A local business and event caterer recently opened a cafe at 1821 North Ridge Road in Painesville Township.
Manna Cafe and Catering Owner Dave Baker has a long history in the food service industry.
The 58-year-old Concord Township resident said he started at age 15 as a dishwasher and from there worked in administration and management.
“I’ve really done all the jobs in this business,” he said.”That was the intent, because if I was going to be an owner I needed to know every position and how to excel in every area. I did not receive any culinary training, all of my experience was all hand-on.
Baker first opened the catering business in 2012, which was housed in Concord Township.
Because of an increase in business, he needed a larger space.
“In 2016, we came into this location,” he said.
The charming cafe sits in the shopping center that neighbors The Rock House Gym, North Ridge Event Center and Craft and Antique Co-op.
It has been remodeled and features a dining room with a capacity of 55.
Although Manna Cafe is open only during breakfast and lunch, the dining room is available to rent after hours for private parties and meetings.
With the motto, “A Taste of Heaven,” the menu reflects many hearty meal items.
The most popular item on the menu is the chicken and waffles, Baker said.
The chicken and waffle breakfast features sweet waffles topped with tender fried chicken, sausage gravy, cheese sauce and served with local syrup and hot sauce, according to the menu description.
“(It’s) a Southern delicacy,” it also states.
They also offers a variety of homemade deserts.
Baker said General Manager Cindy Owens was instrumental in the development of the menu and helps in many areas of the business.
“We have a great partnership,” he said. “She’s been there through thick and thin.”
Owens started at the Concord Township location shortly after it opened.
“I worked there for years,” she said. “We worked out of a much smaller kitchen.”
She is pleased with the Painesville Township location.
“I’m just five minutes down the street, which is nice,” she said. “I like being near the co-op, there is a lot of activity there. I’m just excited.”
The cafe is opened from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and are closed Mondays.
Manna Catering continues to provide flexible scheduling and multiple packages to accommodate various events.
For more information about the cafe or catering visit mannacatering.net
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