New café in Panama City gives hope to those in recovery programs

What may look like just another café in downtown Panama City offers much more than food and drink.

"It's a way of giving back by serving Christ, by serving other people," Panama City Rescue Mission Vice President of Programs Ricky Briggs said.

The Hope Café located at the Panama City Rescue Mission offers life-changing opportunities for those going through recovery programs.

"There's hardly any words to describe it. I worked for a restaurant chain for many years. I opened a lot of restaurants up, I was a troubleshooter, lived down the road, but along the way I lost my way, because I didn't have God in my life and this place has helped me find my way again," Head Chef at Hope Café Joshua Thomas said.

By working at the café, Rescue Mission clients are one step closer to being certified in the restaurant business, increasing their chances at getting a job.

"We want to use our Hope Café branding as a source to train our clients in restaurant work and also to help them get their ServSafe Certificate," Briggs said.

The café doesn't officially open to the public until the last week of October, but the grand opening event really gave people the opportunity to get a taste of what it's all about.

"All my stuff's good but I do like the lemon pepper chicken personally. The desert's amazing. It's a hot fudge brownie topped with ice cream, drizzled with caramel and raspberry," Thomas said.

Exact menu items and food prices have yet to be determined, but mission officials say tips or donations are always welcome.

In addition to the café, Rescue Mission representatives say they'll be giving tours to those interested in seeing the facility.