A familiar corner on 7th Street is about to buzz again. On July 7, the 7th Street Community Cafe opens its doors, promising more than just lunch — it’s a fresh recipe for healthy food, student training, and community spirit.
From Beloved Deli to Community Hub
The building once housed the 7th Street Deli, a spot many locals still remember for its sandwiches and warm vibe. Now, it’s getting a second life.
It’s not just a rebrand. This project, led by the Community Food Bank of Grand Junction, flips the idea of a regular cafe on its head.
Executive Director Alisha Wenger says they wanted to keep some old deli favorites alive. Makes sense, right? People love nostalgia. But they also wanted to add new, more nutritious meals to the mix.
“Healthy and nutritious food can be approachable and affordable and taste really good,” Wenger said.
Where Your Lunch Money Goes
So here’s the twist: every dollar you spend at this cafe doesn’t just fill your stomach. It feeds a bigger cause.
All proceeds support the Community Food Bank’s work across Mesa County. Wenger calls it a training program that “runs like a restaurant.” Sounds simple, but it’s got layers.
You get your soup, sandwich, maybe a fresh salad. Meanwhile, your lunch helps stock shelves for families in need. It’s like buying lunch and donating groceries in one swipe.
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Healthy lunches at the cafe help fund the Community Food Bank’s local food programs.
Now, that’s a meal with meaning.
Apprentices in Aprons
One of the cafe’s most unique ingredients? Local students.
The Community Cafe struck up a partnership with CMU Tech, giving culinary students a place to get their hands dirty — and their aprons dirty too.
Students apprentice in a working kitchen. They learn how to prep, cook, and serve while getting a taste of how a real restaurant works. It’s textbook learning, minus the textbooks.
This isn’t a short-term gig, either. The idea is to build skills that could land them full-time jobs down the road.
Keeping Prices Real, Keeping People Fed
Affordable eats are baked into the plan. Wenger says healthy food shouldn’t be just for folks who can splurge.
They’re open Monday through Friday, from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. — right when most folks could use a bite that won’t break the bank.
One line on the chalkboard menu sums it up: “Nutritious food. Reasonable price.” Pretty much the mission in a nutshell.
And it’s working, if early buzz is anything to go by.
What’s on the Menu?
People will spot familiar bites alongside fresh additions. The goal? Comfort food meets smart food.
Expect to see:
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Classic deli sandwiches, back by popular demand
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New seasonal salads packed with fresh produce
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Daily specials focusing on nutrition and taste
Here’s a snapshot of what they plan to serve, according to early menus:
| Item | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Turkey Sandwich | $6 – $8 | Nostalgic favorite from deli days |
| Veggie Wrap | $5 – $7 | Packed with local greens |
| House-Made Soup | $4 – $6 | Rotates daily, hearty and healthy |
| Chef’s Seasonal Salad | $7 – $9 | Fresh veggies, local when possible |
Prices stay low enough for a college student or busy worker to swing by without a second thought.
How It All Came Together
None of this would be happening without the money to back it up.
The cafe was funded through a patchwork of grants and generous donations. It’s proof that sometimes you don’t need a corporate sponsor — just people willing to chip in for something that makes sense.
There’s something sweet about a place where dollars circle back into the same community that spends them.
More Than Just Another Lunch Spot
The big takeaway? This isn’t just a spot to grab a sandwich and run. It’s a way to tackle health and economic challenges that tug at families across Grand Junction.
A meal here helps fund groceries for folks who need help right now. It helps a student learn their craft and maybe open a cafe of their own someday. It keeps a corner on 7th Street alive and humming with life.
One sentence says it all: lunch can do more.
