Chapel Hill's First Entirely Plant-based Bistro Launches Full Menu!
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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - ncarol.com -- Coco is a new 3,000 square foot bistro in Chapel Hill, built entirely from scratch, and located in the historic community of Glen Lennox. It offers a unique dual concept: coffee shop, breakfast and lunch cafe by day - and restaurant, full bar and "zero-proof" bar by evening.

"As an independent business, we knew it was a risk to create open a fully plant-based restaurant in Chapel Hill," said owner Tamara Lackey, "but we decided to focus on key things that mattered to us: sustainable practices and purchasing, the look and feel of our community-driven space, and the creation of a truly delicious menu." She and co-owner Steve Lackey designed Coco to be a space that people would appreciate as they walked in the door, choosing to work with Grubb Properties to build their vision. "They invited us, and our focus on sustainability and local sourcing, as a perfect fit to their new community", said Tamara Lackey, as Coco was built in the LEED-Certified Gwendolyn building where bike garages, EV chargers, and expanding greenways are already amenities. Installing a striking nana wall, their front wall of windows that opens up fully to their two separate outdoor dining patios, added to an indoor/outdoor feel.

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Launching a tempting menu of plant-based options was consistent with their effort to offer "seriously delicious foods that take less from the planet", noting the damaging impact of animal agriculture on the planet.¹  Comfort plant-based food dishes like Smoky Chipotle Bacon & Egg Sandwiches, Pesto, Chicken & Arugula Paninis and housemade peach cobbler are a big hit, as well as lighter options, like fresh bowls and smoothies. Their gluten-free menu is expansive. "I feel better eating gluten-free, and we know many people with allergies, so a tasty gluten-free menu was important to us," said co-owner Steve Lackey.

Coco showcases their close partnership with the Beautiful Together Animal Sanctuary, as Tamara is also the Executive Director of the non-profit she and Steve co-founded in 2014. A notable sanctuary portrait gallery greets visitors as they walk into Coco.

"We believe that we can care for each other, our planet, and the animals with whom we share it while also enjoying our lives and every day luxuries, like a great meal out with friends and family," says Tamara, "and we can do all this without sacrificing our peace of mind when it comes to what we leave behind for our children."

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Contact Kim Pollard for inquiries at 919-883-9003.

¹  scientificamerican.com/article/heres-how-much-food-contributes-to-climate-change