An inclusive, progressive Pinellas Park congregation, Good Samaritan Church, is preparing to open a pay-what-you-can restaurant in St. Pete. Called Beloved Community Cafe, it’s launching at 1940 Central Avenue, according to coverage by St. Pete Rising.
Good Samaritan is led by Rev. Jen Daysa. Rev. Daysa described to St. Pete Rising the church’s hopes for the new cafe as a place for the provision of help, where everyone feels welcome:
“We hope a recent widow, a middle-aged transplant, a queer teenager, or a recovering addict might all find something here that feeds their hunger—both physically and spiritually. We will always have staff and volunteers ready to join someone at the table. No one will have to eat alone.”
Beloved Community Cafe is expected to open before the end 2025, the coverage says. The building will feature a cafe (including a kitchen), a lounge area, and offices shared by the church the Recovery Epicenter Foundation, which is partnering with Good Samaritan Church in the project.
The location will also be house the church’s Sunday morning brunch services.
“We are a progressive, Open and Affirming/More Light Christian congregation,” says Good Samaritan Church’s website. “We create quality opportunities in worship, education, mutual caring, and service to others. We provide a spiritual home for all persons regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or religious experience.”
Keep an eye out for the opening of Beloved Community Cafe, and do you what you can for this project to offer support, community, and food to whoever needs them.
