Out of the Box opens in downtown Lebanon

Courtney Essett, The Lebanon Reporter, Ind.
·2 min read

Mar. 1—More than ever, families are enjoying meals at home due to shuttered restaurants, social distancing or just trying to save money. Those who are looking for a break from cooking or trying to come up with different meal ideas now have a new option.

Out of the Box from Chrissy's Kitchen is a new concept offering healthier, family-style meals to-go. Owner Chrissy White celebrated her grand opening with a ribbon cutting Monday.

Lebanon Mayor Matt Gentry and business representatives and supporters throughout the community attended the celebration.

"Cooking makes me happy," White said. "I love taking care of people but I've never been a restaurant person."

After losing her job at a tech company at the onset of the pandemic, White decided to don an apron and make a new living doing what she loves.

"I asked myself 'do you just go ahead and jump,' and a little anxiety did hit me," she said. She jumped anyway.

White was able to open her business with help from the Boone County Economic Development Corporation's Propel Program. It aims to excel Boone County small businesses and start-ups through financial and business support.

White admits that it was a little nerve-wrecking to open a restaurant in the middle of a pandemic but says she was filling a need she noticed — making wholesome food available on-the-fly.

"It's been a labor of love, but certainly a little daunting," White said.

Monday through Thursday, Out of the Box will offer two options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Diners can select how many servings they would like and pay online.

They can then head to the restaurant to pick up inside or curbside. White said free delivery is available within five miles.

"It's not health food," White said. "It's just well-balanced family food that you can get as easily as you get pizza."

White said that while she and her teammates Marcie Cates and Cheri Goodwin are feeling out the demand, food will only be prepared in certain quantities. They plan to adjust to the flow of business but for now, when it's gone, it's gone until next time.

"It's an ongoing learning process," she said. "But bear with us and if you don't get a meal, let us know at info@outoftheboxindy.com."

There's also a coffee and tea bar available, with grab and go pastries and homemade power bars. Those working or visiting Lebanon's downtown square can swing by and grab a convenient lunch from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Out of the Box from Chrissy's Kitchen is at 109 N. Meridian St., Lebanon. Visit the website at www.outoftheboxindy.com for menus, operating hours and to place an order.