New Jazzy Veggie vegan restaurant to open in ex-Quizno's in downtown Ann Arbor
When Ananth Pullela arrived in the United States from India 17 years ago, he was surprised at the dearth of vegetarian restaurants. On outings to grab fast food, he faced a menu of burgers and chicken nuggets. Frustrated, the long-time vegetarian caved in and began eating chicken occasionally.
Now, Pullela is taking matters into his own hands. He plans to open Jazzy Veggie, a vegan, plant-based casual restaurant in the former Quizno’s Sub shop next to Vinology at 108 S. Main St.
Ananth Pullela, owner of the Jazzy Veggie, which will open soon at 108 S. Main.
Janet Miller | For AnnArbor.com
He hopes to open by mid-October. It will join only a handful of Ann Arbor restaurants dedicated solely to vegetarian food, including Seva and Earthen Jar.
Jazzy Veggie will offer a menu of soups, salads, sandwiches and a “guilt-free” pizza that uses vegan cheese, Pullela said.
“It will be pizza without the calories. It will be one less thing to worry about," he said.
While it will be a vegan (no meat and no animal products such as milk or honey) menu, Pullela said he hopes to also attract meat-eaters looking to cut back on animal protein or looking for something different.
The 1,500-square-foot restaurant will have seating for about 35 and will also offer carryout. Customers will order at the counter, and Pulella describes it as “fast casual.” He expects to employ between four and six people.
Jazzy Veggie is not affiliated with the Jazzy Vegetarian Laura Theodore, a cookbook author and radio host.
Pullela began thinking about opening a vegan restaurant five years ago.
“I began putting it on paper about 3 ½ years ago. It takes a lot of planning,” he said.
A 2008 graduate of the University of Michigan Stephen Ross School of Business, Pulella began drafting his business plan when he was a student. He did a market research study, consulted with a chef and began sourcing products. It will be Pullela’s first business venture and he will retain his program management job in the auto industry.
While he has little experience in the restaurant business - he worked in a restaurant setting in graduate school and at his uncle’s ice cream store growing up - Pullela said he will draw on his business education and will hire an operational partner.
“It’s a business. You have to hit the right price point between cost and value. You have to find the sweet spot," he said. Entrée averages will run around $8, he added.
The build-out began about two weeks ago and includes what Pullela calls tomato and electric lime wall colors. Tentative hours will be from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Comments
rusty shackelford
Wed, Oct 20, 2010 : 12:05 p.m.
8pm is way too early to close for dinner in downtown ann arbor
Veracity
Thu, Oct 7, 2010 : 7:57 a.m.
For those who must eat subs, a Subway and a Quizno's can be found on Plymouth Road as well.
boom
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 12:36 p.m.
When did Quizno's close? Looks like Sottini's is the only sub shop left. Good for them, I always liked their subs the best anyway. Subway on Main - gone. Blimpy's on Liberty - gone. Quizno's on Main - gone.
talker
Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 10:23 p.m.
Referral to Tampa in the message above surprised me. This is about Ann Arbor. We look forward to trying the restaurant. There are also vegetarian choices available at Kai Garden, down the street from the new restaurant, as well as at other restaurants in Ann Arbor and surrounding areas. I recall seeing a Quiznos in that space, but it was closed when we'd walk by it at night.
Jinamoon
Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 7:13 p.m.
Mr.Pullela! I am so glad that you are taking a great step for real healty food restaurant in Tampa. I moved here from S.Korea 10 years ago, and I tried to learn many American ways to live but foods. I was not happy to see so many people eating wrong foods almost everyday. I am not an vegitarian. I eat pretty healthy. I eat fish and chicken sometimes. Since I enjoy eating raw fruits and vegetables, I don't feel to go to any restaurants except for good sushi places. Still not so many restaurants impress me in Tampa. I would love to see very clean, simple and fresh vegetalian dishes, so I can learn how to improve my family's healthy life style too. Hope your restaurant shows people gourmet foods don't need meat all the time, and still taste excellent! Thank you! Best Regards, Jina Moon
veganj
Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 4:27 p.m.
This is so exciting. My husband and I are long time vegans and will definitely be supporting this truly cruelty-free restaurant!
BrianR
Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 3:11 p.m.
@DFSmith: Actually, 301 E. Liberty is the space now occupied by annarbor.com (http://www.annarbor.com/about/). There was a Quizno's in there many years ago.
DFSmith
Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 12:38 p.m.
@speechless: 301 E. LIberty St is where the Herb David Guitar Studio is located. You are probably thinking about the place which used to be part of the old King's Keyboard House, and now is Cafe Japon, in th e building next door to Kilwins
Speechless
Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 11:34 a.m.
Replacing a Quizno's at 108 S. Main St.?  Huh. Never noticed it was there. The Quizno's that I seem to recall from some years ago was located at 301 E. Liberty. Thought for a moment that maybe a commercial realignment was in store for the downstairs space that later became Fifth Avenue Café. In any event, Jazzy Vegan sounds like a very welcome successor to the late sub shop, hopefully with various spicy options to be included on its menu. In addition, their more upscale future clientele can afterward complement the vegan dining experience with aged fruit juices from next door.
Rodolfo
Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 11:26 a.m.
I'm very excited about this! Our whole family is vegan, and if this restaurant isn't too expensive, it will make eating out a treat not just for the four of us, but for the extended family we bring along on events. I'll certainly try this restaurant out the week it opens with my kids, and then later, my wife. I can't wait!
lisasimpson
Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 11:06 a.m.
Yum yum yum! Bring it! AnnArbor.com, please let us know when the doors are open!!!
s
Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 8:07 a.m.
So excited for this!
Jodee
Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 8:01 a.m.
Awesome news!!! Ann Arbor really needs an all-vegan restaurant. (Seva's menu is so dairy-heavy). I'll definitely support this new business.
McGiver
Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 7:38 a.m.
Looking forward to another veggie restaurant in Ann Arbor, especially looking forward to trying the pizza. Good luck Mr. Pullela.
sh1
Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 7:08 a.m.
Will definitely try this place out.
Indicat
Fri, Oct 1, 2010 : 5:50 a.m.
Looking forward to this! Good luck, Mr. Pullela!