Cumberland’s Community Cafe was funded in part by Community Engagement Grants, administered by the Commission on Reconciliation.
Tucked away in Western Maryland’s scenic mountains, Cumberland was once the second largest city in the state—a vital hub of industry and transportation. While it no longer holds that title, this historic town now marks the end of the C&O Canal Towpath and the beginning of the Greater Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trails. And out here, nestled among the mountains, something special is happening.
Dorothy Day once said, “We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes with community.” This vision of love and connection is alive at the Cumberland Community Café, located at 127 North Centre Street. It’s a place where people come together over delicious, locally-sourced meals, finding friendship and a sense of belonging.
The idea for the café started before the pandemic and has steadily grown over the past two and a half years. First Presbyterian Church of Cumberland has been a key supporter, with Pastor Alison serving on the café’s board, helping to nurture this dream into reality.
So, what is the Cumberland Community Café? It’s part of the national network One World Everybody Eats, which organizes multiple non-profit community cafes across the country. These cafés are unique spaces that offer meals to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. In downtown Cumberland, this mission takes the form of a fully operational restaurant where people can enjoy great food and even greater community.
At the café, guests are invited to participate in whatever way they can—whether by paying for their meal, donating to help cover operational costs, or volunteering 15 minutes of their time. The goal is simple yet profound: to create a place where neighbors become friends, and everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Currently, the café is open on Sundays from 11 AM to 2 PM, serving up soups, sandwiches, flatbreads, and desserts. With more support, they hope to expand their hours to five days a week, providing a gathering place when other restaurants in town are closed.
Reflecting on the journey so far, Pastor Alison shared, “The beauty of being out in the community means that we get to actually know our neighbors instead of just praying they walk through our doors on a Sunday morning! There is a richness in the stories and life experiences we have seen, and we cannot wait to spend more time around the table together. As I like to say during communion, ‘this table extends wider than any of us can imagine—it is a joyful feast indeed!’”
So, if you ever find yourself passing through Cumberland, be sure to stop by the café. You’ll find more than just a meal—you’ll find a community ready to welcome you with open arms.
Learn more about us:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/communitycafecumberlandmd
- Instagram: @cumberlandcommunitycafe
