After serving free breakfasts out of the Rayne Memorial Methodist Church since 2009, the nonprofit Crescent City Cafe is preparing to open a brick-and-mortar nearby at 4807 Magazine St. Replacing the former Uptown Surrey Café, the upcoming nonprofit spot will have a unique business model seen in other cities but not yet in New Orleans.
“It will be a donation-based restaurant, where all guests order from a menu, sit down, and enjoy a dignified dining experience,” executive director Adelle Bergman recently told What Now New Orleans. “Guests pay what they can. Some can pay-it-forward, some give a little, but all are welcomed, regardless of means.”
According to a statement, the café will serve brunch six days a week when it opens this spring. It is currently seeking donations to meet budgetary needs.
“We’re still working through permitting, so we’ll most likely be fully open right after Mardi Gras,” Bergman said.
