Finalist Q&A: Bean Sprouts

Bean Sprouts is a hip and healthy kids' cafe, that provides a place for families that is both healthy and fun. Under the guidance of a child nutritionist, Bean Sprouts built its menu with the help and enthusiasm of Gale Gand--renowned chef, author, and Food Network star, who believes in Bean Sprouts’ mission.

How did you come up with the idea for your business, and what, or who, is your main source of motivation?

Our kids!

After having children, our eyes were opened to the facts that there aren’t many healthy kids’ options available, even at places with healthy adult options. We identified a need for freshly made, healthy food for young children — food that parents could trust was wholesome, but that they didn't have to prepare themselves.

As parents, we know that fun is the key to winning over kids and have tapped into the fun factor to successfully grow Bean Sprouts.

What is a unique feature of your business?

After walking through our 4-foot high door, kids (and parents) are delighted to see playful dishes on our menu, from the Noodle-Dee-Doo (whole wheat macaroni with pureed cauliflower blended in) to Sam I Yam baby food, as we’re the only ones in the country who have organic baby food on our menu.

While parents actually are able to talk to another parent or finish their meals (a near impossibility in most homes and restaurants), Bean Sprouts entertains wiggly kids with a play area, and even has little potties!

What are your thoughts on the connection between small business and the local community?

It’s great to be a resource that parents can trust. Our customers, local papers and magazines constantly ask us for advice on how to help their kids eat healthier. Parents realize that Bean Sprouts is a huge influence on helping children embrace healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Why should the Idea Cafe regulars vote for you?

Because we want to plant a Bean Sprouts near you! We've already received over 30 franchise requests and would really like to grow. If nothing else, vote because our Bean Buddies are so darn cute!

Additional Information:

Bean Sprouts, a hip and healthy kids’ cafe, opened to much anticipation near Madison, Wisconsin in July 2007. Bean Sprouts has drawn great attention for providing a place for families that is both healthy and fun. Under the guidance of a child nutritionist, Bean Sprouts built its menu with the help and enthusiasm of Gale Gand--renowned chef, author, and Food Network star, who believes in Bean Sprouts’ mission.

Bean Sprouts gives families a 30-minute vacation. Its innovative kid-friendly design removes the reluctance for parents to take their kids out to eat, while appealing to adults with its chic atmosphere. More importantly, it relieves parents’ guilt of feeding children hot dogs and deep-fried foods, the usual kids' menu fare.

Bean Sprouts features yummy, good-for-you food for kids, parents, and even babies - winning rave reviews as the only restaurant in the country to offer homemade organic baby food! Bean Sprouts has many choices for menu-challenged families by offering gluten-free, casein-free and other dietary options.

Bean Sprouts delights families with its playful cooking classes. These courses for toddlers and grade school children let kids have fun with food and explore new ingredients. Our Bitty Baker graduates have made everything from candy cane-noli to crunchy caterpillars (see picture)!