Basics of Living: Same Cafe Serves More Than Just Great Food
Want to make a difference?
So do Brad and Libby Birky! They are the owners of the SAME Cafe located in Denver, Colorado.
Brad and Libby operate a very different diner. According to their web site:
It is the intent of SAME Cafe to build a healthy community by providing a basic need of food in a respectful and dignified manner to anyone who walks through the door.
The SAME Cafe is a great example of an innovative and courageous effort to make a real difference. It always starts with good people doing good things, doesn’t it?
So what makes this little restaurant so different?
The thing that stands out the most about the approach at SAME Cafe is that they don’t have any set prices. You pay what you can.
They don’t have a cash register. They have a donation box.
They also don’t have a set menu. They serve healthy daily selections of dishes made from fresh, organic ingredients.
The Birky’s believe:
That everyone, regardless of economic status, deserves the chance to eat healthy food while being treated with dignity.
The name stands for “So All May Eat”, but this is not a soup kitchen. It is a quaint little diner with wait staff. It serves really great food.
It isn’t just the homeless that eat here either. There are people from all walks of life at SAME Cafe.
Many donate more for their meal than they would normally pay at a normal restaurant. Why? Because they too want to make a difference. They want to be a part of what the Birky’s are doing in their community.
Treating people with dignity is what really sets them apart
I learned about SAME Cafe through the Making a Difference series on NBC Nightly News. I was impressed.
What impressed me the most was their emphasis on treating everyone with dignity. Brad and Libby Birky truly believe every human deserves to eat good food and be treated with respect while it is served to them.
In order to really get a feel for how this works, you have to see it for yourself. I don’t normally embed video into my site, but I’m making an exception.
I really want you to see what is happening at the SAME cafe.
I encourage you to take just a few moments to watch this video. It touched me. The way the SAME cafe treats people is very admirable.
How you can help make a difference
Okay, so back to my original question, do you want to make a difference?
Here are a few ideas for how you can help:
1. Make an online donation to SAME Cafe
One easy way to make a difference in the world is to join in on what others are already doing. Obviously, it takes money to run the SAME Cafe. They are a legitimate non-profit organization. You can make a donation to SAME Cafe via their web site.
2. Buy an item from the SAME Cafe wish list
On their blog every week, the cafe posts a wish list of items they need. You could purchase one of these items for them and donate it. This is a fantastic way to address a specific need that serves others.
3. Volunteer at SAME Cafe
For those that cannot afford to give, but live in the Denver area, you can donate your time at the SAME Cafe. You can help sweep up or clear tables or wash dishes. It takes a lot more than just money to keep good things happening.
4. Start a similar cafe in your area
Why think small? You could start something like the SAME Cafe in your hometown. I’m sure the Birky’s would be thrilled to know that their idea was spreading and being used to serve others.
5. Carry forward the great philosophy
You’ve heard of pay-it-forward, right? Well, why not carry forward the Birky’s fantastic philosophy of serving people who need help with dignity and respect? You might not be into food service, but perhaps you could serve people in your community another way letting them pay as they can.
The opportunity to meet the basic needs of living are endless
I really appreciate it that NBC Nightly News is taking the time to focus at least a part of their newscast on the ways people are making a positive difference in this world. It is refreshing to say the least. I hope they keep publicizing great establishments and people like those at the SAME Cafe. The needs are endless and opportunity abounds!
What do you think about the SAME Cafe?
Photo by avlxyz
How inspiring is that?! Thank you for posting this. I had not heard of their cafe and wish I was closer to Denver so I can help out in person. I’ve put them on my donation list.
Read Middle Way´s latest article – Lots Going On
Inspiring, but is this a business or non-profit? Great cause, I agree. But if this is a business, how could they possibly survive? Maybe Colorado is different than other parts of the country.
@Middle Way – It is very inspiring. I’m glad to know that posting this has helped introduce someone else to the SAME Cafe!
@Craig – They are a non-profit. Check out their website. They survive because of the good heartedness of people wanting to make a positive difference in our world.
Thanks for your comments!
One thing’s for sure — it takes a lot of guts to open a restaurant like that as well as a lot of faith in people. Next time I’m in Denver, I’ll be sure and check them out.