One Bistro: Making a space for neighbors to eat By Avon/ea Brown Outside, cars whoosh by and people bustle back and forth in front of the windows, leaves strewn on the sidewalk. Inside, the sounds of laughter and silverware on plates fill the little cafe. Booths and tables are filled with family, friends and strangers. In one booth a group of three girls share breakfast, in the next booth a group of old women eat and share conversation. Sitting at the community table in the middle of the room is a family of four with two children playing with toys while they wait for food. Another table by the kitchen hosts an old man who smiles at all the volunteers that pass by. One Bistro is a community cafe on East Main Street in Xenia, Ohio, that is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. The inviting green exterior brings many curious guests to the non-profit, and the food and friendly atmosphere make them stay. "At One Bistro, our mission is to provide a place where our neighbors eat and come together as one community," said Denise Davis, board president of One Bistro. "When we say there is a seat at the table for everyone, we really mean there's a seat at the table for everyone regardless of what you look like, who you love, where you come from, how educated you are, what color your skin Is It does not matter to us." "Biznistry" defines One Bistro's model. They are simultaneously a non-profit business and a ministry Prayer is a huge part of One Bistro's ministry By the register, a string of white cards is pinned to the wall The cards read "Pray it Forward," customers are welcome to take a card and write their prayer request, and volunteers and fellow customers can then take that card and pray for that request. 18 CID.llS "Every morning in the cafe, our team prays together with the volunteers that are in there before we open the doors for service," Davis said. Currently, One Bistro pays two cooks and one manager. The rest of the duties are done by a host of volunteers that the community cafe relies on to remain open. "I love working here for the people," said Karen, who began volunteering back in 2016 after hearing about it through her church newsletter. "I like the opportunity to serve and feel like I am doing something productive with some eternal value." Volunteers are encouraged to sign up online using the One Bistro website, but drop-ins are always welcome. "I try to volunteer whenever I can," said Randy, another regular volunteer who found out about One Bistro during one of his frequent visits to Coffee Hub, the coffee shop next door. "Sometimes I'll get a text from [the front of house manager] and it'll ask if I can come in last minute to fill a spot for the day, and I always say yes." The volunteers can fill multiple slots: dishwasher, server, greeter or some qualified volunteers can help in the kitchen. Every position Is important to the cafe, but the volunteers contribute the most to the mission of One Bistro when they walk around and talk with the guests. Volunteers at One Bistro come in all forms, just like their customers. There are volunteers who have the time and want to give back to their community; there are volunteers who have busy schedules but still donate their time whenever they can; there are volunteers who come to fulfill a community service requirement from court or school; there are volunteers who work for a meal because that is the only way they can afford to eat. Photography by Logan Howard Fall 2023
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM4ODY=