Origins in the 70s.

The first incarnation of Seva started in Columbus, Ohio in 1971. Founders Steven F. Bellock and Barney Greenbaum wanted to start a whole foods vegetarian restaurant.

Bellock moved to Ann Arbor in 1973, taking over the Soybean Cellars Restaurant. The new restaurant was called Seva Longevity Cookery (pictured at right: image from the Ann Arbor District Library's historical image database). In January 1984, Seva acquired the Arbor Farms Market.

Today, Seva, owned by Jeff and Maren Jackson, is the highest volume vegetarian restaurant in the Midwest, with a reputation for great food, friendly service, and fantastic atmosphere.

What does "seva" mean?

The name Seva (pronounced say-vah) is adapted from the French and Spanish expressions "comment ca va?" and "como ca va?" They're friendly and informal greetings, the equivalent of asking, "how's it going?" in English. They generally elicit the simple response, "ca va."

Seva is also derived from a Hindu word meaning "service," and "satisfaction" in Hebrew. The various connotations sum up our attitude at Seva Restaurant which is, "Hi, how can I help you?"