Name That Cafe!

 

Everyone has a talent, and everyone loves to eat. That’s more or less the philosophy Kyle and Jill Riggle had in mind as they set out to launch their new cafe in the location formerly occupied by Sweet ‘n Savory Cafe, a restaurant owned by Sue Heller from 1987 to 2009.

 

While renovating, the Riggles decided to make the place a hangout in the Highlands, for the Highlands – and by the people of the Highlands. Says Kyle, “People here have the most ridiculous talent.” From painting to renovating to even naming the new digs – more on that in a moment – it’s strictly a Highlands family affair.

 

With a combination of Jill’s restaurant experience and Kyle’s business savvy on the table, the new cafe will keep Sweet ‘n Savory’s menu and staff, while adding some new dishes – along with extra hours in the day. “We’re just getting everything in order,” Riggle says. “We have a long way to go in a short period of time.”

 

While the restaurant is already open, by early April the Riggles plan not only an expanded menu but also later hours and even a liquor license – a definite departure from the former eatery’s breakfast-and-lunch-only fare. “We’re going to add things people really, really want,” says Kyle, who hopes to provide a unique menu to complement the nearby eating establishments. “We want to give people that extra option, ‘cause we will never serve pizzas like Za’s or bison like Cumberland Brews.”

 

Food isn’t the only option the new owners have to offer. Drawing upon the neighborhood’s creative vibe, the Riggles continue to contract Highlands residents for all the renovation work – even those whose talent is more in wordplay than wrenches. The pair considered keeping the old Sweet ‘n Savory name, but then decided upon a more democratic approach. “There are so many talented artists out here, so why not have some sort of a thing where somebody can point to the restaurant’s window and say, ‘I did that.’”

 

To that end, the Riggles are offering $400 to a Highlands resident who can come up with the ideal name – and, if possible, a typographic design – for the new cafe’s signage, menu and related collateral materials. “I want to keep the money in this area – that’d be awesome,” says Kyle. “We’re all hard workers, just trying to catch a break or make our own breaks. So if [the $400] covers someone’s car payment or helps take a chunk out of their bills, it’s great.”

 

The Riggles – who have three daughters, ages 11, 12 and 14 – are almost as evangelical about their adopted neighborhood as about the restaurant. “Our whole purpose is that it’s different, like the people,” Kyle says. “Jill is the one who will be here all the time; she’s the kind of person everybody likes. There will be nothing like what we serve and what we have – even the atmosphere will be different. We want to make this place welcoming and cozy, someplace you just enjoy hanging out at.”

 

To contribute a name to the reconstituted Sweet ‘n Savory storefront, stop by 1574 Bardstown Road or call (502) 456-6566 for more information. A winner will be announced along with the cafe’s grand opening in early April.

 

Eve Bohakel Lee loves both Za’s and Cumberland and looks forward to hitting the trifecta come April. Contact her atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or www.leecopywriting.com.