New bistro benefits community, students

By Claire Byun

byunc@mytjnow.com

Sandwiches, soups and salads line the lunch menu at Lell’s, while omlettes, oatmeal and biscuits are served for breakfast. Lell’s is open from 7:30a.m. to 3p.m. Photos contributed by Lell’s Cafe.In support of local farming, Rock Hill  has opened the door on another community-oriented business.

Unlike other coffee shops, Lell’s is a Community Supported Restaurant (CSR), which is modeled on Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). This means Lell Trogdon, owner, uses local farmers for her food sources, and customers who purchase the prepared food in turn support the local farmers.

Differing from other coffee places around campus is important for Trogdon, and she credits the feeling of kinship found among her potential customers as a key factor. Families from Charlotte, professors, students and artists all make up the assorted cluster of clients, Trogdon said.

“Everyone knows everybody who comes here, who went to the last place and have stayed in touch with me,” Trogdon said. “It is a really diverse group of people.”

The menu includes both breakfast and lunch items such as omlettes, soups and sandwhiches, and coffee is served throughout the day. 

Because many of Lell’s Café’s promised customers used to visit Cupps Cafe, where Trogdon was a chef, they have insisted on the return of truffles. The Secret Chocolatier out of Charlotte will provide these treats.

Though the café is small in size, Trogdon has big dreams for her shop.

“It’d be great to have a line out the door because the food is making people that happy,” Trogdon said. “Food is my act of thanksgiving. It makes me happy to see hungry people become satisfied over the meal.”

Through all the struggles and hard work, Trogdon is pleased with the way Lell’s Café is coming together. Her vision overcame many obstacles, but it proves what perseverance, courage and determination can conquer.

“It’s been a very long haul for many reasons,” Trogdon said. “What happened was I just got fed up, walked to the cliff, and jumped.”

Located at 760 Cherry Road in the old Luigi’s Pizza shop, the cafe is a short walk from campus. Students and faculty are encouraged to try out the new eatery and support Rock Hill’s farming.