Cafe aims to be resource for Putnam area
ZANESVILLE – A new coffee shop is opening off Muskingum Avenue in the coming months, becoming a critical part of a resurgent Putnam area after a summer of intense scrutiny surrounding a nearby homeless shelter.
The Bridge Cafe is a product of LifeBridgeOhio, a faith-based community development organization in Zanesville. It is set to open sometime in October.
The chairman of the board for LifeBridgeOhio, Jeff Kobunski, said the cafe is a social enterprise project, which applies commercial and business practices to encourage social development and well-being.
The group hopes the cafe becomes a resource for the community beyond just a new hangout. It will, of course, be a place to come for coffee but also a teaching venue and training ground for local residents.
Along with traditional job training for new employees, the Bridge Cafe plans to provide life skills courses in things such as cooking and gardening for area residents.
“We’re trying to promote the idea of empowerment and betterment of the person,” Kobunski said.
The Bridge Cafe is housed on the bottom floor of the large pink building on Hazlett Court next to the parking lot for Weasel Boy Brewing Co.
Startup costs are being funded by donations, while the expectation is that the business will self-sustain after it opens.
Kobunski said the renovation of the space took nearly a year and a half and was completed for the most part by volunteers, himself included. Kobunski previously worked in construction.
The wood floors and earth-toned color scheme make for a warm and inviting environment, which adheres to one of the group’s goals. They want the coffee shop to become a part of the surrounding community while creating a unique one of its own.
The cafe is near Putnam Avenue — which, after a series of complaints and calls to law enforcement around the 800 block, became the focus of public discussion in early July.
At the time, residents reported witnessing drug use, prostitution, and sometimes people urinating or defecating near the LifeWell homeless shelter.
However, the shelter has recently cleaned up after catching heat for what some claimed was its contribution to the Putnam area’s nagging issues. The streets for nearby residents have become much more peaceful.
Kobunski wants the cafe to bring more positive attention to the area across the bridge from downtown. LifeBridgeOhio is focused on alleviating poverty by encouraging the people whom they help to take positive actions toward better lives for themselves.
“There are different ways to address poverty that are not just relief-based,” Kobunski said.
The nonprofit is a cooperative project between Muskingum Valley Vineyard Church, Cornerstone Full Gospel and Rolling Plains United Methodist.
The Bridge Cafe will add to the increasing vibrancy of Muskingum Avenue alongside businesses such as Weasel Boy, Muddy Miser’s and Girl Upcycled Studio.
The cafe will be open for breakfast and lunch; however, the full menu is not yet set. Kobunski said one thing customers can expect is “really good coffee.”
Kobunski said they also hope to add signature dishes to the breakfast and lunch menus to keep customers coming back.
bparks2@gannett.com
740-450-6758
Twitter: @Bradley_W_Parks
How to help
To donate to the Bridge Cafe and LifeBridgeOhio, email admin@lifebridgeohio.org.