Fluff Bakery owners try a new genre of food

Jason and Jessica Kopelwitz, owners of Fluff Bakery, are trying to switch up their usual sweet and filling menu to a more exotic and healthful one with the expected opening of their new restaurant, Rickshaw Thai, in The Plains in Eclipse Company Town.

The restaurant is Thai centered with dishes inspired from countries throughout Asia. The menu will include seasonal produce and “as many local foods as can be afforded,” Jason Kopelwitz said.Entrees will be between $10 and $18. The menu will feature a few soups and traditional Thai salads and attempts to be considerate of all possible customers with vegan and gluten-free options.“The town is in obvious need of a restaurant like this. It’s my favorite food, with strong flavors and it is healthy. Food lovers, like me, can enjoy it but not feel bad about it,” Jason Kopelwitz said.The store is expected to open in mid-April.The couple is planning to man the kitchen together while having three waiters and/or waitresses take care of customers up front. There is a patio that they expect to open up eventually after the initial opening that will also provide more seating.Inside, this reservation-only-restaurant can seat 25 people and the decorations are teeming with vibrant colors.“It’s kind of like fluff in the colors of if, but it as colligated metal on the wall that kind of make you feel like you are in a shack,” Jessica Kopelwitz said.Located on Jackson Drive, behind The Athens Messenger, the restaurant is 15 minutes away by bike and 10 minutes by car.“We really like the area, we love being on the main drag here, but sometimes people just like to get away. There is a lot of history there,” Jessica said.Eclipse Company Town is a restored coalmining town, formerly known as Hocking. Families living within and around the area have tried to recreate the same feel of the town from the 1900s.With the name of their restaurant in mind, the couple hopes to get a rickshaw route started for their business.“We could give people discounts if they ride their bikes out there or take the rickshaws to the restaurant,” Jessica said.  “I think it is going to be more adventurous eaters. But I do not see a specific age or demographic. We already have reservations for the first couple seatings.”