Brent and Penny Jepperson, husband and wife co-owners of the Village Green Arts Center and Restaurant, believe that "it takes a village" to succeed. That is why they assembled a team of multitalented artists and made them part-owners in the business, instead of hiring them as employees.
The Jeppersons began leasing their current location in August 2007. After a year of extensive remodeling, they opened the Village Green Arts Center in August 2008, a place for painters, poets, actors, vocalists, photographers and a variety of performing and visual artists to display their talents.
Local and international groups have entertained guests in the 72-seat theater, including Tony Award winner Lisa Hopkins, who usually performs on Broadway.
About six months ago, the Jeppersons decided to add the culinary arts to their lineup of acts and began refurbishing the kitchen.
"We consider our kitchen to be just as much of a studio as the arts center," Brent Jepperson said.
In August 2010, they opened the Village Grill Restaurant. Now, families, friends and couples can enjoy dinner and a show for about the same price they would pay for dinner and a movie.
Chris Sandberg is the kitchen manager, or "Head Food Artist." The menu includes healthy vegan and vegetarian options, as well as plenty of choices for the purely decadent diner.
The focus is on freshness, as well as buying organic and using local vendors.
Some popular dishes include the Chicken or Vegetarian Enchilada ($9.99) with pepper jack and goat cheeses, spinach and roasted corn tomatillo sauce; the All American Classic Cheese Burger ($5.99) with a 1/3-pound Angus beef patty and crispy battered fries; and the Portabello Mushroom Sandwich ($7.99), marinated grilled mushrooms with basil pesto and goat cheese on ciabatta bread.
Dessert items include Mud Pie ($4.99), Village Cheesecake ($2.99) and the Village Nachos ($4.99) -- fried tortillas topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.
The unique location includes a balcony overlooking a picturesque pond and a wall of windows with a great view of the mountains.
In addition to theatrical productions, vocal performances and poetry readings, Village Green also brings in magicians and storytellers to please the whole family.
To find out the schedule, make a reservation, buy tickets or book your own act, contact Brent or Penny Jepperson at 801-825-1336.
"Our staff is brilliant," Brent Jepperson added. "We are doing this to create art in the community and to bring opportunities to artists."
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