Nourishing Eats
Kalle LeMone turned her passion into a full-time business in downtown Columbia
Spring 2015 was full of anxiety for Kalle LeMone, BS BA ’06, as she prepared to open her first restaurant, Nourish, at 1202 E. Broadway, Suite B, in downtown Columbia. She had a clear niche and an appealing menu she was passionate about, but would the customers come? For years, LeMone had been shopping a few local grocery stores to piece together a diet of local, organic foods. But as a busy expectant mother, she would love to have frequented a restaurant that catered to her tastes. No such eatery existed in CoMo, so she decided to create her own.
When LeMone opened Nourish Café and Market June 5, 2016, with co-owner and head chef Kimber Dean, the moment fulfilled a dream she’d had since graduating from MU with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2006.

LeMone has wanted to own her own business since graduating from Mizzou in 2006. She opened Nourish in the summer of 2016.
The restaurant’s sustainability philosophy ensures that foods are organic (lacking chemical fertilizers and pesticides) and are grown in mid-Missouri as much as possible. LeMone and Dean also create dishes that are not only low-calorie but also dense in vitamins, minerals and healthy fats.
Nourish’s dining area is bright and designed with plenty of greenery. The sustainability theme continues in the use of recyclable to-go containers, utensils and cups as well as in its practice of composting food scraps. The owners believe in supporting local growers, as do their customers. All of their dishes are made from scratch; every morning someone makes the almond and cashew milks, breads and juices.
LeMone didn’t always eat so well. “I grew up on Hamburger Helper and Dunkaroos,” says the St. Joseph, Missouri, native. Eventually, she wanted to feel better, and she knew a better diet and more exercise would help. She began by eating more vegetables and using spices to add flavor. “Don’t be afraid of fats.Don’t be afraid to season things. That’s what gives it flavor,” she says. “There is nothing worse than grilled chicken breast and steamed veggies.”
As for the restaurant’s name, LeMone says it embodies everything the business stands for. “It just means nourishing yourself from the inside out,” she says. “Not only with food but the way you treat yourself. It’s just about nourishing your body, mind and spirit all together.”
Related Stories

Students
Mizzou Artist in Residence and Tigers Support Tigers
Three Mizzou students worked with Artist in Residence Cynthia Perez to create an exciting way to convey the #TigersSupportTigers message of staying safe, on and off campus.

Teaching and Learning
Career services director unveils different side in pursuit of Nashville-sized music goals
Meredith Shaw is practicing what she preaches — the importance of networking.

Alumni
Hiking to the end of ice
From MIZZOU magazine: Author Beth Peterson fell in love with glaciers. Then she fell into one.

Students
Student products vetted by alumni entrepreneurs
Successful alumni entrepreneurs act as judges for Idea Quest competition.
Subscribe to
Show Me Mizzou
Stay up-to-date on all things Mizzou when you subscribe to the Show Me Mizzou newsletter. Issues will arrive in your inbox every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.