A grand opening ceremony was held Monday for the new City Garden Café at the Mansfield Municipal Building, 30 N. Diamond St. The café is operated by Richland Newhope Industries, Inc. (RNI) in partnership with the city of Mansfield.
First announced one year ago, the café provides the city a new restaurant and employees with disabilities the opportunity to receive on-the-job experience in a food service setting. RNI, Inc. worked with a local architect to renovate the third floor area which once housed the city’s human resources offices.
The City Garden Café will be open weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will serve breakfast and lunch items, including specialty sandwiches, salads, soups, and gourmet coffee. It employs 12 people, including a full-time manager.
RNI, Inc. is also operating a kiosk, serving a limited menu, near the courtrooms on the second floor of the municipal building. In addition, it is stocking vending machines within the municipal building.
“We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to train employees with disabilities in this structured setting, as well as provide another restaurant option for people in the downtown area,” said Richland Newhope Adult Services Director Amanda South.
“I am thrilled to see this partnership come to fruition,” stated Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker. “I have been down to the café and witnessed the enthusiasm of everyone. The opening of the café is wonderful for everyone involved, including the city and employees from Richland Newhope Industries.”
Established in 1963, Richland Newhope Industries, Inc. is a non-profit organization that employs more than 300 individuals with disabilities and supplies quality goods and services to nearly 200 local and out-of-state businesses, industries, and government organizations. In addition to the City Garden Café, RNI also operates Element of Art Studio/Gallery in downtown Mansfield. Artwork displayed in the news café was done by artists at Element of Art.
