By Stephanie Bernaba
Scott Trzaskus had his hands full running East End Grill on Lafayette’s Main Street when catering and event requests began rolling in — requests too large for his restaurant to handle. “Filet and shrimp and grits don’t travel well in a box,” he said. He realized Lafayette’s residents and visitors needed better catering options. That’s when the crumbling building across the street started to look like his next opportunity.
Trzaskus’ epiphany led to the creation of Ripple & Company in 2019, the casual sister restaurant of East End Grill. Built from the bones of that deteriorating building, Ripple transformed into a vibrant two-story destination serving hearty barbecue to the Lafayette area.
An atmosphere to match the menu
The first floor’s eclectic energy complements the menu, which includes smoked meats and craft cocktails. Large front windows open onto the street, creating a Southern-style elegance that Trzaskus described as making you feel “like you’re somewhere else.”
Ripple’s second floor features an adaptable event space that has hosted a wide range of events, from intimate weddings to corporate gatherings.
A creative culinary team
Themed dinners have become legendary among locals. They offer carefully curated multi-course experiences limited to 40 guests. From exotic culinary destinations to tequila and wine dinners, these adventures showcase the culinary team’s passion.
“We typically start those with a cocktail reception out on the patio,” Trzaskus said. “Then everybody
has a seat, and Chef de Cuisine Nik Emerick and our event chefs Aaron Molden and Bailey Horton will come out and give a brief overview of what the night will consist of.”
“I stay out of their way because this is their chance to really be creative and have fun,” Trzaskus said of his culinary team. This philosophy extends throughout Ripple’s operations, where everything is made from scratch, including their house-made pickles and Emerick’s famous cheesecake.
The use of Prime Valley Farms Wagyu beef and David Paige Wines, thanks to local partners John Gorup and George Rickus, underscores the team’s commitment to sourcing high-quality products through direct, hyper-local partnerships.
‘In the business of saying yes’
The restaurant’s success stems from what Trzaskus calls being “in the business of saying yes.” Whether customizing a catering menu for 170 friends of Purdue football or creating gluten-free and vegan options, Ripple’s team thrives on culinary challenges.
Rather than competing with East End Grill, the two restaurants operate harmoniously to invigorate
the entire block.
“I really think more than anything, what they’ve done is complemented each other more than they’ve competed,” Trzaskus said.
This collaboration extends to community involvement. Both restaurants participate in Lafayette’s “Mosey Down Main Street” festivals and pioneered the city’s Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) program, established in 2024.
RIPPLE & COMPANY
1101 Main St. | Lafayette, IN 47901
765-742-3300
