WAYNETOWN — A new restaurant in Waynetown is quickly becoming known for its menu, but more important than its food, The Mustard Seed is becoming known for its mission.
The restaurant at 112 W. Washington St. is a new endeavor by Through the Gate, a faith-based women’s drug rehabilitation facility in Crawfordsville.
Director Steve Covington said program graduates need a chance at employment.
Through the Gate also operates CFC Commercial Cleaning and hires program graduates. However, the hours of operation for CFC did not line up for some graduates, especially those with children.
“I was looking for something we could start to help our graduates,” Covington said. “I had looked into starting some kind of warehousing business, but I did not find the right fit ... The one thing many people told me was to not start a restaurant.”
Yet, an opportunity to open a restaurant came in the form of an offer from Brad and Katherine Eads who own businesses in Waynetown under the ministry name of “Be the Church.” They told Covington they owned a building with restaurant equipment, and they offered it to Through the Gate.
“It was a God thing,” Covington said. “Brad and Katherine have big hearts for our ministry, and what we are trying to do fits into their ‘Be the Church’ mission.”
Beth Hughes is the chef at The Mustard Seed. As she was nearing graduation, she shared her dream of going to culinary school. Covington said it was well known that Hughes was a great cook since she often prepared meals for ministry staff and clients.
“Having Beth already nearing graduation was perfect and another God timing situation,” Covington said. “She is an excellent chef as our customers are finding out.”
Another program graduate is Waynetown native Kayla Todd Denman who manages the restaurant.
“As I got close to graduating from the program, Steve asked me to be the manager,” Denman said. “This job has been rewarding because we are doing something to help people. The town needed a restaurant, and our graduates needed a place to develop work skills. I also enjoy counseling people and this job is allowing me to do that.”
Denman appreciates being asked to be manager even though she has no restaurant experience.
“I said no to Steve at first,” she said. “However, when I looked in the Bible and saw how many inexperienced people did amazing things, I realized that this was God’s calling for me. I am excited that Steve had trusted me enough to ask me to be the manager. That meant a lot.”
Covington said the business model for the restaurant is atypical. First, the goal is not to make a profit, but rather break even. He said no Through the Gate funds are being spent on the business — a promise he made his Through the Gate board of directors. Secondly, startup money was provided by donations of cash and in-kind donations. A grant also helped with starting the restaurant.
“We are here to help our graduates, and as long as we can pay the monthly bills, we are successful,” Covington said. “We are being blessed no doubt.”
The Mustard Seed is open 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Breakfast hours are 6:30-11 a.m. A menu and more information can be found at www.tmseedrestaurant.org.
