Philly's White Dog Cafe: Serving...Activism Along with the Gourmet Fare

[DUreader]

Judy Rocks (But She hates Cigarette Smokers)

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines03/0726-04.htm


PHILADELPHIA - A trio of brownstones near the University of Pennsylvania is the home base for a
restaurant that its owner says proves social activism and making a living aren't mutually exclusive.

For the past 20 years, Judy Wicks has
shaped her White Dog Cafe into a
gourmet eatery, philanthropic foundation
and liberal-minded advocacy organization.

"I like to joke that we use good food to lure
innocent customers into social activism,"
said Wicks, who started the White Dog as
a storefront muffin shop below her
apartment.

The eatery has grown to become a
Philadelphia institution and a successful
business. The trio of brownstones
includes a 200-seat restaurant and a gift
shop, The Black Cat, and reported total
2002 revenues of $5 million.

"Twenty years ago, I just wanted to have a
friendly, relaxed place for people to enjoy
themselves," she said. "I never thought
about using it as a catalyst for social change, but it kind of grew as I grew."

[rogerashton]

1. The food is great

but the service can be, um, unpredictable at times.

[DUreader]

3. Surprising cause the wait staff gets great benefits, Judy Walks the Walk

I think they even get Dental.

Still restaurant work is stressful and high turnover

[Desertrose]

2. really beautiful part of town...IIRC

but its been a few -ok clser to about 30+ years since I hung out in Philly....college days ya know....

Good for Judy & the white Dog Cafe!!

Peace
DR

[Cha]

4. Rock on Judy! And I think it's good not to have

cigarette smokers! Ugh.

[DUreader]

5. No, I mean she personally HATES them, as opposed to smoke-free dining

[Cha]

6. I had a feeling that's what you meant! But I posted

that way any ol' way! So it's not smoke free? And she has to endure them?

We just passed a law in New York State...No smoking in any public building, be it bar, restaurant, or any place. Good news for those who hate cigarette smoke but like going to bars and out to eat!

I know of some waitressess who are estatic! :D

[DUreader]

7. Why was this moved from lbn?

?