Greenville vs. Katy Trail

Have you ever wondered when restaurants have multiple locations which location is better? The location where the food and concept was developed? Or the newer, bigger and better location? Or is there even a difference between the two aside from location?  I am sure you have asked yourself these questions when choosing which location for Company Cafe.

The original was opened on Greenville back in 2011. While the new location on the Katy Trail opened this past December 2011. Yes, I know both locations were opened in the same year, merely months apart. Thanks to my iPhone, I discovered the two locations are only 3.6 miles apart, roughly a ten minute drive. The food at this mostly gluten free, hormone free restaurant must not only be healthy but delicious. With months between openings and only 3.6 miles between locations, which location do you choose? The only logical thing was for me to dine at both and select the location that delivered the overall preferred dining experience.

This proved to be quite difficult as there aren't too many distinguishing factors between the two locations. Both serve an identical menu of delicious food that is healthier than most restaurants. Food is served in a very laid back atmosphere. Company Cafe has taken queues from Cafe Brazil by providing a self serve coffee bar during breakfast and brunch hours. If sitting outside on one of the picnic style tables, don't be surprised if another party is seated at the same table. Although the atmosphere appears effortless, the food is definitely the opposite. The dishes are very simplistic, but expect ingredients so fresh that they make up for the lack of complexity and are still gourmet. My brunch recommendations for both locations include:  

Veggie RX- An open faced omelet topped with veggies, sure to please any vegetable lover.
The Beat- A heartier dish for those wanting something filling. 
Fresh Fruit Side- Forget the un-ripe cantaloupes and melons; a Company Cafe fruit salad is a dish comprised of fruit we really like- apples, dried cranberries, blueberries, and yes, even blackberries.
If you are eating dinner at either of the locations, I suggest you try one of the following dishes:

Salad- Any of the salads at Company Cafe are large in portion and are layered with lots of fresh lettuce and ingredients that will please any salad or non-salad lover.
Chef Fred's Gluten Free Chicken and Waffles- Even gluten lovers will enjoy this gluten free version of a classic southern dish.
Sides- And don't forget to try one of their many delicious sides with your meal!

I have gone on and on about the food and the experience, but I have not helped you come any closer to picking a location. So what distinguishes the two locations? Don't worry I have created a little chart to assist:

   
   


   
   
Greenville
   
   
Katy Trail
  
   
   


Patio View
   
   
Look past the valet stand and you can see the vacated   building across the street.
   
   
Watch   the attractive, fit people run by. Warning:   You might question your decision to order dessert! 
  
   
   


Dog Friendly
   
   
Grab your four-legged buddy and   take a seat on the patio. 
   
   
Bring Fido along when eating on   the large dog friendly patio.
  
   
   




The Patio
   
   
Partially   shaded, but then again it’s so small it’s not hard to shade.
   
   
Lather   on the sunscreen, outdoor seating is full sun. (With a Texas summer rapidly   approaching, this location should consider investing in fans and umbrellas.)
  
   
   


Exercise   Friendly
   
   
Would you want to take a run down   Greenville before popping in for a bite a Company Cafe?
   
   
Put on your Lululemon yoga clothes   and go for a light run, Company Cafe on the Trail is   en-route.
  

As you can see I haven't found many differences between the two locations. While I do enjoy eating at both locations, the time has come to choose one over the other.  If I was going to pick only one location for Company Cafe I would choose Katy Trail over Greenville.
I might be biased, after all the Katy Trail location is in walking distance. (I guess location, location, location really is the most important thing!) Finally, I can feel good about indulging in the gluten free French toast, because today after brunch I'm walking home!

-SJ

Company Cafe Website