-By Melissa Monk

The doors of Owen Sound's newest café, Sprout, opened less than two weeks ago and already reception has been tremendous. "I'm excited about how much positive feedback I've gotten so far," says Janelle Smart, Sprout's proud owner, "I'm surprised how many people I've gotten in with no signage and advertising only through social media. Owen Sound is a great community and I think a lot of people are interested in healthy alternatives." Located just off 2nd Ave, Sprout is a café that specializes in vegan and gluten-free meals, snacks, and drinks.

Janelle is a recent graduate of the Health Studies program at Queen's University and has been interested in healthy eating for as long as she can remember. Only recently, however, did she decide that opening a café was what she wanted to do after university. "If you asked me 'what I wanted to be' 5 or 15 years ago, I probably had a new answer for each month," Janelle writes on her website, "Surgeon, massage therapist, physiotherapist..." Although she's had lots of career ideas, they've all shared the common theme of helping others live a healthier life. Opening Sprout has allowed Janelle to have an immediate impact. "There are so many fast-food options today, but there are so few places to go and get something quick that's also fresh and nutrient-dense," Janelle says, "'Healthy fast-food' is my vision for Sprout."

The knowledge she gained at Queen's has helped Janelle shape a menu that is wholesome and the furthest thing from boring. "I don't think a lot of people realize how delicious plant-based food can be," Janelle says. Sprout's menu includes a variety of smoothies and a rotating assortment of soups, salads, and rice bowls that feature local, organic ingredients. Beverages include direct-trade coffee, organic tea, and café favourites with a twist, such as the aptly named Georgian Bay Fog - an incredible blend of Earl Grey tea, coconut oil, and honey. Sprout also offers a variety of kombucha (a fizzy, fermented tea drink) on-tap and a refrigerated display case of prepared food and drinks.

For even more nutritional bang for their buck, diners can also choose to upgrade their smoothie with a selection of 'superfood boosters' such as goji berries, cacao nibs, or ginseng. These boosters contain high concentrations of vitamins and minerals and are purported to offer a variety of health benefits.

Sprout can be found at 158 9th Street East (across from the downtown Tim Hortons) and is open Tuesday to Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm and Saturday from 8:00am to 4:00pm. Visit Sprout's Facebook page for more information on daily specials.