Empty Racks and a New Opportunity
In Toledo, Ohio, the once-bustling space of SAME Café now stands empty. The shelves are bare, the coolers are empty, and the area that once brought people together over coffee and meals is closed. This change marks the end of an era for the community, but it also opens the door for new possibilities.
Mike Graybeal, Director of Operations for the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, shared his thoughts on the situation. “I don’t think we’re looking for someone just to come in here and open up a coffee shop,” he said. Instead, the library is seeking organizations that can bring a similar community-focused concept to the space.
The former location of SAME Café is within the Main Branch of the library. SAME stood for “So All May Eat,” a non-profit based in Colorado that operated the café. In April 2025, the café closed due to financial challenges. Now, the library has three organizations interested in taking over the space with a similar mission: Cherry Street Mission, EatWell Cafe, and Our Vision Catering.
EatWell Café: A Community-Driven Approach
EatWell Café’s spokesperson, Claudia Annoni, shared the organization’s vision. “The idea for EatWell Café was inspired by the beloved SAME Café and its proven model of inclusive, community-driven dining,” she wrote. The organization aims to build on this legacy by focusing on food equity, dignity, and connection.
According to Annoni, the board of local leaders and passionate individuals behind EatWell Café is committed to creating a welcoming space where everyone can enjoy healthy, nourishing meals. The café will use a participation-based model, inviting the community not only to dine but to be part of something greater—a movement that redefines how people gather, give, and grow together.
The board is dedicated to innovating this concept, adapting it to meet the unique needs and strengths of the Toledo community while staying true to core values such as access, respect, and collaboration.
Cherry Street Mission: Commitment to the Process
Kelly Schroder, the Marketing Manager for Cherry Street Mission, confirmed that the organization has submitted a proposal in response to the Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s Café Operations RFP. She emphasized the mission’s commitment to honoring the integrity of the review process and their gratitude for the opportunity to be considered as a potential partner in serving the community.
Cherry Street Mission has a long history of supporting those in need through various programs and services. Their involvement in this initiative highlights their dedication to making a positive impact in the local area.
Our Vision Catering: Silence Amidst the Opportunity
Our Vision Catering did not provide a statement to 13 Action News. However, their interest in the space suggests they may have a unique approach to filling the gap left by SAME Café.
A Platform for Community Growth
Graybeal emphasized that the library is not a food service operator but rather a platform for others to thrive. “We are not a food service operator. So, we have the space here and we can be that platform for others to kind of thrive and fill that need within the community,” he said.
This shift reflects the library’s broader mission to support the community in meaningful ways beyond traditional library services. By offering the space to these organizations, the library hopes to foster collaboration and innovation that benefits everyone.
Next Steps
Looking ahead, the library is set to conduct interviews with the interested organizations. This step could bring the space one step closer to once again serving the community. The process is expected to be thorough, ensuring that the chosen organization aligns with the values and goals of both the library and the community.
As the search continues, the future of the space remains uncertain. However, the interest from multiple organizations indicates a strong desire to bring back a sense of community and inclusivity that SAME Café once provided. Whether it’s EatWell Café, Cherry Street Mission, or another group, the goal is clear: to create a space where everyone can come together, share a meal, and feel connected.
