Urbean Café workforce development program located within the Robert K. Pfaff Metro Transit Center has exceeded $5.5 million in economic impact to Summit County since its 2011 launch.

Urbean Cafe provides a successful workforce development training program for formerly incarcerated citizens while supporting local vendors and serving some of the best, freshly made homestyle food in town to up to 600 customers a day.

“I think we have the best coffee in town, but I’m biased,” said Urbean Café’s director John Wiseman who works with a local roaster for its signature blend. “We also have the best homemade carrot cake, hands down.”

“Ten years is something to celebrate, especially during pandemic recovery,” Wiseman noted. “Beyond the economic impact numbers, this program has saved Ohio taxpayers $2.6 million in direct costs due to a less than two percent employee recidivism rate.”

More than 100 individuals have achieved workforce readiness and successful reentry through this unique Restorative Justice program.

When BCM clients ask about café employment opportunities, John responds, “It’s an opportunity for us to invest in your life.”

As the café recovers from COVID-19 related closures in 2020, Wiseman invites the community to visit Monday through Saturday at 631 South Broadway in Akron to grab a homestyle bite. Learn more about Urbean Café and download the menu at brokenchainsministry.org/urbean-café.