Milton’s Lunchbox Cafe provides opportunity

There’s a restaurant in Milton that’s quickly becoming known for more than it’s food.   That’s because many staff members at the Lunchbox Café are developmentally delayed adults, who are learning the skills of the trade. Sean Leathong has the story.

B.J. Hill is getting a chance to do what he loves: “To be honest, it’s actually was one of my dreams to be a cook.”

Since the lunch box café opened in March, word has spread, and busy days are becoming more common: “And that just makes me feel happy that they come back and we put out such great product.”

It began as a project through Community Living North Halton to help adults with developmental dissabilities learn the skills necessary to work in a restaurant.

Cheryl Miller is the Manager: “We train them cooking, cleaning, prepping, serving. All aspects of our day to day operations. “The success, the excitement, the passion, every day somebody’s achieved something new. They take it to a level that I could never actually explain.”

It started as a catering service that grew into a fully functioning restaurant. They offer breakfast and lunch every day with a wide selection, including dessert, made ready to serve by the staff.

“In keeping with the community feel, the Lunchbox Café buys locally baked bread, locally baked coffee beans, and every day they have a new lunch special like today. It’s the BLT.”

“It’s really rewarding to see the trainees come in here and feel so worthy of the opportunity.”

Employees like Erica Tucker, who had previously worked at Zellers, are enjoying the transition:   “I get to bake, I get to cook, I gotta do everything.”

And when another day comes to an end, enjoy knowing it was a job well done.

The restaurant closes at 5pm everyday. They are also available for catering services.