Alumni duo run Discover Cafe

September 15, 2022

Need a new lunch spot? Check out our culinary alumni-run cafe, the Discover Cafe!

Our cafe for a cause is located at the Newark facility, and proceeds benefit student scholarships to our culinary training programs.

The cafe is run by two program alumni, Kattie Fox (pictured right) and Cynthia Neal (pictured left)! The duo handle everything from menu creation, inventory, product ordering and preparation!

Kattie graduated from the program in December 2020, while Cynthia graduated more recently in March 2022.

“It’s all about giving back to the program and students,” said Kattie.

The cafe menu features monthly salads made with fresh vegetables grown on the Food Bank farm, sandwiches, desserts, a daily soup and hot meal special. The cafe is open for breakfast on Fridays!

For Cynthia, cooking is an act of love. “Put love into your food,” she explained. “It’s about not rushing, being careful of what ingredients you’re using.”

Cynthia noted that the potato salad has been really popular. “They’re loving that stuff,” she said.

For Cynthia, the customers are what make the cafe so special.

“I love meeting new people and explaining what we have,” she said with a smile. “We meet so many different people. They become your family.”

Some of her favorite customers are local veterinarians who come in each week to purchase soup for their employees.

Over the past month, Cynthia and Kattie have been retooling the menu. Some items coming this fall include hearty dishes like lasagna, meatloaf, seafood, fried chicken and more.

Both love to bake, and cafe visitors can expect to see a variety of cakes, cookies and specialty desserts.

Now that the 14-week culinary training program has resumed, Kattie and Cynthia look forward to involving students in the cafe to provide them with hands-on training.

“We want to highlight the students,” said Kattie.

For example, items made by students will have a special label. “They deserve the recognition,” she pointed out.

Kattie and Cynthia are excited to watch the cafe’s growth! Both want to see increased sales and more customers come through the door.

In addition to foods prepared by these committed alumni, cafe visitors can also purchase fresh produce grown on the Food Bank farm and other local growers like Fifer Orchards, 302 Aquaponics, Highland Orchards. Locally-made items from small businesses like Chesapeake Gold Farms, Woodside Farm Creamery, Powers Farm, Swarmbustin’ Honey, Backyard Jams and Jellies are also available for purchase!

Want to stop by the cafe?

Where to find us:
222 Lake Drive, Newark, DE  19702
(the cafe entrance is on the far side of the building near the farm)

We are open:
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Thursdays
11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Fridays
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.