First Place – GRAZERS

GRAZERS mission is to serve healthy, fresh foods with simple ingredients.

GRAZERS opened doors on Franklin Avenue in Downtown Kent three years ago by two elementary school teachers and this past fall, opened their second location in the Kent State Student Center.

“Even though we designed the menu to cater to people with just about any dietary need, restriction or allergy, we have delicious food for everyone from plant-based eater to carnivore,” said Carl Bauer, one of the owners of GRAZERS.

“Our most popular sauce is our Chipotle Aioli. Even though it doesn’t exactly fall into the low-cal category with all the healthy options underneath it, it’s well worth it,” said Stacey, one of the owners of GRAZERS.

If your vegan and struggle finding a place that serves vegan options look no further than GRAZERS for your delicious meals.

GRAZERS Franklin Avenue location will be closing at the end of May, but will be opening in their new, larger location on 123 N. Water Street later this summer.

“Yes, our food is amazing,” said Kevin Dreslinski, partner and business development director, “but making connections with each and every customer is what really sets GRAZERS apart from other restaurants. It’s the way we make a difference in their lives and how they make a difference in ours.”

Second Place – Fresco

This Mexican Grill and Salsa bar located in Downtown Kent will fill all your Mexican food needs with the wide variety on the menu, including dietary-friendly options.

All ingredients are fresh and prepared daily at Fresco and if you ever want a vegetarian version, all you need to do is ask.

If you’re looking for a place with gluten-free options, Fresco is the place for you. All taco shells, soft corn and crispy corn, can be made gluten-free. All six delicious salads can also be made gluten-free.

If a burrito sounds good to you, but you want to hold the burrito shell, any burrito can be turned into a gluten-free bowl. This can all be done by a simple request while placing your order.

Third Place – Laziza

Laziza, a Mediterranean restaurant and bar with an outside patio, attracts many customers because of their vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options.

“Laziza is the place where Mediterranean cuisine is redefined,” according to their menu.

This establishment, operated by Michael Award, offers many dishes you may have never had like Kafta Kabobs, hummus with lamb, Mediterranean pasta and more.

“Our most popular dish would be any of our Shawarma dishes, like Chicken Shawarma and Beef Shawarma,” said Jessica Bruehler, manager at Laziza.

Jordan Griffin is an entertainment reporter. Contact him at [email protected].