Inside the Box Cafe thinks outside the box | News

Tampa, Florida --  Metropolitan Ministries is celebrating the official grand opening of its new storefront cafe in downtown Tampa, Inside the Box.

At Inside the Box, they're thinking outside the box.  Here's the concept:  When you buy a fresh, healthy lunch for yourself, you are also giving one to a needy person in our community.

The cafe at 505 North Tampa Street, at the corner of Madison Street has fed 1,500 needy people since the doors first opened three weeks ago.

The concept was developed by Metropolitan Ministries Executive Chef Cliff Barsi, who also teaches a culinary program at the Ministries. 

It started as Inside the Box Catering about a year ago, with seed money to grow from a $25,000 grant the concept won through the Hillsborough County Children's Board Social Enterprise Business competition.

The catering company was so successful, helping to feed 8,000 homeless people, they decided it was time to expand.

The storefront cafe was made possible with the help of Metropolitan Ministries board member, Robert Brasham who donated the equipment and downtown space at a reduced rental rate.

Since the food is prepped in the Metropolitan Ministries kitchen, there's very little overhead costs, allowing them to use money earned to help the neediest people in our community.

"We are excited about this innovative approach to help sustain our feeding programs for the homeless and at the same time provide job training and employment for formerly homeless adults," said Tim Marks, president of Metropolitan Ministries. 

The cafe is located at 505 North Tampa Street and is open Monday-Friday from 10am-2pm and on Saturday from 11am-3pm.