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Phoenix

Helpings Café is praised for its delicious food, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to social impact. Customers appreciate the quality of the food and the mission behind the café, which provides job training and support for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Discover Helpings Café in Phoenix Arizona: Where Food Meets Purpose and Community Thrives.

Nestled in the heart of Central City Phoenix, Helpings Café offers a uniquely heartwarming experience that combines exceptional dining with a powerful social mission. This isn't your typical café; it’s a vibrant community hub where every meal served helps support individuals experiencing homelessness through job training and empowerment programs. With a menu crafted from scratch, every bite bursts with fresh flavors and heartfelt care. Whether you're craving a perfectly brewed coffee or a wholesome sandwich, Helpings Café delivers mouthwatering meals made with love and purpose.

Helpings Café is celebrated for its made-to-order dishes that rival the best home cooking. From their signature salmon sandwich to refreshing green tea with peach lemonade, the menu delights taste buds while supporting a worthy cause. Patrons rave about the freshly made chips and flavorful breakfast potatoes, all served in a clean, welcoming environment. The staff’s genuine care shines through in every interaction, making each visit more than just a meal — it’s an experience of community and compassion.

Beyond great food, Helpings Café is a beacon of hope for many. Their Homegrown Training Program offers a six-week, 120-hour hands-on curriculum including barista skills, culinary arts, and customer service. This initiative equips students with real-world experience, opening doors to sustainable employment and brighter futures. The café’s commitment to social impact is deeply woven into its daily operations, making every visit a chance to contribute to positive change in Phoenix’s community.

 Cozy seating with friendly staff ready to make your visit memorable.

 Freshly prepared sandwiches, vegetarian options, homemade chips, and delicious coffee and desserts.

 Free parking lot and street parking options available for a stress-free visit.

 Accepts NFC payments, debit, and credit cards for easy checkout.

What are the operating hours of Helpings Café?

 Helpings Café operates Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 3 PM and is closed on weekends.

Does Helpings Café offer catering services?

 Yes, Helpings Café provides catering services for meetings, parties, and more, with options to order from the standard catering menu or discuss custom catering needs.

Is there a training program associated with Helpings Café?

 Yes, Helpings Café offers a six-week, 120-hour Homegrown Training Program that includes barista, cashier, customer service, and culinary training, providing students with real-life, hands-on experiences.

Customers and community members consistently praise Helpings Café for its delicious food, warm and welcoming atmosphere, and impactful mission. The café is recognized not only as a top choice for flavorful meals in Phoenix but also as a meaningful place where every dollar spent supports job training and social upliftment programs for those in need. This blend of culinary excellence and community care makes Helpings Café a beloved local treasure.

North America

United States

Nestled in the heart of Phoenix, Helpings Café is not just a place to grab a bite; it’s a culinary experience that intertwines delicious food with a noble cause. This unique café, located at 3333 E Van Buren St, is renowned for its commitment to serving the community while offering some of the most mouthwatering dishes in the valley. Imagine stepping into a warm, inviting space where every meal is crafted with love and a purpose. Here, you can enjoy a delightful lunch while contributing to a mission that helps the homeless.

At Helpings Café, every dish tells a story. The **Classic Burger**, made with locally sourced beef and topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a secret sauce, is a crowd favorite. Each bite is a burst of flavor, perfectly complemented by their homemade chips, which are crispy and seasoned to perfection. For those with a sweet tooth, the café’s **Peach Lemonade** is a refreshing drink that balances sweetness and tartness, making it the ideal accompaniment to any meal.

One of the standout features of Helpings Café is its mission-driven approach. Every meal purchased helps support local homeless initiatives, making dining here a rewarding experience. The café is known for its friendly staff who are always eager to share stories about the café's impact on the community. A fun fact: many of the staff members are individuals who have benefited from the programs supported by the café, adding a personal touch to your dining experience.

Helpings Café is known for its delicious meals made with fresh ingredients and its commitment to supporting the local homeless community.

Visiting Helpings Café allows you to enjoy a fantastic meal while contributing to a meaningful cause, making it a fulfilling dining experience.

Helpings Café is centrally located, making it easy to explore nearby attractions such as the Phoenix Art Museum and the Desert Botanical Garden.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, Helpings Café invites you to savor a meal that not only delights your palate but also warms your heart. Come experience the flavors of Phoenix while making a difference in the community.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR2b1BmdnN3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJM_zdg3kOK4cRcYRGGeYBomQ/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUR2b1BmdnN3RRAB

The best kept secret in the valley while helping the homeless.  Seriously some of the best food I've ever eaten outside my own kitchen. Everything is made to order and made with love. You'll never be disappointed.! The staff is fantastic and it's always a great experience.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQb0l1OFB3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJM_zdg3kOK4cRcYRGGeYBomQ/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQb0l1OFB3EAE

Help yourself to an amazing lunch and help the community as well. Delicious coffee, and fantastic sandwiches. The homemade chips are superb. Great for a quick bite.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURMcm9TSjR3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJM_zdg3kOK4cRcYRGGeYBomQ/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURMcm9TSjR3RRAB

Very friendly people, I definitely love it my salmon sandwich with fries! My green tea with peach lemonade! Very refreshing and delicious, good food, clean place, good costume service! Beside that you just not enjoying great meal; you eating with satisfaction of a great delicious meal and for helps who’s needs it most ! I definitely say yes 🙌🏼 to you try Helpings cafe ,catering, market

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM5X19LdjVnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJM_zdg3kOK4cRcYRGGeYBomQ/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM5X19LdjVnRRAB

The staff is top tier. Very considerate to a customer like me. The young lady with a red strain of  hair, and with the eyes you can get lost in for days. She was very nice and made my first time there comfortable. I worked nearby, and I had an hour lunch break. So Id stay there for about 50 minutes. Not a problem. I am very appreciative of that. Breakfast Potatoes are 1, Classic Burger is 2nd, and the black pepper bacon is 3rd (I Love the black peppered bacon. Except when y'all didn't make it last week. Nonetheless, top tier.) The money I spend is going to a great cost. They do a lot more than just serving food at this establishment.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNMdklyeGJREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJM_zdg3kOK4cRcYRGGeYBomQ/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNMdklyeGJREAE

I lived at UMOM 19 years ago. And I'm a success story. Me and my children moved to the shelter in June 2005 I got my GED and did chores and volunteered. After completing the 2 year program we moved to Des Moines Iowa and have been living in the same home for 17 years . Very happy.

Helpings Café: Delicious Meals in Central Phoenix, AZ

Helpings Café, established in April 2014, is a social enterprise operated by UMOM New Day Centers, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending family homelessness. The café serves as a training ground for individuals experiencing homelessness, offering job training in various aspects of the food service industry.

Nestled in the heart of Central City, Phoenix, **Helpings Café** stands as a testament to community spirit and resilience. Established in April 2014, this vibrant café operates under the auspices of UMOM New Day Centers, a dedicated non-profit organization committed to ending family homelessness. Through its mission, Helpings Café not only serves delicious meals but also plays a pivotal role in transforming lives by providing essential job training to those in need.

The journey of Helpings Café commenced in 2014, marked by the opening of the café as a social enterprise. This initiative signified a bold step towards not just providing food but fostering a supportive environment for those facing homelessness. It was during this pivotal year that the café launched its **Homegrown Training Program**, a comprehensive six-week, 120-hour course designed to equip individuals experiencing homelessness with vital skills in the food service industry. This program exemplified the café’s commitment to empowerment and community upliftment, offering participants a pathway toward economic independence.

Since its inception, Helpings Café has become a nurturing hub for countless individuals striving for a better life. It plays a dual role: serving mouthwatering meals crafted from fresh ingredients and providing an invaluable support system for its trainees. The café’s approach not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term success by teaching culinary skills and job readiness. The delightful reviews from patrons reinforce the café’s reputation as a hidden gem in Phoenix, where every meal contributes to a greater cause.

Opened in April 2014 as a social enterprise.

Launched the Homegrown Training Program for those experiencing homelessness.

A selection of handcrafted breakfast, lunch, and dessert items made with fresh ingredients.

Breakfast Quesadilla

French Toast

Helpings Burger

The Country Club Sandwich

Strawberry and Steak Salad

The Darlene Salad

Dutch Apple Crumble Muffin

Espresso Mocha Chip Muffin

Helpings Café Menu

Nestled in the heart of Phoenix, Helpings Café offers a thoughtfully curated menu that highlights fresh, handcrafted breakfast, lunch, and dessert delights. This vibrant local spot caters to food lovers seeking wholesome, flavorful meals made with love and quality ingredients. Whether you are stopping in for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying lunch, every bite reflects care and community spirit.

Begin your meal with vibrant starters like the Breakfast Quesadilla, a savory blend of sausage, bacon, chorizo, turkey sausage, eggs, cheese, salsa, and sour cream wrapped in a warm tortilla. For a sweeter touch, the French Toast features fluffy bread soaked in eggs and milk, seasoned with cinnamon, then topped with powdered sugar and maple syrup—perfect for a comforting morning treat.

For lunch, the menu shines with options like the Helpings Burger, which offers a juicy beef or garden burger patty served with fresh lettuce and tomato on your choice of bread. The Country Club Sandwich layers oven-roasted turkey, ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and Swiss and American cheeses for a satisfying classic. Those seeking lighter fare will appreciate the Strawberry and Steak Salad, combining tender steak, fresh strawberries, sunflower seeds, feta, and a crisp lettuce blend drizzled with blueberry vinaigrette. Alternatively, the Darlene Salad features red beets, creamy goat cheese, golden raisins, sunflower seeds, and a lettuce blend dressed in champagne vinaigrette for a delightful vegetarian option.

Indulge your sweet tooth with the Dutch Apple Crumble Muffin, a delightful mix of apples, flour, sugar, butter, cinnamon, and oats creating a crumbly, flavorful treat. For coffee lovers, the Espresso Mocha Chip Muffin combines rich espresso and chocolate chips into a moist, buttery pastry that's perfect alongside your favorite cup of coffee.

Helpings Café serves freshly brewed coffee and an array of refreshing beverages such as green tea with peach lemonade, perfect for a revitalizing experience. While the café does not serve alcoholic drinks, its menu focuses on wholesome comfort and community support, ensuring every meal is as nourishing as it is delicious.

 supports local efforts to help those in need.

 accommodate diverse tastes including vegetarian choices.

Discover Helpings Café in Phoenix, AZ, a cozy spot for delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere in Central City.

Helpings Café: Cozy Dining in Central Phoenix

Maricopa County

Helpings Café

Custom catering for meetings, parties, and more, with options to order from the standard catering menu or discuss custom catering needs.

Catering Services

A six-week, 120-hour curriculum consisting of barista, cashier, customer service, and culinary training, providing students with real-life, hands-on experiences.

Homegrown Training Program

Nestled in the heart of Phoenix at 3333 East Van Buren Street, Helpings Café is far more than your average eatery. This warm, community-driven café blends delicious dining with a powerful mission to support those in need. Known as a local gem in Central City, it’s a place where every meal is made with love and every dollar spent helps the homeless, making it an ideal spot for conscientious food lovers and travelers alike.

Helpings Café offers a thoughtfully crafted menu featuring breakfast, brunch, and lunch options that cater to a variety of tastes including vegetarian choices. Guests rave about the fresh, made-to-order dishes like the popular salmon sandwich paired with homemade chips and refreshing drinks such as green tea with peach lemonade. The café prides itself on serving high-quality, flavorful food that feels like a comforting homemade meal.

 will also find a delightful selection of freshly brewed coffee that perfectly complements any meal or quick bite. Whether you’re stopping by for a leisurely brunch or a fast lunch, the attentive and friendly staff ensures a memorable dining experience every visit.

Helpings Café stands out not just for its food but for its inspiring community mission. By dining here, you contribute directly to helping the homeless population in Phoenix. The café partners with UMOM, a local shelter, and runs the innovative Homegrown Training Program. This six-week, 120-hour curriculum provides students with hands-on barista, cashier, customer service, and culinary training, empowering individuals with valuable skills for real-life careers.

 are also available for meetings, parties, and special events. Whether you want to order from a standard menu or discuss custom catering options, Helpings Café serves up delicious food with a purpose, making your event meaningful and memorable.

The café offers a welcoming atmosphere with accommodating service that makes you feel right at home. Open for dine-in and takeout, the spot is perfect for groups and families, with kid-friendly options even though a dedicated children’s menu is not available. Clean restrooms and free parking, including a lot and street parking nearby, add to the convenience for visitors.

 Accepts credit, debit, and NFC payments for quick and easy checkouts.

 Focus remains on wholesome food and community support, with no beer, wine, or cocktails served.

 Welcoming environment for children with a variety of meal options to suit all ages.

Arizona

Discover Helpings Café in Phoenix, AZ! Enjoy handcrafted meals while supporting local community initiatives. Come for the food, stay for the cause!

Savor Delicious Meals at Helpings Café Phoenix

Uncover the essence of Helpings Café! Check out our menu, friendly atmosphere, and community-driven mission in Phoenix, AZ. Join us today!

Explore Helpings Café: Your Guide in Phoenix

Learn about Helpings Café's mission, menu, and community impact in Phoenix. Taste great food while supporting homeless individuals!