FARMINGTON — “Welcome to the Pancakery Cafe,” says the smiling waiter, handing the patron a bright green menu. “What can I get for you?”
It’s Sunday morning, and the sunny community room is bustling with the lively energy of a popular brunch cafe. What makes this cafe unique, however, is that the food is all free — and that the waiter is 10 years old.
The cafe, a youth program at Old South First Congregational Church, 235 Main St. in Farmington, is run by students ranging in age from 8 through 18, according to a news release from Jodie Gunther, director of Children and Youth Ministries at the church.
Youths wearing brightly colored T-shirts shuttle to the kitchen with orders, while others roll out carts loaded with homemade soup, grilled sandwiches, salads, and stacks of pancakes festively decorated with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles. Older students flip pancakes on electric griddles in the kitchen, pour hot coffee and tea from a roving beverage cart, and bag up “to go” orders from any patrons who prefer a take-out meal.
A few adults hover on the sidelines, pulling hot sausage from the oven, operating the industrial dishwasher, and showing a student how to expertly pull an espresso shot for a custom cappuccino drink order. Local musicians fill the dining room with acoustic favorites.
“The Pancakery Cafe is an opportunity to serve our community with joy,” explains Gunther. “The students work hard, but they look forward to it all month.”
She notes that the cafe aims to create a warm, welcoming space that feels like an artsy, fun brunch venue, with vibrant oilcloth coverings on the tables and a lighthearted, seasonal menu. A retro aluminum juice pitcher serves as a discreet donation jar.
The Pancakery Cafe serves from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on the first Sunday of the month, through May; it will resume in September.
Check out other upcoming area events!
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
