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

Fresno residents experiencing homelessness or food insecurity will be granted some much needed affirmation and dignity when Papa Mike’s Cafe opens on the campus of the Poverello House Wednesday.

The full-service restaurant named after Poverello House’s founder, “Papa” Mike McGarvin, will offer anyone in need a hot meal free of charge, serving up to three meals a day for the community in need.

The Poverello House’s founder created organization with one thing in mind: providing for the needy. Papa Mike started the Poverello House by serving sandwiches out of the back of his car in the 1970s.

 

“Dignity is paramount to the work that we provide at Poverello House,” said Poverello House CEO Zack Darrah. “That’s been at the forefront of our work from the very beginning days of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on the street to what we’re doing now with Papa Mike’s Cafe.”

Executive Chef John Howard will, along with a complement of line cooks, serve up meals from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, 365 days a year. The restaurant will also feature all of the essentials found at restaurants throughout Fresno, featuring bussers, a wait staff and front-of-house staff.

Diners will even receive a receipt for their meal.

Menu items will include everything from breakfast burritos and chicken and waffles to burgers, tacos and more.

The concept to provide a special three-course meal to clients was originally inspired in 2006. Originally, the goal was to offer monthly meals complete with menus and servers.

Darrah expanded on the concept with a daily-operating restaurant through assistance from the County of Fresno, as well as the St. Augustine Foundation, Isnardi Foundation and community volunteers and donations.

“The restaurant is designed, as many things are at Poverello House, to function only with amazing people who come down and volunteer,” Darrah said. “It takes us anywhere from 20 to 30 volunteers per meal service for us to operate.”

In addition to hot meals, Papa Mike’s also offers free Wi-Fi and is located on campus at Poverello House, where guests in need can utilize other services such as hot showers, clean clothes and potential housing assistance.