CHICAGO, IL, Oct. 25, 2012 /CNW/ - With childhood obesity on the rise in communities across the nation, parents are looking for healthy and natural snacking alternatives to protect their children from unhealthy lifestyles. Robust Coffee Lounge is one of the rare java shops dedicated to providing natural menu options for children on Chicago's south side.
Producing from scratch is the motto for Robust, which prides itself on serving fresh ingredients to bake goods such as brownies, cupcakes and sweet breads. Robust is also known for making its own mayo from scratch, a recipe which that has been well received by customers in the neighborhood.
"What we consider health conscious are items that are made from scratch with fresh and local ingredients. We slice our meats in house every day. We also do not carry or sell any pre-packaged items that are filled with preservatives," said Sapstein.
Shop owner Jake Sapstein believes in offering the same great-tasting food children are accustom to with healthier and fresher ingredients. So far this philosophy has worked for Sapstein and his coffee lounge, as the freshly made donuts and sausage biscuits seem to be the hot selection of choice. Many kids pair these choices with baked potato chips, going away from the traditional Fritos, Lays and Doritos brands.
"We want to offer something that is familiar but different in the way its produced, your body can handle fat and sugar etc. if it's the right kind and the right portions," he said.
Since its doors officially opened in 2010, Robust has always made a point to stray away from items filled with preservatives. Sapstein believes that artificial ingredients results in heavy weight increase and sugar intake. Higher quality usually means a higher cost of stock for Sapstein who doesn't mind placing a pretty dime on health.
"Compared to what the other options are in the neighborhood like McDonalds and others that (kids) actually like, the items here are similar but much fresher and healthier options for them to choose from," said Sapsten.
SOURCE: Robust Coffee Shop
Rob Amaefule
773-606-1885
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