“It’s a good day to have a good day” is one of the slogans at Toast & Jam Breakfast & Lunch Cafe in Schererville.
“Breakfast is the most important part of the day,” said Michelle Martinez, who co-owns the restaurant with others including Sam Cappas of Schererville.
“The place is bright and happy and you just start your day that way. We wanted to have the atmosphere be positive and bright.”
Toast & Jam opened in May in a spot that housed 73rd St. Prime (formerly Kelsey’s Steak House).
“The location was great. Sam grew up over there so he loves the area. I grew up over here too. We just love it. All our friends are around here,” said Martinez, of Crown Point.
With seating for approximately 175 people, Toast & Jam serves dishes including waffles starting at $6.50, burgers starting at $7.75, sandwiches starting at $8.75, eggs Benedict creations starting at $8.25 and skillets, omelets and salads all starting at $7.95.
“One of our most popular items is we have a banana crumble French toast,” Martinez said. “It’s banana bread dipped in our custom batter and then we sprinkle sauteed bananas and caramel. It’s really good.”
The Mediterranean strata is also popular and comes with roasted peppers, baby spinach and fresh garlic sauteed and mixed with feta and chunks of brioche that is baked and served with ancho-tomato sauce.
“We have classics like biscuits and gravy. We make our own gravy and our own biscuits. We have what others don’t, like calzones or cannoli pancakes, so it’s not just something where you’re going to go to just your average breakfast restaurant,” said Martinez, who also manages Toast & Jam.
The 39-year-old, who started in the restaurant industry at age 14, was general manager of Sheffield’s Restaurant & Sports Bar in Dyer and Merrillville and banquet manager at the former Woodmar Country Club in Hammond, coordinated weddings at the Allure in LaPorte and served at Giovanni’s in Munster.
Toast & Jam offers catering and banquet menus. There is also space for private parties and gatherings including baby showers, funeral luncheons, bridal showers, senior meetings, Bible studies and business meetings.
“We have all vintage toasters on the wall and the word “toast” on one side and “jam” on the other side with the logo painted different colors. We just want to have a good energy. It’s fun and happy,” said Martinez of the decor designed with Mixdesign, of Schererville.
Toast & Jam serves alcohol such as bellinis, bloody marys and mimosas. Dine-in only specials include 25 percent off on Tuesdays for seniors and a free entree for one’s birthday.
The restaurant also features homemade pina colada and mixed berries jams along with a monthly flavor (cherry in November, apple cranberry in December). Jars of homemade jam will be available for purchase come December.
Hours: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
Toast & Jam Breakfast & Lunch Cafe is at 7311 Mallard Lane, Schererville. Contact 219-769-0000 or www.toastandjamcafe.com.
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance writer.
