About
Fresh • Natural • Authentic
One of Waco's Most-Loved Restaurants Since 1994
Cafe Homestead, just north of Waco, Texas, serves fresh, natural food authentic to its setting at Homestead Heritage. All-natural beef, fresh-baked breads, award-winning local cheeses and house-made sauces and condiments are just a few of the offerings that have made Cafe Homestead one of Waco’s most-loved restaurants since 1994.
The Fire
After nearly three decades of serving the Waco community, just two days before Christmas 2022, we awoke to the devastating news that Cafe Homestead had been reduced to ashes. As we stood in the cold darkness, watching the flames consume everything, we were overwhelmed by a sense of loss. Yet, amidst the devastation, we were determined to rebuild.
Immediately, members of our community rallied around us, offering their support. That very day, we began drafting plans for a new cafe.
Two hundred business owners, project coordinators and volunteers from our church community convened to discuss the plans and delineate responsibilities. The site buzzed with activity day and night, particularly on weekends, as dozens—sometimes hundreds—of contractors and volunteers labored tirelessly.
Our hope extended beyond merely reconstructing a building. We endeavored to create a space that reflected the essence of our community, incorporating custom finishes crafted by the skilled artisans of Homestead Heritage. This included 140 custom Windsor chairs, solid ash tables, handcrafted wooden windows and doors, bespoke oak dining booths, elegant chandeliers, hand-forged door hardware, railings and even curtain rods. The artistry involved creating 25 leaded glass pendants from 1,700 individually cut stained glass pieces and hand-weaving 140 miles of yarn into 100 yards of upholstery for the booth seats.
Our collaborative effort saw more than 200 artists, craftsmen, craftswomen and volunteers generously dedicating their time, skills and resources. Together, we brought the new Cafe Homestead to life as a fully furnished space within a remarkable 18 weeks—a peaceful space for savoring excellent food, creating lasting memories, and forging strong friendships.
Today, the mantle of the south fireplace proudly displays a pencil drawing by a local artist, depicting the original cafe, while a charred fragment of the sole surviving cedar wall after the fire acts as a poignant reminder. It tells a story of renewal, of beauty rising from ashes, and underscores that the true foundation of our shared life is not a physical structure, but a vibrant community bonded by shared lives and unwavering faith.