A new breakfast spot along U.S. 421 is turning brunch into a full-on production, with upbeat music, a bright interior and a menu that borrows from three continents. Egg Republic opened in July inside the Appaloosa Crossing development at 3295 U.S. 421, marking the first expansion for owners Jon and Mirie Pinjolli outside their home turf of central Illinois.
The Zionsville location is the Pinjollis’ third restaurant, following two existing outposts in Illinois, according to Current Publishing. Before setting up shop in Indiana, Egg Republic ran locations at 511 Chancellor Drive in Bloomington and 5315 West Landens Way in Peoria, according to Egg Republic. Jon and Mirie Pinjolli have spent more than three decades in hospitality and weave elements of their Albanian heritage into the restaurant’s globally inspired dishes and what they call a brunch and bubbles concept.
A Menu Built on Travel and Tradition
The menu reads like a culinary passport. Alongside pancakes and omelets, diners can order pacos — pancake tacos filled with scrambled eggs, chorizo, cheddar cheese and honey — as well as shrimp and grits, creme brulee French toast, chicken-fried bacon and a Capri salad. Per Jon Pinjolli, the menu draws inspiration from Mediterranean, South American and North African cultures, and he said the goal is to give people a diverse menu.
Jon Pinjolli recommends the French toast, enchiladas, and steak and eggs for first-time visitors, and he said Egg Republic wants to break the rules of a typical breakfast joint. Beyond those signature plates, the restaurant also serves specialty items like shakshuka, fig tree omelets, crab cake Benedicts, s’mores galore pancakes and tiramisu pancakes, paired with mimosas and sparkling beverage options, according to Egg Republic’s website. The restaurant also offers sandwich and wrap options for lunch.
Why the Pinjollis Chose Zionsville
The move to Indiana wasn’t part of some long-laid plan. The Pinjollis were encouraged by a friend’s recommendation to explore suburban Indianapolis, and Jon Pinjolli said the couple fell in love with the area, aesthetic, people and community once they visited…