West Lafayette, IND. — Cunningham Restaurant Group (CRG) on Monday (Feb. 2) officially opened the doors of The Lawrence, a new dining destination celebrating Indiana’s rich agricultural heritage located in the newly restored Beck Barn within the Discovery Park District at Purdue.
The Lawrence offers seating for up to 113 guests indoors and 45 on the patio, with additional event space accommodating up to 200 guests. A flexible private dining room seats up to 24, making it ideal for intimate gatherings or corporate events.
Rooted in community, history, and local flavor, The Lawrence features menus crafted from scratch with fresh, seasonal ingredients from CRG Grow, the group’s state-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouse. Guests can expect a dining experience that celebrates Indiana agriculture and culinary innovation.
“Restoring Beck Barn and bringing it to life as a place where people can gather, celebrate and enjoy food grown with intention is incredibly meaningful to us,” said CRG CEO Mike Cunningham. “We’re honored to partner with the Beck family and Purdue to create a restaurant that not only serves great food, but tells a story that’s deeply connected to this place.”
As part of the project, the historic Beck Barn, donated by Beck’s Hybrids CEO Sonny Beck and the Beck family, was carefully disassembled, relocated to West Lafayette and restored. The restaurant’s name honors Lawrence Beck, the company’s founder, reflecting the Beck family’s lasting impact on Indiana farm and the state’s agricultural heritage.
“From the time we first purchased this historic barn with its cathedral-style interior, our family knew this would really make a nice restaurant someday,” said Beck. “We are thankful that Purdue University had the perfect spot.”
The restaurant’s opening marks a significant milestone in advancing the district’s master plan, anchoring ongoing upgrades to the surrounding Squirrel Park. By situating The Lawrence at the heart of the district, the restaurant not only offers a new culinary destination but also reinforces the district’s commitment to sustainability, placemaking, and community impact.
“Partnering with CRG has been an incredible opportunity to cultivate a space that brings people together,” said Jeremy Slater, vice president of real estate and partnerships at Purdue Research Foundation. “We’re excited to see how the district thrives as we continue to establish partnerships that strengthen and serve the Greater Lafayette community.”
The Lawrence is located at 150 McCutcheon Drive in West Lafayette. The restaurant and bar will be open daily. To learn more or inquire about events and private dining, visit The Lawrence’s website.
About Cunningham Restaurant Group
Cunningham Restaurant Group (CRG) operates 19 unique restaurant concepts across the Midwest and is home to a large-scale catering and events sector, Premier Events and Catering. CRG also proudly operates a greenhouse, CRG Grow Greenhouse, which provides fresh herbs and ingredients to its restaurants. Some of the company’s beloved locations include Vida, Commission Row, Livery, BRU Burger Bar, Nesso Italian Kitchen, Boulder Creek Dining Company, and more. Known for its innovation, dedication to quality, and commitment to sustainability, CRG continues to set the standard for exceptional dining experiences. For more information, visit www.crgdining.com or follow @crgrestaurants on Instagram and Facebook.
About Beck’s Hybrids
Beck’s- Farmers At Heart® – revolutionized the customer seed buying experience by remaining true to a foundation built on faith, family, and farming. Founded in 1937, Beck’s appreciates the farmers who have helped them become the largest family-owned retail seed company and the third-largest seed brand in the United States. The Beck family is now in its fifth generation of family members who work in the business to honor God and help farmers succeed. The Beck family and team of employees help farmers achieve success from generation to generation through authentic customer experiences, product diversity, seed quality, and performance. With a home office located in Atlanta, Ind., Beck’s serves farmers throughout the Midwest and Mid-South. For more information about Beck’s, visit https://www.beckshybrids.com/. Follow Beck’s on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
About Purdue Research Foundation
Purdue Research Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University. Established in 1930, the foundation accepts gifts; administers trusts; funds scholarships and grants; acquires and sells property; protects and licenses Purdue’s intellectual property; and supports creating Purdue-connected startups on behalf of Purdue. The foundation operates Purdue Innovates and manages Purdue Research Park, Discovery Park District, Purdue Technology Centers and Purdue for Life Foundation.
Media contact: Polly Barks, phbarks@prf.org
