Tucked into a corner storefront on Rolfe Square – where, in true Rhode Island fashion, many would say Gymboree used to be – is the non-profit restaurant, Character’s Cafe. With about a dozen tables, it is a cozy and quaint place to eat.

Owned and operated by Gateways to Change Inc., the cafe has been a hidden treasure since October 2014.

“Gateways to Change was incorporated in 1992. We provide services to people with disabilities in group home settings, apartment settings, and we provide day program services as well,” said Catherine McGillivray, executive director of Gateways to Change. Its offices are located very close by at 1060 Park Ave.

A few years back, the state signed a settlement agreement with the Department of Justice. This agreement was focused solely on bettering community integration and providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

“Gateways purchased the cafe a year ago with the purpose of employing people with disabilities, and training them in food services in the hopes of finding them lasting employment,” McGillivray said. “Currently, there are employees washing dishes and they are undergoing training to bus tables and wait tables. It has been a great opportunity to focus on securing them a great future. Right now we employ three wonderful people.”

The three employees are Lement Banton, Mylena Herbozo, and Joe Sirabo.

On June 8, the cafe held a special tasting event to launch their new summer fare menu, and to try to get more people aware of the restaurant.

One new customer is Cranston Mayor Allan Fung.

“I am very excited to be here. The menu is very impressive and I love that they use locally sourced ingredients,” he said.

The fact that the cafe offers opportunities to disabled people makes Fung happy.

“I am impressed and proud that this program is offered here in Cranston. My sister is a member of the disabled community, so it is also near and dear to my heart,” he said.

After the tasting, Fung officially endorsed the gourmet grilled cheese with pesto as his favorite. The mayor has reached regular status at the cafe for coming in three days in a row for lunch, always getting the grilled cheese.

Valerie Borrelli, who started as a part-time waitress when the cafe opened, became the manager in February 2015. She is very proud and excited to talk about the cafe and what it is doing.

“I want everyone to know how wonderful this cafe is,” she said. “We use local farms and businesses. We have such a unique atmosphere. Where else can you bring your record albums and have them played while you eat?”

Borrelli commented that all the artwork and table items were created by students and clients at the Artists’ Exchange, located right down the street.

“I am pretty sure we are the only non-profit cafe in the area, maybe in Cranston. I am very proud of that. We also have been very lucky in all the support we have gotten from the businesses on Rolfe Square – Durfee’s, the bank, the school, even the employees from the Chinese restaurant have eaten here,” she said.

First-time customer Rachel McNally was in with her four-year-old twins for a post-birthday breakfast.

“It was great to find a locally owned restaurant that had peanut-free options. The staff was very friendly and the food was delicious. I will definitely be back with the rest of my family,” she said.

Not to be left out of the spotlight, the twins each had their own feedback. “It is super cool,” said Hannah. Matt thought the Mickey Mouse pancake was “delicious.”

The cafe hosts live jazz on Sundays, and the furniture has been re-done with original designs by Artists’ Exchange artists. The walls have been repainted with murals designed by Rhode Island resident and RISD graduate Mariah LaMontagne.

The cafe and Artists’ Exchange both operate under the 501(c)(3) of Gateways to Change.

Besides the new summer menu, the cafe offers catering, delivery services, and a private function space.

For complete information about Character’s Cafe, visit characterscafe.org, check out their Facebook page, or call 401-463-0000.