Strong Hearts on the Hill debuted a breakfast menu and new hours Monday. Even though it boasts an all vegan menu, Strong Hearts hopes to draw a wider customer base.

After officially opening in Marshall Square Mall Dec. 1, Strong Hearts debuted its breakfast menu Monday. The menu will be served from 8-11 a.m. and includes a tofu scramble, which can be made into a burrito, oatmeal with fruit or nuts, yogurt parfaits, French toast and potatoes.

It will complement Strong Hearts’ existing menu, which includes sandwiches, wraps, smoothies and milkshakes.

Since its opening, owner Nick Ryan said the store has seen not only students, but also workers from local hospitals and offices. Although business was slow over winter break, Ryan said he is confident business will increase now that students have returned. He said the store is in the process of promoting its new hours and added breakfast menu.

The cafe waited until January to incorporate the breakfast menu to allow for more planning, Ryan said. He added that he is still developing the menu.

“It’s been really good,” Ryan said, “but we’re still learning a little bit.”

Strong Hearts on the Hill hopes to draw in busy people who might only have a few minutes, whereas the downtown cafe has a sit-down atmosphere. The downtown location, which opened in 2008, currently offers a wider menu than the new cafe.

Violet Vejins, a senior psychology and neuroscience major, said she visited the original Strong Hearts and “fell in love.” While she isn’t vegan, she said she has leaned toward vegetarianism.

“I like cheese too much,” Vejins said.

Vejins said she was excited to see the new location near campus and added that the cafe can appeal to vegans and non-vegans alike. She said she loves that the cafe is trying to show that a vegan’s diet “doesn’t have to be disgusting.”

Saptarshi Lahiri, a cashier at Strong Hearts on the Hill, said customers have come in and out of the location steadily.

She said Strong Hearts is promoting its new location through Facebook and fliers.

With the new spring hours, Strong Hearts on the Hill will be open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. -9 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. -6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Published on January 14, 2014 at 1:39 am

Contact Caroline: cstrange@syr.edu