ERIKETA COST
Assistant Life & Arts Editor
Lately, there’s been a lot of talk on campus about the new location of The Mustard Seed opening up in the village on April 25.
But not a lot of people are aware of the story, or the couple behind it.
Bob and Laurie Scudder had dreamt of opening a restaurant for over 20 years.
Bob, a seasoned businessman, had recently owned a hardware store in the village called “Fredonia Hardware.”
He always thought of using the skills he learned from running his business to open a restaurant.
Coincidently, Scudder’s son-in-law stumbled upon an ad that happened to be selling the original Mustard Seed in Dayton, N.Y.
The Scudders decided to go talk to the owner, Nettie Puleff, about potentially doing business.
“My first thought was to rent her the hardware space. But before you knew it, we ended up partnering up with her,” said Bob.
Scudder sold his hardware material and inventory to make way for the new location of The Mustard Seed.
“I am a man of faith, and I believe God had a hand on this,” he said. “This is what we are supposed to be doing.”
The Scudders also mentioned that their daughter and son-in-law will also be involved in the business.
“They’re in their 30s, so they’re bringing a lot of fresh ideas that the young people are going to enjoy,” said Laurie.
Some of these new ideas include vegan and gluten-free options.
“We’ll have an area of the kitchen sectioned off to prepare food for anyone with dietary restrictions, allergies or gluten-free needs,” said Bob.
Additionally, The Scudders couldn’t hide their enthusiasm for the quality of the food.
Their hamburgers are all grass-fed and hormone-free.
95 percent of their fish will be grilled.
Their bread is all homemade, including some that is dairy free for those who are vegan.
“We specialize in sunflower bread that is out-of-this-world,” said Laurie.
The restaurant will include handicap-accessible bathrooms and parking.
As far as the menu, they have a wide range of options to offer.
Wraps, salads, pasta dinners, hamburgers and steak are a few to name.
One of the things that make The Mustard Seed unique is their venue’s homie-feel.
“Nettie set up her restaurant in Dayton in her dining room, so we are trying to keep that same homie and eclectic feel to it,” said Laurie. “We want it to feel like you are sitting in your living room at home.”
The restaurant will also offer take-out options for customers who prefer to dine at home.
The two believe the restaurant is going to be a hit with Fredonia students in the village.
“We love Fredonia, the school and the community. We need you guys and you need us,” said Laurie.
The Mustard Seed is located at 31 East Main Street and will be open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For more information on the restaurant opening and menu, please visit themustardseedrestaurant.com.