SOLANA BEACH, Calif. (KGTV) - A Solana Beach cafe is rebounding after a theft over the summer, new coronavirus restrictions and wintry weather.
Back in August, seven of Homestead Cafe and Market's tables and chairs were stolen. Police found the culprit and got back most of their outdoor dining furniture.
The entire time, the community has wrapped their arms around the mom and pop shop.
"People are still coming by wanting to bring stuff asking what we need," co-owner of the restaurant Marie Brawn said, thankfully.
"They wanted to make sure that we knew that they still want a place like this to be around after this whole mess," she said alluding to the constantly changing coronavirus guidelines for restaurants.
She said many small businesses like them in the area have been shutting down.
"It's a bit of a roller coaster, it's been very humbling," co-owner Jamie Brawn said.
The couple was ahead of the curve when the county announced San Diego was in the purple most restrictive tier this week. They already had all their dining outside.
When they made that move, they were ahead of the forecast, thinking to add a waterproof custom made patio cover and heat lamps.
"Through the generosity of our neighbors, we were actually able to do it and get ready for winter coming," Marie said.
She said a couple of loyal customers even came and sat under their new patio in the rain last weekend.
Inside their cafe has been redesigned into an organic market, filled with produce, specialty cheeses, Italian sauces, beer, wine, breakfast items. They also have items for those with dietary restrictions and gifts for the holiday season.
The market helps them with the overhead, keeping the business afloat.
On top of it all, they're balancing distance learning with their two boys and charity work, feeding families in need in North County.
"Food insecurity even before the pandemic was a huge thing on our minds and something that with the pandemic we want to keep going," Jamie said.
They've donated 28,000 meals since April and hope to fund-raise through the end of the year to supply more families more food as the holidays grow closer.
