Jefferson Matters celebrated another business in the downtown area with a program and grant presentations.

The new restaurateur of The Centennial Cafe, Bailey Porter, and the organization Why Not Us co-hosted a Java and Juice program on Friday. Porter told the crowd about her world travels with her culinary background and how she has infused some of those experiences into the ambiance of the restaurant and the cuisine.

She mentioned that people no longer need to make reservations to eat at the establishment, but to give notice if there was a party of six or more, so the seating can be appropriately accommodated. Porter added that as the weather warms up, she will be adding outdoor seating. She talked about the feedback and how people have received her taking over the operations of the restaurant since last December.

“I think it’s been amazing. The support in the community, everybody from the Why Not Us Board to just random people just coming in and checking out, you know, what we’re doing new.” 

Additionally, Jefferson Matters then presented a grant of $5,000 from Porter’s application for the Jefferson Wants You Incentive Fund for new businesses or in this case, a new chapter of the restaurant. The event wrapped up with a ribbon cutting to solidify the transition.