Café Równik is a cosy café at ul. Jedności Narodowej 47 run by the Association of Psychostimulation Authors and Fans. Its staff consists of young people under the care of the association – intellectually disabled persons. They work behind the counter and serve customers as waiters – contact with guests and the performance of various professional tasks is a form of therapy for them.
In March, the café had to be closed down due to coronavirus.
‘During all that time, we carried on the therapy and were in touch with persons under our care. We tried to keep up their good mood so that they would not lose eagerness to work. They were very happy when they could eventually meet face to face. They could not stop talking,’ says Professor Małgorzata Młynarska, the president of the association. ‘Although the café was closed, we did not dismiss anyone. We relied on our savings, the Anti-Crisis Shield programme and the reduction of social insurance premiums. The city authorities provided huge support by decreasing the rent.
From 1st June, Café Równik invites customers again. Waiters and other members of the staff are happy with each customer, with each opportunity to meet and talk.
‘We realise that there are still much fewer customers all around than before the epidemic. For us, things are even more difficult because we are located away from the main tourist route of Wroclaw,’ says Professor Młynarska.
New garden – sunshades were missing
Café Równik is developing. A few days ago, the café opened its own garden with a few tables. All safety rules related to the coronavirus threat are kept both in the café and in the garden. ‘Disabled persons taught to obey certain rules follow them much more scrupulously than so-called healthy people,’ says Professor Młynarska.
Good tea, fine cakes and joy all around
The café serves good coffee and a wide choice of teas. Its signature dishes are desserts and excellent cakes that are prepared on the spot. The atmosphere of the café is also invaluable.
Professor Małgorzata Młynarska: ‘Our guests admit that they visit us also because they meet cheerful people. Waiters and barists are happy with every meeting and opportunity to talk.
Café Równik (ul. Jedności Narodowej 47) is open Tuesday-Friday from 1:30 p.m. till 6:00 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 1:30 p.m. till 8:00 p.m.
