Holland vegetarian café turns over a 'New Leaf'

A new café in Holland's Southshore Village neighborhood may seem a bit familiar to some residents. That's because New Leaf Café is actually a reinvention of the Leaf & Bean Café, owned by Ron and Sybil Cathey and their son, Marcus.

The Catheys closed up Leaf & Bean, 451 Columbia Avenue, and opened the New Leaf Café in the former Holland Habitat for Humanity office at 341 W. 16th St, near Kollen Park.

The eatery offers organic vegetarian fare, and will be adding other dining options such as smoked salmon and shrimp chowder, "early bird" dinners and pizza on Fridays.

"We gave our cafe a new name because we are turning over a new leaf," Sybil Cathey says.

The Catheys also created a bandstand area that will showcase live music.

"We're looking to become a fun place for an adult crowd to enjoy live entertainment in a non-bar setting," Ron Cathey says.

Although the historical building dates back to 1910, it did not require major remodeling.

"It's very unique inside, with exposed brick walls and a beautiful hardwood floor," Sybil says of the 3,000-square-foot space.

The Catheys owned Leaf & Bean Café in 2006. Shortly after, both Ron and Sybil lost their jobs so they focused their energies on developing the restaurant. Sybil and Marcus relied on their love of food and experience in catering, and Ron returned to school to become a certified massage therapist.

The New Leaf Café building will also house Ron’s Re-Leaf Massage, gallery space for guest artists and classroom space for weekly yoga and tai-chi classes.

Source: Sybil and Ron Cathey, New Leaf Café.

Web site: Southshore Village - 

Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].