The idea of a coffee bar, a vegetarian restaurant and a stir-fry bar tied together in a Campustown location may seem unimaginable, but it has become a reality.

Thanks to People’s Bar and Grill owner Tom Zmolek, a unique cafe dubbed Bohemian Bean will open this winter.

The cafe, at 2424 Lincoln Way, located next to the old Varsity Theater, has replaced what was Chinatown restaurant. Owning both the old theater and the cafe, Zmolek decided to create People’s Theater and Bohemian Bean — two businesses that likely would complement one another.

“People at the theater can grab a cappuccino or some food while waiting during a set break,” Zmolek said.

A bright, cozy environment and unique menu items will contribute to the originality of Bohemian Bean.

“I kind of wanted a place for people to come with friends or be alone and still feel comfortable. The kind of look for the cafe is like walking into an alley cafe that’s bright, clean and airy,” he said.

Zmolek is shooting for an urban outdoor atmosphere, combining wood floors, a scattering of plants, high ceilings and artwork.

Adding to Bohemian Bean’s personality will be sounds of New Age and jazz music and a collection of international newspapers.

He said he plans to open an actual outdoor area in the back of the cafe this summer.

The idea behind Bohemian Bean formulated when Zmolek took a look at a variety of cafes and stir-fry bars in Chicago and other larger cities.

He said the Chicago establishments were popular and seemed like a business opportunity in Ames.

He said as owner of People’s Bar and Grill, he recognized an absence of healthy food alternatives in Campustown and decided to fix the problem.

“We have been working with Wheatsfield, the organic store downtown, with our ingredients for the food. Many people in the community have shown interest already and are excited about the opening,” Zmolek said.

Menu choices at Bohemian Bean primarily will be vegetarian or vegan, which is food prepared without animal products such as eggs, milk and butter.

Zmolek said the stir-fry bar will be similar to a salad bar, at which the customer may pick from an assortment of vegetables, rice, noodles and sauces.

After filling a pan with a stir-fry selection, customers can watch as their food is prepared in a wok.

Zmolek said the stir-fry bar is limited to lunch and dinner and he is planning a promotion featuring lunch for $5 in five minutes. He said the deal will be convenient for the Iowa State community.

“Many of the staff at Iowa State only have 20 minutes for lunch, and they could even come and get a quick lunch,” he said.

Though most menu items will be vegetarian, it also will offer a few meats, including chicken.

Fresh produce will be available according to season, and Zmolek said fresh soups will be prepared daily, as well as pastas, sandwiches and international treats.

“We will feature different styles of food from Mediterranean, T’ai, Italian, Mexican, to a nice mix of everything. Our main goal is to emphasize the fresh ingredients,” said Bohemian Bean’s head cook Chad Schaefer.

The cafe will include a full line of coffee, lattes, mochas and cappuccino; the line will substitute coconut or almond milks instead of heavy creams for flavoring. Coffee beans also will be on sale to the public.

Brent Watson, coordinator of the coffees offered at Bohemian Bean, said the choice of coffees will depend on the social and environmental consciousness of the companies that choose the beans.

“We are trying to work with companies with sustainable coffees that give back to the community with local foundations like wildlife funds and larger organizations,” said Brent Watson, coordinator of drinks at Bohemian Bean.

Zmolek added that delivery within two days of the order will ensure fresh coffee beans.

Chi, a special ground tea similar to espresso, will be featured as well as fresh juices. In addition, a breakfast menu featuring muffins, cinnamon rolls and vegetarian foods will be offered. The cafe will open every day at 7 a.m.

Zmolek said he feels the cafe will be successful because it has no ethnic base and will be geared toward all people.

“People get perceptions of restaurants because a certain type of people go there, but this will be a place for a mix of everyone from residents to students,” he said.