A new social enterprise aims to brew up some community spirit in Orillia.
Redwood Bean and Brew, located in the newly established County of Simcoe building on West Street North, is more than just a café, say officials.
The café, which opened earlier this month, serves baked goods and specialty coffees, mostly crafted with locally sourced ingredients. But the real essence of this café goes far beyond its culinary delights — it’s a place with a mission, says Jennifer van Gennip.
The director of communications and advocacy for Redwood Park Communities says profits from Redwood Bean and Brew support affordable housing initiatives, specifically benefiting Couchiching Jubilee House in Orillia.
Located in a building that features 130 units of affordable housing, the café serves as a "beacon of hope," said van Gennip, who notes the café is still working out the wrinkles that come with opening a new business.
“It’s been a little bumpy," she said. "But we have received a very warm welcome from the people in the building and the broader community."
The café’s lunch specials revolve around hearty sandwiches and soups. Additionally, the café provides catering services for events held in the building, further strengthening its role as a community hub, she explained.
"Orillia has a lot of great cafés, but people are excited to have something in this building," van Gennip said.
Redwood Bean and Brew employs five staff members — a blend of experienced baristas and residents with lived experiences of homelessness. This "thoughtful staffing" approach reflects the café’s commitment to creating opportunities for meaningful employment, she explained.
“When we first started talking about staffing the café, we asked ourselves: Do we prioritize people with lived experiences of homelessness or those with business experience? Of course, there are people who embody both," van Gennip explained.
She noted the café pays its employees a living wage, calculated annually by the Ontario Living Wage Network. For 2023, that figure is $22.75 per hour.
"We’ve been fortunate to hire individuals who bring a mix of skills and experiences," van Gennip said.
Redwood Bean and Brew is open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. It offers a cozy space for both residents and visitors to enjoy, she said.
"We welcome anyone who comes in to try it," van Gennip said.
