Council approves special exception for 'Breathing Vegan' to open at former Taft Street Subway
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Summary
The council unanimously approved a special‑exception permit allowing Donna Webster to convert 7187 Taft Street (former Subway) into a 48‑seat vegan restaurant called 'Breathing Vegan'; the planning commission had recommended approval 5‑0 and Webster described plans for local sourcing and community cooking programs.
The Town of Merrillville council unanimously approved a special‑exception permit for a proposed vegan restaurant at 7187 Taft Street, allowing operator Donna Webster to convert the former Subway location into an indoor restaurant with 48 seats.
Planning staff introduced the petition and said the planning commission had preliminarily approved the request 5‑0 with no remonstrators. Webster told the council she and her husband have lived in the area for 13 years and that "we are planning to open up the first vegan restaurant I've ever known in Maryville." She said the restaurant — branded in the discussion as "Breathing Vegan" — will offer plant‑based entrees, specialty pizzas and juice/cleanse drinks, and will employ four staff members at the location.
Webster described a mix of local and regional sourcing: "We buy our vegetables and fruits from our local farmers Market. We do shop at Whole Foods and we do shop at Costco, Sam's Club to get some of our fruits and vegetables," she said, adding that the food truck she already operates will act as a billboard during the winter and will operate at markets in the summer.
Councilors asked about sourcing and menu authenticity; Webster said most menu items will be whole‑food‑based and she will offer some processed items for customers. The council congratulated Webster and discussed logistics (including a reminder to bring any food samples outside the meeting room). A roll‑call vote recorded seven in favor; the motion carried.
The planning staff report contained proposed hours of operation (Tuesday–Friday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Saturday noon–10 p.m.; closed Sunday–Monday) and said the approval is limited to this petitioner at this location for this use. Council members said they look forward to patronizing the new restaurant and encouraged Webster to proceed with permitting and inspections.
Next steps: Webster will complete required permitting and inspections with planning and health departments before the restaurant can open to the public.