What started as a passion for helping the less fortunate has expanded across the Bay area.

Now, with the help of volunteers, the Trinity Cafe serves up love along with dignity and respect.

On Christmas Day, as well as the other 364 days of the year, all are welcome at the cafe in Tampa. It was opened in 2001 by Jeff Darrey.

"For one reason or another, and I don't really know for certain, but I've always had a passion, been very compassionate, to the homeless," Darrey said.

It all began with an idea.

"What if we had a restaurant where guests were served around a table and if we unconditionally served them, provide a beautiful meal, flowers on the table, China, silverware, and if you're hungry today we'll feed you," Darrey said.

Just like that, Trinity Cafe was born.


Homemade soups and salads, chicken, beef and fish entrees, vegetables, desert and more at Trinity Cafe.

Sixteen years later, this faith-based non-profit has served more than 1.3 million free meals. There are two Tampa locations with plans for one in Pinellas County.

Volunteers are always needed.

The food is prepared by experienced chefs and is delicious. Homemade soups and salads, chicken, beef and fish entrees, vegetables, desert and more.

The cafe's motto pretty much tells the story. At the Trinity Cafe the most important thing that is served is dignity.

"Forty-nine percent is food. Fifty-one percent is love, care, dignity and respect," Darrey said. "It is so important to provide a little bit of dignity to the lives of so many who don't have it otherwise."