Michael Lewis and Steve Haigh founded an Asian-American barbecue place called KYU in Wynwood almost four years ago, and while the duo couldn’t get enough of the eclectic and welcoming community, they also (literally) couldn’t get enough of one of their favorite foods — breakfast sandwiches.
So, they decided to open an all-day breakfast place right across the street from KYU to satisfy all their bacon-and-egg needs. And it seems Lewis and Haigh are not the only ones who could go for some good-ole scrambles at 2 or 3 in the afternoon.
Haigh, the General Manager of both spots, said there is a wide-range of customers who enjoy Laid Fresh’s trendy menu and relaxed environment. In the middle of the space is a huge, family-style table with bins of legos, which he added, are both for kids and adults.
“We also have business meetings that come in the mornings, and they all sit around the table and plug in their laptops,” said Haigh. “And there are studies that show that if you keep your hands busy, you focus more on the conversations that you’re having.”
In the corner are three pairs of headphones hanging from the wall, each one ready to serenade its listeners with a different tune: a motivational speaker, calming sounds or a heavy rock anthem. Picture all this atop a coffee-shop-esque couch, and there really isn’t anything ordinary about this new take on a community café.
For any time of the day and any type of consumer, Laid Fresh’s menu is as versatile as its seating arrangements. “The idea is egg sandwiches all day,” said Haigh. “That’s the kind of core concept, but we added other super tasty sandwiches and salads and some snacky items.”
Chef Lewis, when asked his favorite item on the menu, simply blushes.
“You’re asking the wrong guy,” he said. “They’re all my babies.”
When he finally cracked (no pun intended), Lewis said that he goes through phases with his creations.
“I started out going for the Soft Scramble or Sausage and Egg,” he said. “Then I moved onto the Laid Egg for a little while. Now, I’m on a Pastrami kick and a Watermelon Salad kick.”
The name of Haigh and Lewis’ new brainchild is not random, either. Most of the side items on the menu come from businesses that share the same sidewalk as Laid Fresh, such as Panther Coffee, Expressed Juice and Zak the Baker.
“You come here in the morning and you can literally wave to the baker and the guy who runs the coffee shop. Everybody knows each other,” said Lewis.
It’s low-key and shameless dining. You can cure your hangover with a fried egg and sausage sandwich, or get some work done with a bit of green salad by your side. Whatever the whim, whatever the craving, at whatever time of the day, Laid Fresh is here for you – eggs, bacon, fresh beignets and all.
words & photos_isabella vaccaro