MIDDLETOWN – Mill Street Café in Middletown celebrated its grand opening on Friday, September 14. The event featured a ribbon cutting with Orange County Chamber of Commerce and speakers included philanthropist Richard Rowley, Director of Community Development at City of Middletown Maria Bruni, and RECAP Board President John Cappello.
Attendees enjoyed tours of the space and baked goods and drinks. “Seeing the transformation of this abandoned eyesore into an artisanal lunch spot is a welcome change,” said RECAP CEO Charles Quinn.
The café anchors a historic 3-story 1875 brick building that is part of the Mill at Middletown complex which began renovation in 2015. The building, which formerly housed the manufacture of hats and furniture, and was spared demolition and now houses 15 housing units. A new connected 4-story addition holds 27 more apartments.
The café is a job training site administered by anti-poverty nonprofit Regional Economic Community Action Program. Participants are typically long-term public assistance recipients who learn skills to succeed in the culinary industry. The café serves breakfast, lunch, coffee, soups, and baked goods. It is open Monday-Friday, 8:00am-3:00pm. Delivery is available and menus are at www.recap.org/cafe or by calling 845-421-6275.
About the Program
Mill Street Cafe is a job readiness program to help people on public assistance gain the skills and confidence to succeed in today’s job market. Under the guidance of culinary trainers in a restaurant setting, trainees learn culinary techniques and customer service skills. Focus includes hands-on experience with teamwork, communication skills, conflict resolution, time management, and job interviewing. The site serves breakfast, lunch, coffee, soups, and baked goods. Visit Mill Street Café at 34 Mill Street in Middletown. The café is open Monday-Friday, 8:00am-3:00pm. Delivery is available anf menus are available at www.recap.org/cafe or by calling 845-421-6275.
About the Agency
RECAP’s services help people living in poverty in Orange County and the surrounding areas. We work with our community’s most vulnerable populations including seniors, children, veterans, the homeless and the hungry, those living with HIV/AIDS, victims of domestic violence, people battling substance use disorder and anyone struggling to make ends meet.
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