It seems like every week there is a new, one-of-a-kind business opening in the ‘Burg, and for that we are grateful. Sunspot Fresh Bar, a lunchtime health food restaurant, is moving onto the 600 block of Central Avenue to the space that used to be home to Collective Tattoo and Gallery, which has since moved to 689 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N.

The restaurant will offer a pay-by-weight salad bar, soups, sandwiches, wraps and smoothies. What’s more, all of the food is going to be made daily in-house with fresh, local ingredients. Daily specials alongside menu staples will make for a dynamic spread and coffee, tea, beer, and wine, as well as light tapas on the days the restaurant is open in the evening, will also be available.

“The salad bar allows downtown workers to get a salad under $10 in less than 10 minutes,” owner Ann Shuh said.

Quick meals like this are welcomed downtown, especially because restaurants become quite busy at lunchtime and workers don’t have much time to eat. Diners will have the choice to sit outside, an option that is characteristic of the downtown restaurants because of the excellent scenery. Inside the restaurant won’t lack ambiance either because the walls will be covered with local art for sale.

“The community support has been awesome, and everyone is confident that my place is going to really add to the downtown food and arts scene,” Shuh said. We certainly hope so! After construction delays, Sunspot is likely going to open in September 2013.

Sunspot Fresh Bar will be located at 601 Central Ave. Hours will be Monday-Wednesday 8am-3pm and Thursday-Saturday 8am-midnight. Closed Sunday. There will be free parking for customers.

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