5 minute read
FOOD FOR THOUGHT - Copper Branch
FOOD FOR THOUGHT - Copper Branch
By David Clark. Photos courtesy of Foodtastic, unless marked
Since opening in July 2022, a local franchise operation, offering 100% plantbased healthy power food, has one goal in mind — to serve you great meals that make you feel and be the best you can be.
At the Tecumseh Copper Branch restaurant, you’ll be on a health kick where vegan, vegetarian and other gluten-free options are made to order.
For the investigator in you, this is a place for anyone who wants to try something new and unique that is tasty and healthy too.
According to franchise Co-Owner and Operator Jaime Mirea: “Our mission is simple, to serve our community quality, whole foods and offer them a chance to make a difference through what’s on their plate.”
Whether you are already vegan, looking to transition to a more plant-based diet, or simply trying to eat healthier — their food is for everyone.
She continues: “From comfort food to lighter fare, we offer all-day breakfast, our popular power bowls, burgers, wraps and smoothies, something fresh and delicious every time.”
With a background as a nurse practitioner, and still practicing, Jaime is raising awareness on healthy eating and knowing about the kind of superfoods you should get into.
Sam Mirea, her husband is also a co-owner and operator who has significant experience operating multiple franchises in Ontario, having been an entrepreneur for over a decade.
So what’s on the menu?
It all starts with the popular power bowls, a big deal at Copper Branch.
In particular, the General Copper Bowl recreates the delicious taste of General Tao (without the meat of course) with a Shiitake and Soy combination and is served on a bed of organic brown rice with broccoli, avocado, sesame seeds, the house made Sriracha Coleslaw, and topped with a delicious General Tao sauce.
In the kitchen, they are also flipping highly seasoned vegan burgers, including the Shiitake Teriyaki Burger. And that Shiitake mushroom is a real attention getter, dosed with Teriyaki and Tamari sauce, Sriracha Coleslaw and a creamy aioli sauce on top.
For an interesting lunch or dinner, one of Copper Branch’s standout sandwiches is the Smoked Tempeh. It is marinated organic Tempeh with sweet potato, zucchini, caramelized onions, dairy-free Provolone cheese, tomato, lettuce and a zesty barbecue sauce.
As for pizza, there are nine vegan choices, four that are gluten-free.
A fan favourite is the Trippy Truffle. It is packed with roasted Portobello mushrooms, red onions, sun dried tomatoes, wild baby arugula, Stockton Steak Spice, their signature gluten-free crust, and finished with dairy-free mozzarella and parmesan.
Other items to check out on the menu include; the Organic Quinoa Chili and seasonal soup, oven-baked fries, wraps and all day breakfast items, like Avocado Toast and the Tempeh Bacon and Just Egg.
On the beverage side, the Einstein Smoothie with seven fruit-filled ingredients is available and the Remedy Kombucha is fizzy, refreshing and with no sugar. There is also a selection of Organic Teas and Organic Coffees (fair-trade) such as Latte, Espresso, Hot Cocoa and Cappuccino.
For those with a sweet tooth, who saved room for dessert, or those just coming in for a snack, the gluten-free Zucchini Brownie (dairy-free chocolate chips) is an excellent selection and the S’mores cookies, Cinnamon Buns and Cheezecakes (spelled correctly as on their menu) are sure to put a smile on your face. You have the possibility of ordering nutfree as well.
The restaurant welcomes diners on site and offers a delivery service through Copper Branch’s online ordering system (found right on the website). They are also listed on Uber Eats, DoorDash and SkipTheDishes. Additionally, they have a free app that can be used for pick up and takeout orders.
“Yes, we also do catering,” adds Jaime. “On outbound orders, we can cater for 200 plus. At the restaurant, for smaller gatherings, 35 seats are available. For special events we have our regular menu, but it can also be customized.”
Copper Branch seeks to offer the most thoughtful, healthful foods and that requires being attentive to the needs of the community. With that said, they are a great place to enjoy innovative, wholesome and ethical food that you can feel good about putting in your body.
So get ready to “Think, Eat, Change”! (The franchise motto.)
Copper Branch is located at 13300 Tecumseh Road East, Tecumseh. For the hours of operation and the menu, see their website EatCopperBranch.com/restaurants/windsor
