What they offer
Known for its breakfasts, which include options such as specialty omelets, gourmet eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles and more, Comfort Cafe also offers smash burgers, hot and cold sandwiches, desserts and coffees.
Heather McBryar, women’s coordinator for SerenityStar Ranch, said the cafe has grown in popularity since first opening.
“Back then, we might sell one burger and today we get over 700 people coming through each weekend,” McBryar said.
The cafe does not charge set prices for items; however, diners are encouraged to use a pay-what-you-can system, with a suggested minimum donation of $15 per meal.
McBryar said 100% of the proceeds support the 10-acre, Smithville-based SerenityStar Ranch, which offers peer-to-peer programs and housing for men, women and families.
How we got here
Originally from New York, the Lopezes moved to Smithville in 2005, determined to start a restaurant and rehabilitation center after having their own experiences with addiction.
Rosie Lopez said she entered her first treatment facility at age 20 and was officially in recovery at age 38. Teri Lopez graduated with a degree in addiction counseling in 1995 and has run several treatment centers throughout her career. When the couple moved to Bastrop County, Teri Lopez said she saw a need for more recovery options in the area, ultimately leading to them opening the ranch and cafe.
In 2019, Teri and Rosie Lopez moved from Smithville to San Antonio and began expanding the Comfort Cafe brand, opening two more locations at 2015 NE Loop 410 and 6812 Bandera Road, Ste. 101 in San Antonio. All three cafes support the ranch in Smithville.
Lend a hand
The Lopezes plan to expand the Smithville ranch to include more housing units, a labyrinth, a medicine wheel and a prayer garden, as well as:
- Cafe and dining hall to provide culinary and nutrition classes, a bakery and an edible garden
- Freedom house, to provide 12-step meetings and a game room
- Play house, to offer opportunities like theatre, art, music, writing and more
- Serenity house, to provide a private place for prayer and meditation
- Compassion house, to offer yoga, massages, acupuncture and more
- Healing house, to offer one-on-one, group and family counseling services
- Dignity house, to provide a library, teach computer skills and house a clothes closet
- Earth house, to house an eco-friendly alternative energy program
- Farm house, to offer animal therapy
Anyone interested in helping can make a one-time or recurring monetary donation online.
Other ways to help include donating things from the program's wishlist, which asks for personal hygiene items, socks, towels and linens. Donations can be dropped off at the cafe at 111 1st St. NW, Smithville.
Those looking for more information, or to get help with addiction, can reach out to 512-321-8336 or [email protected].
In their own words
“Our goal for Comfort Cafe is to continue to be a light and safe place for people to come relax, eat and enjoy,” McBryar said. “By coming to the cafe, each person gets to be part of the healing process for someone in recovery by learning about their journey through addiction to recovery and seeing in real-time how their donations help save someone’s life each time they come.”
- 111 1st St. NW, Smithville
- Open Fri.-Sun., 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
- www.serenitystar.org/comfort-cafe
