Should This Be the Future of American Dining? — Open Road

Farm-to-table has become a trendy catchphrase and nearly lost touch with its original tenants; but there are restaurants like Epiphany Farms in Bloomington, Illinois that are trying to embrace what they see as the only future for sustainable American dining by going from planting the seed to serving the plate.

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[ChefRafi]

Eating local produce is always best. It tastes so much better and uses less resources.

[globalcitizen]

Oh wow !!! From an idea to 150 employee great job guys really great

[InsertFlashyName]

I'm in Central IL and went to ISU graduating in 2011, good to see more and more good businesses coming to Blo-No!

[TheDebbiesaelee]

I’m down with going back to the roots and thank for sharing.

[bobby]

This is inspiring, while I don't think its possible for every small restaurant to have their own farm it is possible for more and more restaurants to source locally to get back to souring from local growers, butchers, bakers, to stop shopping at the corporate giant because they can guarantee product delivery. I love this chef's passion.

[winstonchiang]

Great vision, great people, I hope them much success and I'm definitely stopping by if I'm in Illinois!

[gildovargasvillanueva]

Excelente trabajo, hermanos!
Excellent job, brothers!
✌️👍👏

[tosht]

This is not the answer because it's simply not feasible for the majority of restos. I dine out 7 - 8 times a week and at *_almost_* exclusively locally owned and have lots of conversations with resto owners. My favorite Thai, Mexican and Indian joints simply can't afford to procure from local farms because their margins are kind of thin. Same dilemma for the owners of the sandwich shops, diners and pubs I support. Many get their bread and desserts from local bakers as well as beer and spirits from local brewers and distilleries because the general public does have an appetite for local and it's great marketing but again, not a concept most owners can exclusively endorse. The upscale places I frequent have local sources but *none* grow their own produce. Excellent episode nonetheless. These guys are doing a very cool thing. 👍

[coryszeman]

It's 5:50am on a Sunday I just woke up from a dream about eating at a weird family ran restaurant in the middle of nowhere on a farm. Drive down a long lane to get there, with cattle and farm equipment on the sides, chickens free ranging and so busy you couldn't get a seat. So now I'm wondering if such a place exists 🤔 . Anyway youtube search brought me here and what they're doing looks great and only 1 state away lol BTW I have ate at an Amish restaurant ran out of their house years ago it was good no electricity just lanterns and wood fireplace 😊

[johneli]

Need more restaurants like this with a commitment to quality. Too bad they are doing it all on their own

[organicgrandpaw]

I'm so Excited to see this in Bloomington IL! I grew up about an hour away & during my lifetime, have always looked for Local food served in local restaurants! Over the years became a Foodie. My Dad was a local farmer & we always had the best out of his gardens, I can't wait to eat there!!

[NafaratMiyaMiya]

This is fantastic ... I actually want to drive the 6 hours to go and have a meal at this restaurant!

[ishanbb]

I actually like this much more than those cali restaurants

[nathanlamberth]

This is not the “future” of dining. It’s classic not innovative, and the competition isn’t Steak and Shake and McDonald’s it’s Maggiano’s. I’m glad our market has a place where this restaurant can do well, but it’s not going to take over the market

[MistressOP]

I hope they give a living wage. That's the last mile.

[benblexbenblex]

Would want it to be more veggie burgers nice idea. Yay il

[cuppalightroast]

i dont think this is the future of anything. this guy is lucky enough to have a farm. what even is your title.

[elcapitanortz]

Wow iv'e not rolled a pork fillet in bacon since the 90's did'nt realise american cooking is so far behind

[glvnwong]

Classic American cooking using fine dining techniques IS pretentious.

[TheDarwiniser]

BIG PHARMA IS BAD !!!!

Apparently, if youre a small time producer you cant be BIG PHARMA !!!

BIG IS BAD !!!! BAD !!! BIG!!! BAAAAD !!!