Journal & Courier Featured Article

The Homestead Puts Down Roots in West Lafayette

WEST LAFAYETTE — Jody Bahler and her husband, Mike, opened The Homestead in Remington in 2010. In October, the couple opened a second location in West Lafayette at 1185 Sagamore Parkway.

The Homestead is a multifaceted business organized around one core concept: good food.

Both locations offer a wide selection of jams, pickled relishes, baked goods and a full-service lunch counter. The store also sells homemade frozen quiches, casseroles and pies.

“We make everything from scratch so the consumer just buys it, thaws it and makes it,” Bahler said.

A spinach and bacon quiche is one of the store’s best sellers, Bahler added.

Jen Allen said she has been patronizing The Homestead in Remington for years to purchase anything from bulk products to a quick lunch.

“The salad bar is always fantastic and fresh,” Allen said. “I’ve had their sandwiches, which are to die for, and don’t even get me started on the scones or cinnamon rolls.”

The lunch menu includes a full roster of sandwiches, from reubens to pulled pork, as well as soups and salad. Most of the meat comes from The Homestead deli in Remington, which also occasionally offers a variety of smoked meats. Occasionally, Bahler said they will sell parcels of vacuum packed smoked meat.

The Homestead offers a selection of frozen and fresh baked pies. (Photo: Jody Bahler)

THEY ARE MY GO-TO WHEN I WANT SOMETHING A LITTLE NICER. JEN ALLEN

The Homestead also caters events, an aspect of the business that has taken off since opening a second location in West Lafayette.

Bahler added the West Lafayette store has been very well received, and already they are seeing regulars come by for breakfast and lunch.

“It’s gone really well in West Lafayette,” she said. “It seems like it’s been well received and we have a nice lunch crowd.”

At the moment, the Bahlers have no plans to open a third location, despite their strong customer base and thriving catering business.

Allen, who also uses The Homestead for catering, said she doesn’t know what she would do without the business.

“They are my go-to when I want something a little nicer,” she said.

Reach Journal & Courier reporter Emma Ea Ambrose at eambrose@gannett.com or 765-431-1192.