square foot store is located in the lobby area of the new Fitness Loft fitness center, providing customers and visitors with healthy food options, snacks and cold-pressed juices.
“By having an on-staff registered dietician, Alchemy will intersect two of the fastest growing industries within the United States: The health-care and service sectors,” explains Abed AlShahal. “Our menu was developed by a multidisciplinary team including a dietitian, chef, and Slow Food leader. This unique combination of professionals with our approach to sourcing has led to a menu unlike anything else within our city.”
That unique menu will include items such as hemp pesto, acai bowls and edible weeds in addition to the more traditional salads, sandwiches, coffee, juices and snacks. One foodie trend that Alchemy wants to pioneer in Columbus is that of artisanal toast made from whole-grain breads and toppings that include banana tahini and avocado hemp. The menu will also be powered by a rooftop veggie/herb garden, a living green wall and a self-sufficient vertical garden.
“Our Sweet Beet Kale salad features almonds, quinoa, chives, and apples,” said Abed. “We will also have healthy snacks such as raw chocolate truffles made with nuts, raw cacao, and dates.”
All menu items are planned to range from $2 to $9.
Alchemy will officially open at 625 Parsons Avenue this Sunday, October 5th. Its hours of operation run from 7am to 7pm Monday through Friday and 8am to 6pm on the weekends.
In 2015, A&R Creative Group also has plans to expand to open a full-service restaurant at Village Pointe.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/AlchemyJuiceBarCafe.