By Megan Mann
For the Opelika ObserveR
The Alleyway Café is a new, family-run breakfast joint that just opened its doors to the Opelika community. With lots of character and a delicious menu, the business officially opened on Aug. 20.
The Alleway Café is a child and student friendly restaurant offering plenty of space, food and, importantly, free wifi.
“I just wanted to have a good wholesome and healthy place for the community to come and enjoy the atmosphere,” said the Owner Sarah Pritchard. “We’re open to everybody.
The unique restaurant was developed from Pritchard’s vision.
“I drew a sketch on a little yellow piece of paper, almost like a little kid drawing of what I wanted our logo to look like and from there I designed and did most of the construction myself with help from family and friends”.
Pritchard has lived in Opelika since 1987 but grew up in Missouri. She spent many years working in the manufacturing industry but is no stranger to cooking.
“I started cooking for the family when I was about 14,” she said. “I had a restaurant about 20 years ago in Arkansas, my dad owned a restaurant, my aunt had a restaurant, so food is kind of in our families’ genes.
Pritchard wants to offer a healthier version of a good, home-cooked breakfast for her customers. One of her biggest hits is her chaffles, which is her version of a waffle.
Each morning, Pritchard makes chaffles, fresh gravy and other homemade dishes to serve to her customers.
“We were raised on it,” Pritchard said, referring to her homemade chocolate gravy that she pairs with a warm, buttery biscuit. “The chaffles have no bread or anything processed it is strictly egg white and almond flower with cheese and whatever vegetable or fruit I put into it. They are all natural and very dense, so it fills you up.”
The chaffles come in many different flavors including but not limited to, blueberry and her personal favorite Jalapeno popper.
Within the upcoming weeks, Alleyway Café will be expanding its menu and hours to include lunch. This new menu will contain healthy and fresh meat-and-green options and the choices will be changing daily. Pritchard is also always working on her breakfast menu constantly.
“I’ll be adding more healthy options; I am always testing out new recipes,” she said. “There will be low carb, low sugar, as well as gluten-free options.”
On Sept. 11 they will be providing a voucher for 11% off lunch with the purchase of breakfast.
Alleyway Café is open from 6 to 10:30 a.m. on weekdays, 7 to 11 a.m. on Saturday and is closed on Sundays. It is located on 1801 Market St. Opelika. To stay up to date with what is going on at The Alleyway Café follow them on Instagram @the_alleyway_café.