Kansas City’s First Pay-What-You-Can Cafe Thelma’s Kitchen and Reconciliation Services Set for Grand Reopening

After a two year hiatus marked by renovations and updates, Kansas City will once again enjoy the unique tastes and value offered by Thelma’s Kitchen and Reconciliation Services, the first pay-what-you-can cafe in the city.

Details of the Grand Reopening

The grand reopening event and celebratory program are scheduled for July 22, 2024, kicking off at 9 a.m. The day‘s festivities will begin with a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony to officialize the reopening of the establishment at its home on 31^st Street and Troost Avenue.

Next on the order of events will be a recitation of Glenn North’s poem “City of Reconciliation,” to commemorate the ideals and essence that the establishment stands for. These tributes will be capped off by speeches from Reconciliation Services founder Father Alexii and CEO Father Justin Mathews, who’ll be highlighting the journey so far and the plan going forward.

What to Expect

Following the celebratory program, the public will be able to take self-guided tours of the newly revamped premises, coupled with the expanded services. The updates include the creation of a new Center for Reconciliation event space and an outdoor therapy garden on the fifth floor. The Chapel of Saint Maria of Paris, which is a work-in-progress, will also be on display.

The cafe services will also begin at 11 a.m., with options for in-cafe dining. This will mark the first time since March 2020 that Thelma’s Kitchen has been open to the public, after having provided catering services for the community during the hiatus.

Guests will be delighted with the brand-new menu items that they can enjoy at the community tables. “We are beyond excited for this next era of Thelma’s Kitchen to begin,” revealed Natasha Bailey, the head chef at Thelma’s Kitchen.

The Legacy

Naming the kitchen after Thelma Altschul, a prominent figure known for her excellent outreach work on Troost Avenue, along with her husband Father Alexii Altschul, is a nod to the legacy of service that the establishment carries. They championed the uplifting of the community in Kansas City.

CEO Mathews expressed gratitude for all the foundations, volunteers, and community partners whose contributions made this $15 million project possible. He believes that this establishing will be a symbol of unity, reconciliation, and shared commitment, especially in these challenging times.

Getting Involved

For ways to support or be part of the grand reopening celebration of Thelma’s Kitchen and Reconciliation Services, information is provided on the RS3101.org website.