It takes 20-30 volunteers to run a meal service at the Papa Mike's Cafe at the Poverello House. Poverello House photo

Papa Mike’s Café, the Poverello House’s no-cost, full-service restaurant, celebrated its one-year anniversary last week, commemorating the landmark with a special sit-down, three-course dinner Friday.

Papa Mike’s Café opened last year, named after the founder of the Poverello House, “Papa” Mike McGarvin, and offers three no-cost meal options per day for anyone in need in the community. Papa Mike’s mission is to offer more than meals, offering a service that is “dedicated to providing a restaurant-style experience for all individuals in [the] community.”

It has provided more than a quarter-million meals since its opening.

“We are incredibly grateful to our community  for their support over the past year and are excited to celebrate this special occasion with a memorable dining experience,” Darrah said in a news release Friday. “In 2024, Papa Mike’s Café provided over 300,000 hot, fresh meals.”

Papa Mike’s Café was first conceptualized in 2006 when leaders at the Poverello House pictured a special three-course meal to guests once a month, complete with menus and servers.

Poverello House and CEO Zack Darrah took that concept and ran with it, expanding the concept to provide a daily service through a comprehensive renovation of the Poverello House’s kitchen and dining room thanks to support from Fresno County.

The Isnardi Foundation, St. Augustine Foundation and Fresno community as a whole also played a critical role in bringing the project to life.

Guests at Friday’s event were treated to a full three-course meal, featuring steak, chicken parmesan, or tortellini with a variety of side options and a tiramisu dessert.

The regular weekly menu options include breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring everything from omelets to chicken nachos and mac & cheese to chicken parmesan sandwiches, burgers and more.

Papa Mike’s Café is open for breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant reopens for lunch and dinner from noon to 5 p.m. weekdays and from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

To learn more about Papa Mike’s Cafe, as well as all Poverello House services, check out the Poverello House website, or visit the Poverello House at 412 F. St., in Fresno.