The new 4,500-square-foot facility serves as Emma’s Torch’s regional flagship and is more than four times the size of its former DC location, which closed last year ahead of the move. The expanded space will allow the organization to train more than 185 students annually while providing seating for about 60 guests, private event space, and a larger catering operation. Founded in 2016 by CNN Hero Kerry Brodie, Emma’s Torch has enrolled more than 700 students from over 75 countries and has helped generate more than $34 million in increased wages for participants.
The café will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm and will feature breakfast, lunch, pastries, coffee drinks, and weekend brunch. Menu offerings include house-made biscuits, avocado toast, crispy chicken sandwiches, brown butter pancakes, vegan shakshuka, and specialty coffee and tea beverages. The larger kitchen will also support the organization’s growing catering business, while future plans include outdoor dining and the addition of beer, wine, and cocktails.
