Manna Café Serves Generous Portions of God’s Goodness

Isaiah 55:2 and John 6:35 are ablaze on the 85-seat eatery's walls. The waitresses' T-shirts have printed on the back "serving goodness from God's creation." The for-sale merchandise made from around the world helps to support ministries near and far.
'Pieces came together'

Witcher's professional background is tax law. He currently is managing director of BDO USA's Family Office Services.
Even so, things happen when God is in it.
"The pieces came together," Witcher said.
"It was the spring of 2012. I was having breakfast with my wife and daughter at another breakfast spot in town and I just downloaded about 20 ideas about opening a place that serves amazing pancakes, waffles and French toast and has Scripture on the walls, and Scripture on the napkins."
Another pitch is coming
Inspired, Witcher plowed ahead, and eventually connected with Mike McKay who at the time, was assistant manager at Charlie's Crab.
McKay, said Witcher, had a personal revelation of his own when he had a rare opportunity to attend Sunday services at his church and received an up-close-and-personal message from a visiting minister.
"The visiting pastor had a prophecy and calls Mike out of the blue," Witcher recalled. He said, 'You tried to go in business couple of times and it hadn't worked out. You've got two strikes but there's another pitch coming and it's going to be a homerun.'"
The homerun: McKay is now Manna Café's general manager and head chef.
Manna Café has an intentional relaxing vibe.
Nature's colors
A softer hue of blue, yellow and green adorn its interior. Table tops are made of cherry, regarded by many as a "warmer" wood.
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Asked why he believes God led him to open Manna Café and Witcher openly admits he's unsure.
"I don't have a definitive answer," he said. "I have some thoughts. I think one reason may have been in a world where God is increasingly not welcomed, in school, in commerce, maybe there needs to be a place where we say 'yes we can.' What other people have told me it's a safe place to come and pray. No one feels uncomfortable here. His name is on the wall.
"I personally think it was to help develop my faith. I was inpatient, egotistical. I have a very healthy ego. I think the third thing besides patience and humility is dependence."
Extensive menu

Hours of operation are 6:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Friday; 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday; and 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday.
"Sunday is our biggest day," Witcher said, who attends Calvary Church on East Beltline. "I felt very convicted we should be open on Sunday, so many people who go out to eat on Sunday after church have a God-honoring place."
Handmade items for sale
Then there's the Manna Market. Displayed are handcrafted items from around the world sold on a fair-trade basis. Items for sale include jewelry, baskets, silk bags and wooden salad tongs and more.
Through the Manna Ministries Worldwide he co-founded, Witcher partners with other faith-based organizations to funnel the profits earned from Manna Market to help to support mothers through Pregnancy Resource Center's Cradles of Grace outreach; provide stipends to college-age girls in South Korea so they avoid unwholesome environments; provide microfinance entrepreneurs in Honduras, support an orphanage in Uganda and more.
"Our goal is to be a blessing to the community and everybody who comes in," Witcher said. "It's more than good food, it's a good attitude and just good service. That's what we strive to do. We're servants when you walk through the door."
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https://www.mannacafes.com/
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