Urbean Cafe Exceeds $5.5 Million in Economic Impact

AKRON, OHIO / AGILITYPR.NEWS / July 29, 2021 / Broken Chains Ministry’s Urbean Café workforce development program located within the Robert K. Pfaff Metro Transit Center has exceeded $5.5 million in economic impact to Summit County since its 2011 launch. 

Urbean Cafe provides a successful workforce development training program for formerly incarcerated citizens while supporting local vendors and serving some of the best, freshly made homestyle food in town to up to 600 customers a day.

“I think we have the best coffee in town, but I’m biased,” said Urbean Café’s director John Wiseman who works with a local roaster for its signature blend. “We also have the best homemade carrot cake, hands down.”

“Ten years is something to celebrate, especially during pandemic recovery,” Wiseman noted. “Beyond its $5.5 million in economic impact, the café’s less than two percent employee recidivism rate has saved Ohio taxpayers $2.6 million in direct costs.”

More than 100 individuals have achieved workforce readiness and successful reentry through this unique Restorative Justice program.

When clients ask about café employment opportunities, John responds, “It’s an opportunity for us to invest in your life.”

As the café recovers from COVID-19 related closures in 2020, Wiseman invites the community to visit Monday through Saturday at 631 South Broadway in Akron to grab a bite. Learn more about Urbean Café and download the menu at www.brokenchainsministry.org/urbean-cafe. 

About Broken Chains Ministry

Founded by Rev. Dennis Shawhan and located within the Summit County Jail, Broken Chains Ministry (BCM) is a faith-centered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the needs of men and women in Summit County as they transition from incarceration to community. Its mission is to improve public safety and support the local economy by restoring individuals to the community and reducing felony relapse. BCM’s Restorative Justice programs include Urbean Café, its award-winning workforce development program, Lydia’s Home, its Ohio certified recovery home for women in the City of Green, and prison ministry and related services. Visit www.brokenchainsministry.org for more information.

Download the release, photos and assets here. 

Media contact:

Tracy Teuscher, APR

Email: tracy@thebuzzmaker.com

Direct: 330-936-1331