F.A.R.M. Cafe organizers seek information, donations
by Lauren K. Ohnesorge
F.A.R.M. (Feed All Regardless of Means) Cafè organizers are hard at work transforming one of Boone's iconic establishments into a new community concept.
The restaurant, scheduled for an April opening, will serve healthful, organic meals and customers can pay with cash or volunteer service.
The buffet line, containing vegan, vegetarian and meat meals, will be located at what used to be the fountain area at Boone Drug on King Street.
“It's coming along really well,” F.A.R.M.'s Linda Coutant said of renovations. “We're cleaning up the space.”
Post-cleaning, the restaurant will start to take shape, thanks to interior design students from Appalachian State University.
It's a special project for professor Tim Dolan, who hopes his students will get started in mid-February. “We strongly believe everybody in America deserves access to good design,” Dolan said.
He plans to have his students merge the culture of Boone Drug with the concept of F.A.R.M. Cafè.
“They really want to embrace the history and heritage of what was there, so I'm hoping that's something that will certainly come through,” Dolan said.
In the meantime, organizers are still figuring out the best way to bring the “feed all” concept to Boone.
Last week, a group traveled to Denver, Colo., to meet with other cafè representatives across the country.
It was a way to network with the nearly 20 up-and-running cafes, as well as dozens of in-the-works outfits, organizer Chris May said.
“Some of the cafes choose to price every single thing on their menu,” May said. “Some almost require a certain price to be paid but, because we feel so strongly about finding a way for everyone to get a meal, we, as a board, have agreed on a very loose pricing structure, so literally anyone can come in and find a way to eat.”
But the effort isn't just dependent on the advice of peer cafes, the High Country community is the most important factor, May said. After all, the community will be reaping the benefits.
May and the rest of the F.A.R.M. Cafè team are hoping the community will check out its wish list on its website http://farmcafe.org .
“We had hoped Boone Drug would leave a lot more things, but they decided to transfer them to their other diner,” May said.
That means F.A.R.M. Cafè needs kitchen items such as whisks, pans and spoons.
They also need volunteers.
On Monday, organizers met with residents of the Hospitality House to talk about the community effort.
“From what we gathered yesterday, residents are very interested,” Coutant said. “We have said (to residents) if you come in and work three hours at one time, we'll give you vouchers for three meals.”
For more information on the effort ,or to make a donation, visit http://farmcafe.org .
Feb. 11 marks an easy opportunity to contribute, Coutant said, as the Hungry Hearts Art Auction, led by Cullie Tarleton, happens from 6 to 7 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Boone.
Wooden hearts will be painted and decorated by well-known artists and auctioned. The cost is $5 to participate.
Light hors d'oeuvres will be served and beverages will be available for purchase.
Proceeds will benefit F.A.R.M. Cafè, a nonprofit organization.
The restaurant, scheduled for an April opening, will serve healthful, organic meals and customers can pay with cash or volunteer service.
The buffet line, containing vegan, vegetarian and meat meals, will be located at what used to be the fountain area at Boone Drug on King Street.
“It's coming along really well,” F.A.R.M.'s Linda Coutant said of renovations. “We're cleaning up the space.”
Post-cleaning, the restaurant will start to take shape, thanks to interior design students from Appalachian State University.
It's a special project for professor Tim Dolan, who hopes his students will get started in mid-February. “We strongly believe everybody in America deserves access to good design,” Dolan said.
He plans to have his students merge the culture of Boone Drug with the concept of F.A.R.M. Cafè.
“They really want to embrace the history and heritage of what was there, so I'm hoping that's something that will certainly come through,” Dolan said.
In the meantime, organizers are still figuring out the best way to bring the “feed all” concept to Boone.
Last week, a group traveled to Denver, Colo., to meet with other cafè representatives across the country.
It was a way to network with the nearly 20 up-and-running cafes, as well as dozens of in-the-works outfits, organizer Chris May said.
“Some of the cafes choose to price every single thing on their menu,” May said. “Some almost require a certain price to be paid but, because we feel so strongly about finding a way for everyone to get a meal, we, as a board, have agreed on a very loose pricing structure, so literally anyone can come in and find a way to eat.”
But the effort isn't just dependent on the advice of peer cafes, the High Country community is the most important factor, May said. After all, the community will be reaping the benefits.
May and the rest of the F.A.R.M. Cafè team are hoping the community will check out its wish list on its website http://farmcafe.org .
“We had hoped Boone Drug would leave a lot more things, but they decided to transfer them to their other diner,” May said.
That means F.A.R.M. Cafè needs kitchen items such as whisks, pans and spoons.
They also need volunteers.
On Monday, organizers met with residents of the Hospitality House to talk about the community effort.
“From what we gathered yesterday, residents are very interested,” Coutant said. “We have said (to residents) if you come in and work three hours at one time, we'll give you vouchers for three meals.”
For more information on the effort ,or to make a donation, visit http://farmcafe.org .
Feb. 11 marks an easy opportunity to contribute, Coutant said, as the Hungry Hearts Art Auction, led by Cullie Tarleton, happens from 6 to 7 p.m. at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Boone.
Wooden hearts will be painted and decorated by well-known artists and auctioned. The cost is $5 to participate.
Light hors d'oeuvres will be served and beverages will be available for purchase.
Proceeds will benefit F.A.R.M. Cafè, a nonprofit organization.