Downtown Lemmon is home to The Olive Branch Eatery—a modern and fresh restaurant “where everyone has a seat at the table.” Owned and created by 21-year-old Hana Picklesimer, the eatery is loved by the local community and beyond.
Picklesimer says she knew immediately that the space at 314 Main Avenue was perfect for her vision. With attention to detail, excitement, and direction, she began the process of creating a quaint sandwich shop.
“When I walked into the space the first time, I was like, ‘Wow, okay, this is exactly how I’m going to lay it out. This is how we’re going to renovate, this is how we’re going to decorate,’” she recalled. “I just knew exactly how everything was going to be, and that’s exactly how it looks now, which is crazy.”
Previously, the space had been a boutique, which has since moved across the street.
“It was just an empty building when I purchased it, and we pretty much gutted the whole thing. We gave it a complete facelift,” she said.
“I think I’m most proud of the environment we bring. So many people come in and say it’s their safe space, or this is the highlight of their day, or they feel welcomed and happy and enjoy seeing us.”-Hana picklesimer
Picklesimer’s family and friends worked together to create the final product—from decorations, new flooring, and new paint, to a coffee bar and unique mugs, The Olive Branch Eatery defines their unique, cozy feeling by a carefully-curated atmosphere backed by faith.
“We did new floors, new paint, new trim, and took out the drop ceiling. We hired a contractor to do a few things, like put in the ceiling and cut a doorway for me. But other than that, my family and friends helped me do everything else,” said Picklesimer.
She continued, “My brother even built our counters and tables. Everything’s unique to us. That’s definitely something we’re proud of and is so rewarding to see.”
Picklesimer’s sister helped her lay out the foundational ideas for the restaurant.
“We have a bunch of mugs from our house, a thrift store, and people who have dropped off mugs to donate them. It’s fun to see different ones up on the shelf,” said Picklesimer. “It’s kind of just like your cupboards at home. We wanted to keep it cozy and something different than what we have here in Lemmon.”
GLUTEN-FREE THURSDAYS
Every Thursday, Picklesimer serves gluten-free items to cater to the gluten-free community members.
“I was trying to build this business off of my faith and also use it as a place of ministry, not just a restaurant.”
-Hana Picklesimer
“I feel like every single day of my life has been this business for the last 18 months. i really enjoy seeing the ways the community has stepped up to help make it possible for me to open.”
-Hana Picklesimer
OPEN FOR BUSINESS!
Monday – Saturday – 7a.m. till 3 p.m.
Sunday – Closed
When it comes to lunchtime, Picklesimer’s go-to is the Pesto Chicken wrap with grilled chicken, pesto, lettuce, tomato, parmesan, and Caesar dressing. The soup of the day is also a crowd favorite.
“Our soups are really good. Those are a big hit, and definitely what I eat the most,” she continued. “And our lemonade; our homemade lemonade is super good.”
Everything is made from scratch with wholesome ingredients, and a new menu recently was released with popular items like the Early Riser breakfast and the Italian Club sandwich.
Picklesimer says communicating faith through work and her food has been fulfilling and spiritually productive, and that it’s a top priority to ensure The Olive Branch is a safe space for every person to feel welcome.
“It’s homey and ties directly into Proverbs. It shows our faith, and it’s another opportunity to minister to somebody and share the love of Jesus,” Picklesimer elaborated. “Without Him, there’s no way I would have been able to open this business at 20 years old. I really wanted to make sure to give Him credit there, too.”
