Just over two weeks ago, on June 19, Sprouts — one of South Shore’s most popular eateries — reopened after a renovation that lasted nearly seven weeks. The restaurant’s new design is modern, clean and organized while still featuring an organic, mountain-town vibe. This goes hand-in-hand with Sprouts’ focus on natural health food.

“After 25 years I had a clear vision of what I wanted in a cafe,” Sprouts owner Tyler Cannon said. “I think I nailed it.”

According to Cannon, the restaurant was completely rebuilt during its closure and renovations went down to the dirt. This allowed updates to the interior structure that optimize space for the large number of customers served every day. A main project goal was to be more efficient with the limited space the building allows.

There are now two registers to accommodate long lines and avoid congestion in the ordering area. Employees also use small, hand-held computers to take orders from people waiting farther back in the queue.

“There’s a new entryway so those in line aren’t bumping against the people eating,” Cannon added.

A streamlined table pattern also allows for servers to move more quickly throughout the restaurant.

“It’s fresh, new and clean, but it’s still Sprouts and it still feels like home,” Sara Krizman, Sprouts manager, said.

New to the kitchen is a hood grill system that allows staff to efficiently prepare food; it also helps accommodate a high volume of guests, as does more sinks and better plumbing.

The increased kitchen space heightens the efficiency of capturing food for compost. According to Cannon, Sprouts is able to compost approximately 2,500 pounds of food scraps each week. Prior to the remodel, it was averaging 1,300-1,500 pounds each week.

“We put a lot of time and energy into this,” he said. “We’re excited for the new look.”

Sprouts is efficient with its energy usage as well — 90 percent of the lights are low-voltage LEDs.

Construction lasted longer than expected because of the renovation’s depth. According to Sprouts’ owners, customers are pleased with the changes.

“I see ‘wow’s when they walk in. They’re shocked,” Cannon said.

No other immediate changes are in the works, but there is a possibility that some menu items will be tweaked in the fall when the summer rush dies down.

Learn more by visiting Sprouts at 3123 Harrison Ave. in South Lake Tahoe; online at http://www.sproutscafetahoe.com or find it on Facebook.