Stone Soup serves twists on lunch favorites, but it’s not all that is surprising about Old Town’s newest café.
The restaurant, a bright, window-enclosed space on NW Broadway, provides culinary and life skills training to people at risk of homelessness.
For founders Craig and Ronit Gerard, Stone Soup is one of many answers to the crises rattling Portland. Noticing a chasm between the country’s labor shortage and a willing, though under resourced workforce, the Gerards built a bridge of compassion and good food.
“Bringing dignity to people is what we’re really about,” Craig said.
Service providers such as Central City Concern and Transition Projects refer potential program participants to Stone Soup, which requires a resume, referral and interview for consideration. Craig cited the importance of low barriers to entry, to open the door for more participants.
Each class, which are kept small at 3-5 participants, learns essential kitchen, personal finance, conflict resolution skills and more. Participants frequently meet with social service specialists to map their careers for once the 12-week course ends. Stone Soup pays participants after the first phase of training and connects graduates with jobs at a dozen partnering eateries, including The Old Spaghetti Factory and Voodoo Doughnut.
The best way to support the endeavor is to eat or, if you can, donate. Stone Soup has a seasonal, veg friendly menu featuring globally inspired dishes (The Auto-Bahn Mi Steamed Buns are a favorite). Guest chefs bring personal flair for special evening events. Open from 11-2pm Monday through Friday, the restaurant is also eager to host or cater private events. Visit www.stonesouppdx.com.
Photos courtesy of Stone Soup Facebook