New Business Chive Brings A Fresh Choice To Eating Out

In November, Chive opened its doors on Lawrence Avenue. With its first month over, people have either eaten there, heard of it, or are among those of us that are wondering what exactly this new restaurant is.

We sat down with owner Eric Houk to get the scoop on the new, clean-eating restaurant.

Chive is owned by Erik and Shannon Houk. Eric works full time in project management for commercial construction. He also buys and sells houses. His wife, Shannon, works at Bridgewater Microblading. Between the two, Chive is just a fun side project.

Following a bout of illness, Eric began to eat in a healthier way. His wife had already been living that lifestyle, which caused him to notice that there “wasn’t enough variety” in the Ellwood City food arena. The Houks decided that something needed to change. So in July of 2018 the concept of a new kind of restaurant started to develop in the minds of the Houks. Eric said that he had always wanted to open a restaurant, but he just never knew what kind.

“There was a spot to fill for healthier, made-to-order, kind of stuff (in Ellwood City),” said owner, Eric Houk. “Everyone needs to be eating a little better (anymore).”

To ensure that he is serving the healthiest versions of food to put into their wide variety of bowls, wraps, and salads, he gets all of his produce locally grown 2 to 3 times a week. Aside from produce, all soda beverages offered are made locally. Everything is cooked to order, and hardly anything is frozen. Houk is trying to make Chive into a restaurant that is completely locally sourced.

“We only order what we can move out,” said Houk. “We try not to freeze food.”

From the house dressings, which are all homemade, to the teas that are made by Eric every morning (and not from tea bags), Chive is pushing toward becoming one with the healthier lifestyle media has been promoting recently. All to-go containers are made out of recycled and compostable material and drink cups are all plant-based. Chive also sells a boxed water option. They use glass bowls for in-house orders.

In preparation for a Grand Opening Celebration during 2020, Houk plans to “redo” the outside of Chive by adding in some outdoor seating. Houk also plans on redoing the format of the menu—wanting people to realize that Chive is a make-your-own-style restaurant where you travel down a counter filled with a lineup of fresh food items, tantalizing toppings, and homemade dressings. He said that the current options are just what he and the employees have tried and liked. He also plans on adding an online order, and possibly online delivery, along with delivery options for businesses placing larger orders.

Chive can be found online at www.facebook.com/chiveellwoodcity